The strange fact is that a country with such a long coastline as Croatia has major boat builders once or twice and that's it. But one brand immediately comes to mind - Salona Yachts.
Company history
Salona Yachts does not boast faded captains in double-breasted jackets and caps, but given that the history of independent Croatia is barely 30 years, Salona Yachts can be considered a company with history. Established in 2002, the company quickly found a buyer, which was facilitated by both competent marketing and the yachting boom in the country.
In 2007 Salona Yachts acquired the German-Slovenian company Prevent Grupe, which specialized in advanced polymer materials. It allowed improving technologies and expanding production, entering the markets of the USA and even Australia. The first model after the merger, the Salona 37, was awarded the title of Yacht «of the Year in Europe» and in the USA by Cruising World.
Having overcome the crises with some decline in production, Salona Yachts tried to enter the top«league in 2014 with a 60-foot» model designed by Ker Design. The company wasn't very successful, although several cases were sold. Then it was decided not to make any sudden moves and Salona Yachts focused on 33-45 foot models.
Production .
Ad Boats Ltd. / Salona Yachts continues to work in the city that gave the name to these yachts - Solina, in central Dalmatia. Salona Yachts employs about 200 people.
Model lineup
Since the successful Salona 40 in 2003, the shipyard has changed several generations of boats. The same can be said of the designers. The company has collaborated with various firms, but the J&J Design, Mauricio Cossutti and the shipyard's own office have been successful. This team is «responsible» for creating all the models that Salona Yachts has been offering for the last 10 years.
Features
The feature of Salona has always been the orientation towards the sports owner with the crew. GRP fiberglass vacuum laminated boats are struggling for a niche in the mid-price segment of the European market for sport cruising yachts. Feature of manufacture can be considered as presence of the developed steel «spider» in an underwater part of the hull which raises rigidity of yachts, improving its running characteristics.
