Salona are a relatively new outfit (formed in 2002), which has impressed both with a range that has performed consistently well in both IRC and ORC disciplines over the last few seasons (particularly in the Adriatic and Netherlands), and by scooping a European Yacht of the Year award with their 37-footer. But they’ve yet to make an established name for themselves in the UK. With a new management, new build processes, plus a renewed presence in the UK, plus the launch of this 44-footer this looks set to change.

The trouble is the 13m market is positively swamped with fellow performance cruisers. Salona’s answer was to take their successful flagship 45, shave nearly a tonne off (largely through vacuum infusion), yet kept the same rig and ballast, to try and claim a performance edge.

Here’s the video shot by Ocean Images during our test sail in Split, Croatia:

We had driven through a Force 10 blizzard in the mountains to get there, and despite the cold and cloud, were rewarded with an excellent range of winds and sea conditions, plus some two boat testing against the 44’s proven baby sister, the Salona 34.

To read the full report, pick up a copy of the latest Yachting World (June) issue and find out whether we think she has the legs to thrive in a crowded market.