Yachting Art Magazine

For over forty years, Italian shipyard Salpa has been designing cruisers and RIBs. Founded in Naples in 1984 by the Buono family, the company initially specialised in speedboats before expanding its range with the Soleil line, launched in 2017. These models combine Italian design with technical solutions intended for versatile use, from leisure to sports boating. With the Soleil 40, Salpa is now aiming for a level of comfort close to that of day cruisers.

At first glance, the Soleil 40 captivates with its modern, balanced style, the signature of Salpa's in-house design office. Its taut lines, wide float and high-performance hull reflect the particular attention paid to ergonomics and circulation on board.

The deck layout has been designed for versatile use, whether for relaxation, cruising or sport. The rear of the boat offers a large, modular sunbathing area: thanks to a central electric table and an additional cushion, the space can be transformed in seconds to accommodate several passengers lying comfortably.

The layout of the outdoor saloon also demonstrates intelligent design. The seating, table and storage spaces are arranged in a fluid manner, without hindering movement or compromising safety. On board, everything is within easy reach, and it is easy to move around, even when sailing at speed.

One of the great strengths of the Soleil 40 is its interior space. Despite its CE-approved length of 9.99 metres, the RIB offers a rare amount of space for this category: a double forward cabin, an additional aft berth and well-integrated storage.

The boat can accommodate up to four people overnight, transforming it into a true weekender or the ideal support for extended coastal cruises. The headroom is sufficient to move around comfortably, and the finishes reflect the typical Italian attention to materials and natural light.

This modularity makes the Soleil 40 a unique model in its category, capable of appealing to both demanding boaters and charter professionals.

The Soleil 40 is not only a high-performance boat: it is also a highly comfortable RIB, designed to extend days at sea in the best possible conditions.

Standard equipment includes a 90-litre refrigerator, a gas stove, a marine radio, a 12-inch GPS, and a cabin equipped with a functional toilet area.

As an option, the manufacturer offers equipment worthy of a yacht: air conditioning, coffee machine, and even a generator for greater autonomy. These details confirm Salpa's desire to offer a complete experience, far from the usual standards of RIBs.

The ergonomics of the cockpit have also been carefully designed. The controls fall naturally to hand, and visibility remains excellent, whether sailing seated or standing. The compact but comprehensive central console also houses clever storage solutions and direct access to the forward cabin.

Beneath its refined exterior, the Soleil 40 hides a sporty temperament. Its deep V-shaped hull, designed by Salpa's research and development department, guarantees excellent wave handling and impeccable stability, even at high speeds.

Powered by up to 2 x 450 horsepower engines, it promises top speeds of over 50 knots, while maintaining excellent manoeuvrability. The large floats ensure stable trim at anchor, while the transom design facilitates access for swimming or water sports.

The Soleil 40 is therefore ideal for thrill seekers as well as families looking for a safe and enjoyable boat to pilot.