29 May 2017
Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo has revealed a first glimpse of its new range of yachts, with renderings of the 27-metre SX88. This first model in the new ‘crossover’ motor yacht range has been created with prestigious Italian designer Piero Lissoni working on the interior for the first unit to be built. It combines innovative features with a modern, spacious design in what the yacht builder dubs a ‘Copernican revolution’.
“The SX88 represents a successful and clever combination between classic flybridge motor yachts … and the recently expanding Explorer type, which Sanlorenzo [has turned] into the most successful 42-metre 460 EXP,” said Sanlorenzo in the announcement.
Featuring an abundance of firsts for Sanlorenzo, the SX88 will be built in a GRP hull with a carbon fibre superstructure. As is becoming more popular on many modern yacht models, there is a significant use of glass to maximise entry of natural light to the interior and create an ‘inside-outside’ living space. The yacht’s styling was conceived in-house by Luca Santella and his team, with exterior design assistance from Officina Italiana Design’s duo Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta.
Two layout options are available in the main deck forward section, either as an open-plan, multifunctional interior space or an owner’s cabin alternative, depending on the buyer’s preference.
For those who are attracted to loft-style living spaces reminiscent of a large, modern apartment, the open-plan option will be a huge draw card.
On the lower deck, a four cabin layout is available which, when combined with the owner’s cabin option on the main deck, takes the total accommodation up to 10 guests in double cabins, a remarkable capacity for a yacht of this length.
In order to free up this interior space on the main deck, the helm is located solely on the flybridge, which can be transformed from open to the elements to closed off with air conditioning or heating, depending on weather conditions. Strataglass panels or a rigid structure can be installed in this flybridge section.
The open stern with double staircases offers an inviting view from the cockpit to the vast 30-square-metre beach club and sports activity hub, with concealing the garage beneath. When underway, the aft platform carries a 4.6-metre (15-foot) tender and jetski, launched via a concealed crane that blends with the yacht’s profile. When at anchor, the space converts to a generous relaxing area from which to feel close to the water.
The SX88’s sheer line leads down from the bow towards the stern, resulting in a striking, sporty profile. By using darker colours in the mullions and glazing, Sanlorenzo emphasises a sense of balance between the superstructure and the hull, ensuring the former does not dominate the latter.
When it comes to the SX88’s hardware and naval architecture, the yacht has a semi-displaced hull that has been tank tested in Wageningen, Holland to optimise performance at a range of speeds, with an expected top velocity of 23 knots. The hull’s water lines were developed by Lou Codega, the world renowned naval architect famed for his ocean-going, high performance fishing yacht designs.
As a nod to environmental sensibilities, Sanlorenzo has paid close attention to the materials used on board, ensuring they are as sustainable as possible with a low impact, not to mention the processes used in the yacht’s construction.
High-power lithium batteries can be used for between four and eight hours without assistance from generators, thanks to modern lighting technologies, low consumption systems and efficient thermal insulation in the yacht’s glazing.
Crew accommodation is located between the guest cabins and the engine room, with space freed up by the Volvo IPS 1200 power train placed further towards the stern than usual on a yacht of this size.
Six units of the SX88 have already been bought, and deliveries are expected to commence from spring next year, although the official debut of the first unit will take place during the 2017 Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
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