“The yacht reflects the outcome of extensive research into asymmetry, a theme first introduced in the SL line and further developed in the SD range,” he says.

On previous models, the asymmetric layout took the form of a walkaround deck on only

the starboard side, with the internal living area pushed out to the port side. This principle offers the benefit of more volume, but at the risk of spoiling the yacht’s exterior harmony, and any yacht designer will tell you it’s a tricky line to toe. But on the SD132, Sanlorenzo and the design team decided to opt for alternating asymmetry between decks, creating a self-balancing layout.

“We created an asymmetrical main deck to starboard and an asymmetrical upper deck to port,” explains Bernardo Zuccon, Chief Architect of Zuccon International Project, the studio responsible for both the yacht’s interior and exterior. “The result is a greater sense of openness and flow on board, without compromising the yacht’s aesthetic and functional balance.”

It’s a smart solution that reminds you why Sanlorenzo, together with sister brands Nautor Swan and Bluegame, are currently the world’s second biggest producer of yachts over 24 metres. However, despite the brand’s prominence in the market, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Sanlorenzo has jumped on every popular superyachting trend that’s come along in the last few years. For example, most builders have embraced the beach club with opening doors on all sides – something you’ll see on Sanlorenzo’s metal-built yachts, for instance – but the SD132 is actually the first of the SD range to introduce a triple-opening beach club.

“Integrating such a transformable stern was an interesting challenge,” muses Zuccon.

The goal was to keep the lines traditional with a closed stern, but through a sophisticated hatch system, we were able to make it completely disappear,” he says.

In other words, it means the yacht retains a timeless and reasonably conventional profile, but with the bonus of a waterfront saloon that extends to open on three sides. Here, guests can enjoy cocktails at a wood-clad bar opposite a TV screen or stretch out on cream sofas that flank both sides of the beach club.

“The lateral terraces, once rotated and opened, offer guests large walkable surfaces of 70 square metres,” says Vincenzi. It also frees the cockpit above from any visual obstacles and lets guests feel like they’re in a cocoon, as he describes it. The unfolding terraces sit higher than the sofas, meaning they can be used simultaneously. As Vincenzi says, maximising spaces on board was something that underpins the whole design ethos.

One of the most novel and striking aspects of the SD132 is the interior design. For years, Sanlorenzos have exuded the contemporary yet pared-back feeling of a Manhattan loft that smells like leather-bound books and expensive vanilla. On this model, though, Zuccon looked to new inspirations.

“We wanted to highlight a concept of naturalness and authenticity,” he explains. As opposed to rich cobalts and sleek blacks, earthy and natural tones were specifically chosen to create a welcoming and coherent atmosphere – less decorative, but more authentic and tactile.

We deliberately avoided glossy surfaces to make the onboard experience more sensory and authentic.”

Matte finishes are everywhere, from the resin-effect ceilings to the hammered finish Serpeggiante Avorio marble in the bathrooms. Underfoot, alongside traditional teak for the exterior decks, you can find European oak with a brushed rock varnish effect that makes it look like authentic aged wood. Linen-style fabrics and nods to the natural world in sculptures that mimic leaves and seashells are found across the decks.

This interior style is optional, of course, and an owner can make the yacht as opulent and ornate or as casual and laid-back as they like. However, the reason Sanlorenzo chose to showcase hull # 1, which is named Andiamo, with this relaxed style is because this is how the model was meant to be enjoyed. This isn’t a stuffy yacht designed for formal dining and strict separation between spaces – the SD132 is made for barefoot living, being outdoors, and enjoying life on board in the company of friends and family.

It’s easy to imagine a day on the SD132. You might begin with a coffee on the terrace that folds open on the upper deck, admiring the view from this height. You could then retire inside to the upper-deck lounge and read a book, appreciating a breeze that comes in from the fully opening glass windows up here. Mornings might be spent on the 85-square-metre sundeck, which has opening louvres to add or detract shade, and which benefits from a bar, sunlounges and a twin set of low-slung sofas to allow an entire group to gather comfortably. Long lunches can be taken on the upper deck aft, where there’s space for 10.

Finally, aperitif hour finds its home on the bow, where there’s a sparkling dip pool, inviting sunpad spread and loose furniture nestled in the foremost part of the yacht and in the traditional Portuguese bridge area.

All these exterior living spaces, plus the location of the pool in the foredeck, presented one of the biggest challenges of the design, according to Zuccon. “One of the main priorities was to preserve the proportional balance of the external volumes,” he says. “But functionality never outweighed aesthetics. Instead, it enhanced it.”

The SD132 offers accommodation for 10 guests in five cabins. The main-deck master spans 55 square metres and the design team worked their magic in here, crafting a space that feels significantly larger. Access is via a door that leads into a private lounge area with a TV, shelving and an adjoining office, and because this bonus room is L-shaped, it tricks you into forgetting it’s part of the corridor that leads into the cabin.

Once in the cabin, the bed faces aft as opposed to forward, and there’s a fair-sized bathroom with his and hers sinks to port and a dressing room that spans the entire beam in the forward part of the cabin.

The yacht’s fibreglass construction means that the scope for major layout alterations is limited, but there’s plenty of opportunity personalisation.

A bespoke approach is part of the Sanlorenzo soul. We aim to work together with our clients to provide the better solution to their specific [desires],” says Vincenzi.

“Then, the capacity to properly specify the technical equipment of our yachts is in our heritage; we always adapt our proposals to the requirements of the destination areas.” And, if hybrid propulsion technology is on your list, Vincenzi isn’t ruling it out. “We have many solutions to lower the footprint of our yachts,” he offers. “It’s part of the investigation we always do together with the owner.”

It seems the combination of novel design features married to a strong track record of solid, seaworthy boats has fared well for Sanlorenzo’s latest model. With the next build slots available in 2027, the SD132 has cornered a neat niche in the market for a space-optimised superyacht that feels like a natural next step in the series.

sanlorenzoyacht.com