In the summer of 2022, we began working on a client’s new build Sanlorenzo SL96A. Sanlorenzo’s approach is entirely bespoke, with the only limitation being the hull shape and exterior profile. So, the vessel is entirely customised to the owner’s wishes, tastes and lifestyle.
Even by the time of signing of the contract, the owner had itemised 411 custom modifications outside the standard factory options list and, to date, this number has now broken the 500 barrier. Unlike any competitor brand, the shipyard have taken this totally in their stride.
Sanlorenzo UK has been liaising closely with Sanlorenzo’s Interior Design Department to support our client at every step of the selection process, helping them choose all furnishing details, inclusive of furniture and supplies.
The build is happening at Sanlorenzo’s shipyard in Ameglia, just south of La Spezia, Italy, with a launch scheduled for April 2024.
Here we take a look at some of the key modifications and how the build is progressing.
For over 60 years, Sanlorenzo has crafted tailor-made motor yachts respecting the style and needs of their owners. Each yacht is the product of a 5-stage customisation process, listening to the customer’s needs.
Sanlorenzo hires leading international designers to understand and illustrate how the customer’s style may look inside the boat, developing individual interior design concepts. We then work together with our clients to create optimal, tailor-made solutions.
Owning a Sanlorenzo also means having the opportunity to choose the materials involved in the build. This choice is not limited to the cladding and coverings but extends to luxury items such as marble and wood flooring. Boat owners can choose each and every detail to best express their personality.
When it comes to furnishings, Sanlorenzo provides customers with a blank canvas. Instead of being tied to the builder’s specifications, clients have the freedom to choose unique freestanding pieces of furniture from renowned Italian brands like Minotti, Natuzzi, Frag, B+B, and more. Modifications can also be made to suit personal tastes and complement the interior style. In this instance, our client has chosen luxurious Minotti “Connery” sofas, a chaise longue, and handcrafted tables by Sanlorenzo. The dining table is also multi-functional and electrically adjustable; it functions as a coffee table by the window when lowered and slid to starboard.
Our client is kept fully informed of the interior design plans throughout the build process, with drawings and updates sent regularly for feedback and/or approval. The galley is an area we have been developing together to ensure the space works seamlessly with their life onboard. For example, the layout features a custom butterfly-wing serving hatch on the starboard side to allow food, drinks and empty plates to be passed between the galley and front-of-house crew quickly and efficiently. Additionally, finishing touches, including a highly durable Dekton worktop, reflect the client’s personal preferences but also practical mindset. Furthermore, the galley is fully equipped with two ovens, a warming drawer, two dishwashers, ample fridge and freezer space, and an abundance of worktop space.
Although the design and configuration of the main living areas take priority, our client has also considered the needs of his long-serving staff. The client has chosen to enhance the crew area with the same door hardware as the rest of the boat as well as fully carpeting the area to dilute the divide between guest and crew areas. The Chief Stewardess/Chef will enjoy the benefits of an enhanced cabin and shower room, and the convenience of multiple laundry appliances. These include two Miele Pro washing machines, two Miele Pro dryers, and one combi washer/dryer. Additionally, the deck and interior crew have access to Spot Zero Water, enhancing the cleaning process inside and outside the boat.
While electric steering remains a relatively recent innovation, our client acknowledges the numerous advantages that come with this groundbreaking technology and has chosen to incorporate it into their SL96A. By eliminating hydraulic pumps and hoses, the installation process becomes notably simpler, and the entire system occupies less space. Moreover, the WorldYachts system boasts exceptional reliability, ensuring that the power steering remains unaffected even if one engine ceases to function.
The vessel is equipped with two 125kg anchors fitted into designated compartments, and each side is equipped with a polished stainless-steel chain. Chain washing pumps are fitted as standard and chain counters have been added, along with each anchor pocket being fitted with a camera and light for easy deployment and retrieval of the ground tackle. The windlasses are 400v AC 3-phase, 4kw with brakes and as a custom addition, our client has also opted for two additional capstans on the foredeck area to facilitate quicker groundline handling and provide a backup retrieval method should the main windlasses fail.
The Sanlorenzo shipyard in La Spezia, Italy, has been building high-quality motor yachts since 1958. It is a boutique firm in the yachting industry, producing only a limited number of made-to-measure units per year. Each yacht is designed and produced according to the specific requests, style, and desires of the individual owner. Building a Sanlorenzo takes time and passion, so the shipyard can only accommodate 50 customers a year. Over the years, the shipyard has launched over 1000 yachts, each one different from the other.
Our client has chosen a five guest-cabin, three crew-cabin layout, but with the ability to use one of the crew cabins as a guest cabin for kids. This means the boat can function like a six guest-cabin boat if required. All eight cabins have ensuite shower rooms, and there’s a day head too. The shower rooms in the VIP cabins have been customized with sliding doors to the sleeping area, to create a feeling of space when left open, and internal glass doors to the WC and shower. And a private inner hallway leading to the Owner’s cabin has been added. The flybridge features a custom dining table with a wrap-around sofa, and there are many furniture modifications in the main saloon including custom cabinets handmade by Sanlorenzo.
Sanlorenzo offers standard silver, gold, and diamond packages for navigation electronics, but our client requested a far superior spec. With Garmin the provider of choice, a total of 11 large and 7 small Garmin touchscreens will be fitted throughout the yacht. Everything will be digitally controlled via an EmpirBus system, and two radars will provide excellent assistance with navigation. A high spec Flir camera delivers superb thermal imaging and night vision. And the steering will be controlled by a state-of-the-art electric fly by wire system
Our client wanted to extend the screen area in the pilothouse and eliminate any metalwork from the arrangement. So, we’ve configured an impressive display of five 22-inch Garmin 8422 screens positioned in a seamless curved design. This is something that has not been done before onboard a Sanlorenzo yacht.
In February 2023, the hull moulding process began in the factory in Italy. Stringers and frames will be put in place, and the hull will be given time to cure before it comes out of the mould at end of April 2023.
