The History of Sanlorenzo Yachts

Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Limite Sull’Arno, near Florence, Italy, by Gianfranco Cecchi and Giuliano Pecchia, before moving to Viareggio, Tuscany in 1972 when it was taken over by Giovanni Jannetti.

The founders envisioned creating high-quality, tailor-made yachts that reflected the elegance and sophistication of Italian design and craftsmanship.

Sanlorenzo has experienced steady growth over the years, establishing itself as one of the leading luxury yacht builders in the world. In the 1980s, the company expanded its production facilities and product range with the launch of the SL57 – the shipyard’s first-ever fibre-glass vessel.

During the 1990s, Sanlorenzo changed the superyacht landscape with the introduction of its SL100, while also becoming known for its innovative designs and customisation options, completely catering to the individual tastes and preferences of yacht owners.

To further expand its capabilities, in 1999 Sanlorenzo moved its operations to Ameglia inside a nature reserve in the province of La Spezia, in Liguria. That same year, the shipyard was certified UNI ENO ISO14001 to guarantee that its production processes respected the environment.

In 2005, the majority shareholding on the company was acquired by Massimo Perotti, who changed the name from Cantieri Navali Sanlorenzo Spa to Sanlorenzo Spa. Two years later, Sanlorenzo returned to Viareggio to establish a second shipyard for the creation of new product lines to complement the shipyards existing fleet, two of which (SD92 and 40 Alloy) were awarded the Show Boats Design Award and two World Superyacht Awards. In 2016, building on the success of the larger yachts in its range, the company opened the Sanlorenzo Superyacht shipyard in La Spezia, before being listed on the Milan Stock Exchange in 2018.

Salorenzo is now the leading single branded shipyard in yachts over 24-metres in the eminent Global Order Book ranking, maintaining a very strong presence in the luxury yacht market. The company has made an indelible mark on the world of yachting by consistently pushing the boundaries of design, technology, and customisation, and its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation has garnered acclaim, with the company receiving multiple awards and accolades for its yachts.

Always at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and design, Sanlorenzo has embraced advancements in materials, construction techniques, and onboard systems to enhance performance, comfort, and sustainability of its range of iconic luxury yachts and superyachts, including the SL, SD, and SX series detailed below:

SL Series

Known for its contemporary design, the SL series offers a range of streamlined, elegant and well-balanced planing yachts. The range includes six models with lengths from 24 to 38 metres.

SD Series

The semi-displacement models of Sanlorenzo’s SD fleet draw design inspiration from the trans-Atlantic liners of the 1930s, combining luxury with functionality and offering spacious interiors and versatile layouts.

From 28 to 38 metres in length and build in a composite material, the series provides and outstanding range to reach even the most faraway destinations.

SX Series

Introduced more recently the SX series is a crossover between a flybridge yacht and explorer vessel, featuring innovative designs like the SX76 and SX88, with superstructures that reach forwards, and the beach areas with the proportions of a large terrace.

SP Line

Sanlorenzo’s new Sport Yacht Series, the SP Line brings forth a new generation of yachts which break the mould, offering top performance while ensuring the highest efficiency and maximum comfort at all speeds.

The first model of the series, the SP110 is a project brought to fruition through the collaboration of experts with the highest level of individual skill: Bernardo Zuccon for the exterior, Tilli Antonelli of San Lorenzo Product Development, Marco Arnaboldi for the hull design and Piero Lissoni for the interior.

Over the years, Sanlorenzo has collaborated with renowned designers such as Chris Bangle (a renowned automotive designer), Spanish industrial designer Patricia Urquiola, and Italian interior designer Piero Lissoni, as well as architects like Luca Santella.  Sanlorenzo also has a long-standing relationship with Zuccon International Project, a prestigious Italian architectural and design studio. This successful partnership has resulted in the creation of a new models showcasing a blend of elegance and functionality.

Through these unique collaborations, Sanlorenzo has set itself apart in the luxury yacht market with revolutionary designs. Favoured by many celebrities and high-profile individuals, notable past owners include Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher and fashion designer John Galliano, which further contributes to the brand’s allure for ownership and charter.

Sanlorenzo continues to focus on innovation and has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability in its future projects. The company will continue to introduce new models with advanced technologies, improved efficiency, and eco-friendly features.

As an example, Sanlorenzo was recently awarded with approval certification by Lloyd’s Register for its Fuel Cell system and Type C containment tank, designed by the shipyard together with Siemens Energy.

The Lloyd’s Register certification validates the compliance of the methanol fuel cell system with internationally recognised environmental standards, consolidating its credibility on the market as well as confirming it meets the required safety standards.

This innovative solution will debut on Sanlorenzo’s new 50Steel, with the vessel from the line due for delivery in the summer of 2024. The methanol fuel cell system will allow the vessel to generate electricity for on-board hotel services, with the engines and generators switched off, significantly extending the time spent at anchor and manoeuvring without consuming diesel fuel.

The brand’s legacy is characterised by its dedication to a relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring that Sanlorenzo remains a prominent name in the luxury yacht industry. The company’s ability to adapt to changing market trends while maintaining its core values contributes to its enduring success.