Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo has christened the first unit of its 57Steel series. Named Alma, the yacht hit the water for the first time in November 2022 but was officially named this week at the shipyard in La Spezia.
The 57Steel follows the success of the 52Steel and 62Steel models, offering a middle option between the two. Key differences include a revised layout that places a larger owner's cabin on the upper deck forward, where the wheelhouse would typically be found.
This deviation from the norm also allows for a full-beam VIP cabin on the main deck forward, which can be used as a second owner's cabin and makes this model well-suited to charter. Accommodation is for a total of 12 guests.
The yacht's exterior design is by Bernardo Zuccon and the team at Zuccon International Project, while her interiors are the work of British design studio Vickers.
Bernardo Zuccon of Zuccon International Project called the project an "ambitious" undertaking with the aim to "create a craft of around 1,050 GT with functional and lifestyle contents that are normally found on boats of larger sizes."
The finished result is a "defined" exterior profile that maintains Sanlorenzo's signature look without being ostentatious. "From a design point of view, the most important challenge was to find the right balance between the volumes and proportions of the boat," added Zuccon.
The 1,050 GT yacht has a similar aft deck layout to existing Steel models, with a focus on a large beach club flanked by unfolding sea terraces and illuminated by the glass bottom of a swimming pool on the deck above.
Vickers has focused on creating a soft, comfortable atmosphere primed for family use. "The design process was a huge creative pleasure and the shipyard team responded really well to our design direction, producing a wonderful interior," said Vickers.
The first unit will act as a "prototype" for the line and will be delivered to her owner in early 2023. The sale was finalised by West Nautical, which also oversaw the project management.