Sanlorenzo has opened up about its latest model, the 27 metre Sanlorenzo SX88, which is describes as a crossover yacht. The first SX88 was completed over the weekend (September 10) and was introduced to the media last night at an exclusive preview event at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc before making its public debut at the 2017 Cannes Yachting Festival.
This new model aims to combine the best features of a compact explorer yacht and a flybridge yacht. Massimo Perotti, CEO of Sanlorenzo, said: "A shipyard must have courage to make a product like this. We wanted to invent a product for people who love boating, who love to be close to the sea — it is a little revolution."
Exterior styling is by Officina Italiana Design, incorporating several new elements, such as an open transom, which allows both a 4.57 metre tender and Jet Ski to be loaded onto a 30 square metre bathing platform via an integrated davit crane. Moving further forward and the reverse-angled windshield adds to the SX88’s explorer yacht aesthetic.
The skylounge is another star feature, with a fixed forward windshield in front of the sole helm position and four-metre long side windows that can be lowered completely. A dedicated lounging area, aft of the mast, is left open to the elements.
The main deck has been designed without a superyacht wheelhouse, thus allowing guests to move from the cockpit to the bow with the minimum of obstacles and only two steps. Cutaway bulkwarks will help to increase the amount of light permeating this open-plan area, which comprises a saloon, galley and dining area.
Speaking at a press conference in May, Lissoni said: "I keep picturing boats, even very large ones, as if they were lofts — that is very open, highly liveable spaces, which make it possible to be in contact with what’s around us.”
The colour palette and materials are completely customisable to suit an owner’s tastes. Furniture has been kept to a minimum, the majority of which is free-standing, with selected items blending Asian and domestic style. Meanwhile, the galley and en-suite bathrooms were developed in collaboration with Boffi.
The Sanlorenzo SX88 will be offered with a choice of three layouts without moving any structural elements. The owner’s cabin can either be situated forward on the main deck or amidships on the lower deck.
The model is already proving to be a commercial success — the first nine hulls of the Sanlorenzo SX88 range were sold in advance of the Cannes show.
Power comes from a Volvo Penta D13-IPS1050 poddrive propulsion system, which allows for a top speed of 23 knots.
Other superyacht projects currently under development at the Italian yard include the flagship Sanlorenzo 64 Steel, which is due to be hit the water in 2019.