Sanlorenzo reveals first details of SX88 crossover yacht

Sanlorenzo yesterday revealed the first details of its SX88 crossover yacht, at a press conference at the Milan Triennale design museum.

Massimo Perotti, CEO and chairman of Sanlorenzo said, “We chose this location because we have worked hard for three years to create a new way to sail. The ideas and concepts are very impressive, so we thought of a special place to present it.”

Described by the Italian shipyard as “a Copernican revolution”, the 27m is said to combine the best features of a compact explorer yacht and a flybridge yacht, which Perotti hopes will help to attract a new generation of Sanlorenzo buyer. She will be given a full public debut at the 2017 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Exterior styling has been penned by Officina Italiana Design, and features several new elements, such as an open transom to accommodate a five-metre tender and Jet Ski that are loaded and unloaded with an integrated davit crane. Her reverse-angled windshield adds to her explorer yacht aesthetic.

The SX88 features interior design by Piero Lissoni, who has signed to work on upcoming models of the SX range, which will be expanded in 2018 to feature a SX72 and a SX104 in 2019.

Lissioni 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.” As such, the skylounge features three-metre-long side windows that can be lowered completely, while the aft is left open to the elements, with a lounging area. 

The main deck has also been designed without a wheelhouse, allowing guests to move from the cockpit to the bow without obstacle. Cutaway bulwarks allow ample natural light to flood in to the open-plan saloon, galley and dining area.

The SX88’s colour palette and materials are customisable to suit the owner’s tastes, with minimal furniture—the majority of which is free standing, oriental and domestic in style.

She will be offered with a choice of three layouts without the need to move any structural elements. The owner’s cabin can therefore be found on the main deck or amidships on the lower deck. The galley and en-suite bathrooms were developed in collaboration with Boffi.

The hull was tank tested in the Netherlands, with Sanlorenzo predicting a top speed of 23 knots, which will be put to the test as she undergoes sea trials at Sanlorenzo’s Ameglia facility in August. Details of her drivetrain have not yet been revealed, but Sanlorenzo revealed it would be working exclusively with Volvo Penta. 

The first six SX88 hulls have been sold, with a seventh hoped for launch as soon as Spring 2018. 

Other hulls under development include the Sanlorenzo 64 Steel, a new fast-planing yacht developed in collaboration with automotive designer Chris Bangle and due to be revealed in 2018. 

For more information, visit Sanlorenzo.