After two decades of uninterrupted success, Sanlorenzo decided to ‘refresh’ the immensely popular SL72 and SL82. These two from the GRP planing range were updated by Italian design company, Officina Italiana Design. Having focused on the larger models in this fleet (SL96, SL106 and the flagship SL118), it was time to relaunch their smaller sisters.

In common with most European yacht builders, there has been a change in Sanlorenzo’s customer profile. Where once this was predominantly European and particularly Italian, Sanlorenzo customers now come from all over the world – from the Americas to Russia, from Eastern Europe to Asia, and these markets have differing demands, requirements and needs. Larger windows in both the superstructure and in the hull are a new design feature, as well as a lift platform that becomes a beach club. Of course some things are not negotiable and Sanlorenzo is not prepared to compromise on the fundamentals: quality, elegance and balanced lines.

Officina Italiana Design has introduced a number of innovations, including increased space optimisation – the bow area is now a living space with sofas, table, sunbathing cushions and a folding sun hood. The midships sheerline was cut to let the larger side windows catch as much light as possible and allow guests to enjoy the sea view even when sitting on the sofas in the salon.

The interiors of the SL86 maximize space and enrich them with natural light. The stairway to the flybridge is flagged by panels of plate glass that create a floating sensation, and transforms the staircase from a box to a piece of art.

The SL86 offers two different layouts to better match the different market requirements. The classic layout has the galley on the main deck, which can be arranged as a country kitchen for the American market. An alternative layout is to place the galley on the lower deck, with easy access to the crew quarters, and freeing up a lot of space on the main deck. In this layout the VIP cabin is forward, full beam.

The flybridge boasts a 41 sqm extension and 9 sqm just for sunbathing, making it one of the largest on a yacht of this size. The light but elegant hardtop creates a livable area that can also house a Jacuzzi. For the outside steering station a completely new control layout was conceived and discretely integrated into the dashboard to give an elegant flow to the lines of the yacht.

The technical features of the flagship SL118 have been incorporated into the SL86, including new and hydrodynamically-efficient hull lines that give better performance at optimal cruising speeds, and a floating floor that minimises noise and vibration. The vacuum resin infusion moulding for both hull and superstructure allows for greater control of thickness, and improves the mechanical characteristics of the hull. Still, some things remain unchanged, including the streamlined floor level on the main deck, 2m square beds in the guest suites, and bidet-fitted bathrooms.

The glassed and teak topped handrail on the aft end of the flybridge gives a feeling of infinity to the aft deck, and the lifting swimming platform – which comes in two sizes – converts into a beach club once all the toys are in the water. In the standard layout the 1.20m platform can stow the 3.85m tender in the garage; customers can opt for the extended 1.60m platform to stow a jet ski and other water toys in the garage as well as a larger 4.45m tender on the platform.

The SL86 has been a winner in the past, and the new version neatly preserves the Sanlorenzo heritage and family feel, and the added innovations set this yacht apart from others in its size range. With the highest customisation level available to owners, and a design brief to bring an international touch to these newer models, Officina Italiana Design has created a yacht immediately recognisable as a Sanlorenzo. By incorporating all the innovations this becomes the perfect yacht for a new owner just discovering the relaxed delight of the boating lifestyle.

Story Credits

Text by Suzy Rayment, Editor-at-Large, Yacht Style

In Asia, Sanlorenzo is available exclusively via Simpson Marine.

This article was first published in Yacht Style Magazine.