At the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, Sanlorenzo unveiled the SL86A, a new evolution of the asymmetrical concept that maximizes its potential to create innovative living solutions and enhance the connection with the sea in a more compact yacht.
Developed in collaboration with the Studio Zuccon International Project, which designed both the exterior lines and the interior for the first unit, this yacht aims to breathe new life into the previous 86-foot model, which had more classic features. The SL86A applies asymmetry principles to optimize both internal and external spaces, ensuring greater usability while maintaining a vibrant and continuous relationship with the surrounding marine landscape, all while preserving Sanlorenzo’s distinctive elegance and style.
“SL86A is a strategic project that represents the culmination of a journey that began six years ago, in 2018, with the launch of the first asymmetrical model, SL102A. Applying asymmetry principles to a smaller yacht than previous models was a complex challenge, but it has resulted in an even more distinctive outcome in terms of enhancing internal and external spaces, meeting the needs of clients who are not willing to compromise on these dimensions,” stated Cav. Massimo Perotti, President and CEO of Sanlorenzo. “Thanks to the experience gained over the years, we have seamlessly blended the tradition of the SL line with the innovation of asymmetry into an extremely clean design, while preserving and enhancing the elegance and captivating style typical of the Sanlorenzo brand.”
As with other asymmetrical projects, SL86A eliminates one of the two external walkways, allowing for better utilization of onboard spaces: specifically, the starboard walkway is open, while the port side expands the volume of the main deck.
However, the true innovation of the yacht lies in the stern configuration, where no visible stairs are present. This minimalistic design reflects Sanlorenzo’s asymmetrical revolution: Hiding the stairs enhances the harmony of the stern layout and introduces a transparency element that ensures a full connection between those in the cockpit and those swimming at the stern, making the most of the space. The carefully designed layout reveals a staircase that becomes visible by rotating and, through the opening of the hatch, reveals a spacious garage capable of housing a tender and a jet ski. Moreover, the entire hatch can lower into the water for ease of launching the tender and jet ski, simultaneously transforming into a swimming platform for guests.
Another successful innovation is the reimagined use of vertical connections, minimizing their footprint. The removal of the staircase linking the cockpit to the flybridge increases the available space in the cockpit itself and “gives” an important additional volume to the living area. This choice has improved passage ergonomics and expanded the visual perception inside the yacht. Combined with transparency, this solution creates much more visual space and more efficient spatial volumes.
Thanks to relocating the staircase to a more central part of the deck, the main deck features a spacious aft living area connected via the port-side passage to a unique forward dining area that can be customized to serve as a cinema room or playroom. This forward dining area, directly connected to the kitchen for service, is an additional onboard living space that no other yacht of a similar size can boast. Overall, this layout minimizes visual barriers and highlights the large windows that create a privileged connection with the sea from stern to bow.
The asymmetrical spatial design, besides allowing for these innovative internal configurations, also optimizes the use of external spaces, enriched by two large sunbathing areas: one at the bow and one integrated into the superstructure, accessible via a staircase running along the port side. Finally, on the flybridge, the removal of the area usually reserved for the staircase allows for customizable spaces and makes full use of an even larger surface area. On the lower deck, the SL86A features the classic four cabins with the owner’s cabin located amidships.
“The application of the asymmetry concept to the SL86A allows the entire Main Deck to be dedicated to guest conviviality: a large living area designed as an open space revolving around a central core, the volume supporting the raised helm station. Surrounding this is the entire living area of the yacht: a lounge area at the stern, a lounge or TV/dining area at the forward port side. This ‘loft effect’ layout has minimized visual barriers and allowed for the appreciation of the full length of the asymmetrical glazing from stern to bow,” explained Bernardo Zuccon, of Zuccon International Project.
For the interior style, Zuccon Studio has chosen to return to the essence of the materials themselves, using untreated wood, marble, stone, and natural fabrics such as linen, jute, hemp, and silk. A combined and skillful use of these materials blends transparency, simplicity, and lightness typical of asymmetry, enhancing the constant connection with the sea. The use of natural stones and essences enriches the sustainability and environmental consideration inherent in the Sanlorenzo approach. Not only do the yacht’s configurations incorporate recycled and recyclable materials based on client specifications, but the entire SL86A project also involved a detailed hydrodynamic study of the hull to optimize resistance, and consequently, consumption and range.
“For the interior style, we wanted to delve into what we like to call the ‘Archaic’ project, focusing on the search for the most primitive image of materials, as if we were tracing back to the very origin of matter. The goal is to return to the purity of the ‘raw’ material, working with the tactile experience of untreated wood, marble, stone and natural fabrics. Special attention was given to the treatment of the central volume. The resin used and its decorations give the surfaces a nearly primordial character, which inevitably becomes the protagonist of the Archaic message,” continues Bernardo Zuchon, of Zuccon International Project.
The Evolution of the Asymmetrical Project
Sanlorenzo’s introduction of the asymmetrical concept into the yacht market was a true revolution, as it disrupted the traditional bilateral symmetry typical of most yachts, allowing for better utilization of onboard space and creating a direct relationship with the sea.
The asymmetrical design project began in 2015 and resulted from the successful collaboration between creatives with diverse experiences and perspectives: from the original idea by car designer Chris Bangle to Bernardo Zuccon, the designer of the exterior lines, and Sanlorenzo’s ability to bring even the most complex proposals to life.
Choosing to focus on such a revolutionary concept required great vision and courage and was the result of a long process of study and design, culminating in 2018 with the launch of the first asymmetrical yacht, SL102A.
Since then, other asymmetrical models have been produced, such as SL90A, SL96A, SL106A, and SL120A. Today, with the SL86A, Sanlorenzo has developed the entry-level model of the line that applies the asymmetry concept in an optimal and distinctive way, featuring a linear and elegant exterior design achieved through innovative solutions.
Technical Specifications – SL86A
- External and Internal Design: Zuccon International Project
- Total Length: 26.60m
- Maximum Beam: 6,35m
- Draft (Full Load): 1.96m
- Displacement (Half Load): 90t
- Guest Accommodations: 8
- Crew Accommodations: 4
- Engines: 2 x MAN V12 2000
- Nominal Power in kW & HP: 1.471kW/2,000hp
- Maximum Speed: 29kn
- Cruising Speed: 25kn
- Generators: 2×25 kW a velocità variabile
- Tender Length: Garage 3.95m (jet + jet ski)
- Fuel Capacity: 8,000L
- Fresh Water Capacity: 1,700L
For more information: sanlorenzoyacht.com
