Sanlorenzo’s 106 brings her A-game to flirt with American yachtsmen.

By Chris Caswell

American yachtsmen, like owners of early English and Italian cars, may recall some of the early vessels imported stateside from overseas and the wariness they engendered. Form is fine, but Americans want their yachts to run properly and, ultimately, be comfortable. The Sanlorenzo 106 should be a delight to skeptical eyes because she has been Americanized from keel to hardtop—and not just by the usual swap-out from 50 Hz electrical systems to North American 60 Hz. Far beyond systems, this yacht has been designed to fit American needs.

Sanlorenzo, an Italian yachtbuilder for more than a half-century, proudly carries its motto, “made-to-measure yachts,” and U.S. importer George Jousma took the builder at its word. Jousma, president and CEO of Sanlorenzo Americas, spec’d the boat. He wanted a main-deck owner’s cabin, so the house was stretched by two feet to create a palatial on-deck master suite and still have room for four spacious guest staterooms.

At the same time, this yacht is the essence of Med styling. Swoopy and sleek, she looks like 30 knots at rest. But she’s so much more. Designed to appeal to experienced yachtsmen weary (and wary) of production look-alikes, this 106 has a fresh and cheerful Marty Lowe interior and is filled with clever ideas to appeal to the American market. The two cockpit tables have more moves than a “Transformers” movie, morphing to fit needs from cocktails to alfresco dining. The garage easily absorbs a 13-foot (4-meter) Novurania tender and still has room for the requisite three-person WaveRunner.

I loved the “terrace” on the port side that swings hydraulically into place. Sure, you can put a couple of chairs here for a sunset cocktail, but with the bulwark lowered the platform provides a spectacular vista for guests through the sliding door into the salon.

Her owner has to love the sliding panels on the outside of the windows in the master suite. With them in place, the lines of the superstructure are flawless, but the view from the suite is reduced. Press a button and these panels, which the builder calls “eyelids,” slide down to offer panoramic viewing from the stateroom.

Lowe and Jousma agreed on washed oak combined with American walnut for a light and textured interior that exudes the airy look of a penthouse, and several of the bulkheads show off Italian craftsmanship with high-gloss lacquer or hand-stitched leathers.

The portside passageway to the master also opens into the en suite head, which can be closed off using sliding panels that are invisible until they are pointed out. And the walk-in closet in the master? It’s the size of a guest cabin on many yachts.

The galley has fossil marble counters and every possible amenity from an induction stove for heat-free cooking to a Miele teppanyaki grill. The galley leads to the crew quarters, which are finished to guest area standards and include three cabins, each with en suite head and shower.

The guest cabins are all roughly equal in size, with large opening windows and plenty of light. The two forward cabins have berths that can slide to become doubles or a pair of singles, while the aft two cabins have fixed doubles. All heads feature artistic European faucets and vessel sinks, each different from the others. Lowe chose them to add some pizzazz and, like the rest of the yacht, showcase Italian marbles and leather.

Save the bridge deck for last, because it will take your breath away. Stretching endlessly on one level, it has the expected helm offset to starboard with a triple-wide seat so the skipper will never be lonely, plus another triple-wide to port facing forward. The outdoor kitchen/wet bar has a sliding top so, when the amenities aren’t needed, it can serve as a bar or buffet. Underneath, it has everything essential for entertaining, including another teppanyaki grill. Opposite is a table for 10 shaded by the fiberglass hardtop that houses the electronics. Aft, well, that’s left open to suit owner tastes.

On this particular 106, Lowe opted for a mix of chaises, tables and loose couches that can be configured as needed. There’s no space wasted on tenders, which are stashed out of sight in the garage. And one piece of furniture catches everyone’s attention: What appears to be a polished stainless steel work of art is, in fact, a large grill for barbecuing.

Power for the Sanlorenzo 106 is a pair of MTU 16V2000 M84s putting out 2,216 horsepower each, giving a top speed of 28 knots and a comfortable cruise around 23. The 106 has zero-speed fin stabilizers, and items of note in the seamanlike engine room are a multitude of redundant systems: fresh water, air conditioning, raw water pumps, black and gray water, and more. The U.S. importer provides full parts and service support.

Designed and outfitted for the American market, the Sanlorenzo 106 is a strong contender at the top end of this size range. With exceptional redundant systems and a thoughtful layout, she has the qualities that appeal to yachtsmen on this side of the pond. Her style, quality and craftsmanship—and her well-mannered temper—are only icing on the cake.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 106ft. (31.7m)
Beam: 23ft. 4in. (7m)
Draft: 6ft. 6in. (2m)
Construction: composite
Displacement (full load): 125 tons
Gross tonnage: 199
Engines (standard):
2 x 2,216-hp MTU 16V2000 M84
Propellers: 5-blade Nibral Type S
Fuel: 3,275 gal. (12,400L)
Water: 739 gal. (2,800L)
Speed: (max./cruising) 28/23 knots
Range: 1,406nm @ 11 knots
Generators: 2 x 40kW Kohler
Stabilizers: CMC electric
Classification: RINA
Naval architecture/engineering:
Francesco Paskowski/Sanlorenzo
Interior design: Marty Lowe Interior Design
Year: 2013

For more information: 888 244 7617, sanlorenzoamericas.com