Asymmetrical in shape, Sanlorenzo’s SL120A features a fluid interior, unlike similar-sized motoryachts.
Throughout the history of boat design, symmetry has been a fundamental principle. Hydrodynamics will obviously make sense under the waterline, but symmetry is less important above the waterline. This is what Sanlorenzo’s brand-new SL120 Asymmetric is aiming to convince the yachting world.
A great deal of research has been done on bringing traditional yacht living on board up to date over the last three years by Sanlorenzo. This week, we toured the 120-footer at the Cannes Yachting Festival, where it also unveiled the SL 90A. Both launch vehicles evolved from last year’s SL102, which started the asymmetrical trend on yachts.
A “half-wide-body” layout was incorporated on the main deck by Rome-based Zuccon International Project. Therefore, the aft cockpit opens up to the main staircase amidships through a narrow passageway. Once this is achieved, the yacht is transformed into a palatial main suite outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring natural light into the space. Almost like feng shui, there’s an asymmetry to the layout, which balances energy through design.
The foredeck living area is accessed via an exterior staircase on the starboard side of the flybridge. From the owner’s suite, you can also access the foredeck directly. As a result, the designers incorporated a dinette with a table into that forward space. The fill-in cushion morphs into a second sunpad whose components can be quickly disassembled by crew members to access anchoring and mooring gear.
A yacht’s vast interior volume and exterior spaces are utilized in an unconventional manner in this arrangement. When viewed in profile, the asymmetry is almost invisible, so it appears seamless and elegant instead of having a cobbled appearance. Sanlorenzo’s Bluegame Yachts were also designed by Bernado Zuccon, who uses asymmetry effectively and clearly.
A sliding glass wall folds away in the main salon to provide close contact with the water. The starboard side of the vessel has another sliding door and drop-down balcony. An open-air fly deck features alfresco dining and a louvered hardtop provides shade.
Thai walnut is used for wall paneling and soles in Martina Zuccon’s interior, along with metallic lacquered ceilings and brushed metal accessories, creating a contemporary, yet discreet, and sophisticated interior. Throughout the dining room, there are flashes of color, such as the mosaic of green tropical foliage on the bulkhead that slides open to reveal the flatscreen TV. Freestanding furniture from Minotti, Roda, and Baxter completes the look.
A huge structural feat for a yacht of this size was the construction of a glass elevator connecting the lower and main decks by its first owner. There are four ensuite double cabins on the lower deck, which can accommodate up to ten guests, including the owners. Having a swim platform aft and two foldout decks, the garage in the stern doubles as a beach club when the tenders and toys are in the water.
There is an option to use twin 2,400 horsepower CAT engines. At full throttle, the yacht has a range of 486 miles, but it can travel 1,826 nautical miles at an economical 10 knots.
The Sanlorenzo boat broke all the rules of yacht design in 2018 with its first asymmetric hull. What seemed radical a few short years ago, makes perfect sense now. It offers four models between 90 feet and 120 feet in its asymmetric lineup.
