ON THE HORIZON
The Sanlorenzo SL102 embraces the concept of asymmetry to enhance crew and guest separation.
SANLORENZO GOES ASYMMETRICAL WITH ITS SL102
Symmetry is about balanced proportions. It denotes a sense of balance, which is what most yacht designers strive to achieve—and Sanlorenzo is going beyond it, in the case of the SL102.
The builder sought to address a longstanding problem: Wide-body yachts of around 100 feet length overall with a raised pilothouse don’t have the space for dedicated service passageways. The omission presents an operational problem for the crew. How does a deckhand move between the bow and stern quickly during mooring? He has to go through the guest areas, a path that is far from ideal.
Sanlorenzo worked to solve this problem with car designer Chris Bangle and Zuccon International Project, introducing the concept of asymmetry into the SL102’s design.
On the main deck, the salon (with opening balcony) and master stateroom are full beam to port, but a companionway runs the length of the superstructure to starboard. Similarly, the flybridge has not just the standard staircase down to the cockpit, but also a staircase to port that leads to the bow, giving crew direct access to the windlass.
None of this asymmetry is immediately noticeable to the casual observer. It can be seen by looking at the yacht from directly ahead or astern.
“The real challenge was to make a difference while respecting the strong identity of the brand,” designer Bernardo Zuccon says. “We disguised the asymmetry by playing with the light and shadow of the overhangs; if it had been obvious, we would have gone against the elegance and balance that is all part of Sanlorenzo’s design DNA.”
Four units of the SL102 have been sold, and Sanlorenzo plans to extend the asymmetric layout to its SL112 line, including additional layout options for the U.S. market. The first SL102 is expected to debut at the Cannes and Monaco boat shows in September.
For more information: sanlorenzoamericas.com