Sanlorenzo's innovative asymmetrical yachts from its SL Series may now seem like a standard, but when the Italian shipyard first launched the SL102 A in 2018, she certainly turned heads. The result of a study carried out by Chris Bangle, a designer from the automotive industry, and designer Bernardo Zuccon, together with his sister, is the asymmetrical design of the platform, which maximises interior space, offering a new general arrangement while adding to the overall onboard experience. At the 2021 Cannes Festival, Sanlorenzo launched her little sister, the SL90 A, which has gone on to become incredibly popular, with more than ten units currently under construction, according to data from SYTIQ. Measuring just under 28 meters, her elegant exterior styling is matched by an open, contemporary interior that invites a direct connection to the surroundings. A step away from tradition, is this what makes the SL90 A so enduring? Here we take a closer look at the SL90 A and what makes her unique, as well as a great investment.
The asymmetric advantage
The main draw of the SL90 A is, naturally, her asymmetric layout.
Rather than including the usual side deck on port and starboard, the designer
opted to remove the portside deck on the main deck, retaining only one
passageway. By doing so, the SL90 A has a half-wide body layout, which adds 10
square metres to the main salon, or between 10 and 15 percent more interior
space than a conventional superyacht in the same size category.
However, it's safe to say that the practical benefits of her
layout extend beyond internal volume. Full-height windows along the port side
allow natural light to filter into the main salon, creating a direct visual
connection with the surroundings, whilst the main dining area flows organically
into an aft outdoor lounge, once more softening the boundary between interior
and exterior. The owner's suite is located forward on the main deck, in an
arrangement that's usually reserved for larger superyachts, with private access
to a forward-facing lounge at the bow. A continuous passage along the top of
the owner's suite and wheelhouse connects the foredeck directly to the
flybridge deck, providing an intuitive and unobstructed route between decks.
Inside the main salon, an open staircase with illuminated floating steps links
the main deck to the flybridge deck, serving as both a functional and visual
centrepiece of the interiors.
The importance of details
In addition to her asymmetrical design, Sanlorenzo paid close attention to other details like performance, interior decor, and onboard liveability to make sure that the SL90 A offers a one-of-a-kind onboard experience. For example, from the outside, the asymmetry of her layout is deliberately understated and not immediately noticeable. Sanlorenzo's one-way glazing on the starboard side matches the hull colour, maintaining a clean and symmetrical exterior profile. The galley features Boffi Italia cabinetry and Gaggenau appliances, whilst bathrooms throughout are finished in Carrara marble, a high-end material Sanlorenzo sources domestically, given the shipyard's proximity to the quarries in Tuscany. Interior furnishings are by Minotti, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere not too far off from a well-appointed private residence. Additional amenities that add to the overall onboard experience of the SL90 A include a wet bar, a barbecue grill, an alfresco dining area, and sunpads on the flybridge deck, together with an optional forward jacuzzi.
The SL90 A can accommodate up to eight overnight
guests in four ensuite staterooms, including the owner's suite on the main deck
and three staterooms on the lower deck, with the option to add another guest
stateroom on the lower deck, plus room for a crew of three. The flexibility in
terms of accommodation only adds to the overall appeal. Performance aboard the
SL90 A is also well thought out. Powered by twin MAN V12 diesel engines, she
has a top speed of 29 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 24 knots, with a range of 380 nautical miles - pretty
solid figures for a yacht of this size.
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