A text by Norman Kietzmann
If you want to be fast, you don't have to sacrifice comfort. This is precisely the principle behind Sanlorenzo's "Smart Performance" yacht series - SP for short. Two years after the initial model SP110 the more compact SP92 has now been launched. With a combined 2,942 kilowatts acting on the two waterjets under full load, the 27.95 metres accelerate to 40 knots: a power format that offers the comfort of a superyacht despite its agility.
"The SP92 confirms all the aspects that were already emphasised aesthetically in the SP110 - minimalism and clear lines that aim for a formal synthesis," explains Bernardo Zuccon. The Roman designer and his studio Zuccon International Project the exterior. The interior design was created by Milan architect Piero Lissoni, who also works as art director for Sanlorenzo.
Wide perspective
The horizontal alignment of the proportions is particularly striking: No high superstructures interfere with the flowing silhouette, which draws ever closer to the water aft - reminiscent of the sloping stern sections of elegant 1930s coupés. The yacht further develops the split-level concept of the SP110. Anyone entering the interior from the beach club through a large sliding window will find themselves in a lounge area at the same level. Further towards the bow is the stairwell, where the interior is divided into two levels that visually interlock.
Five wooden steps lead up to the main deck, the metal railing is chrome-plated: a delicate structure that keeps the lines of sight from the stern to the living area open. Piero Lissoni has created an elegant saloon here. Cubic armchairs in light grey and beige linen covers are arranged to form a seating group. The upholstery is raised by slender metal feet, allowing the eye to wander under the furniture as well as the sunlight streaming in. Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows extend the living area into the open air.
Sanlorenzo SP92 comes with an intelligent space concept
Cleverly placed recesses below the railing emphasise the visual proximity to the sea. The seating area is adjoined by a dining table with a transparent, round glass top. The light-coloured wooden floor is visible through it, bringing a touch of Scandinavian modernity to this floating home. A bar is set into a wall recess on the starboard side. Behind it, a pane of glass integrated between the floor and ceiling lets your gaze wander to the bridge. This maximises the incidence of light and at the same time opens up the perspective to the bow. If desired, the wall can also be closed to give both guests and the captain more privacy.
A spiral staircase leads to the lower deck. The guest cabins are accessed two thirds of the way down. The staircase winds down another three steps. There is space for a compact lounge, which offers more intimacy and tranquillity than the other living areas. At the same time, it defines a place of transition. At the open end of the L-shaped upholstered suite, a concealed door provides access to the guests' day toilet, so they don't have to wander through the private areas of the yacht. The 180-degree turn of the staircase creates a space below the steps that can be customised as desired: as additional storage space or as a small gallery to effectively showcase sculptures or antiques.
At the bow, the owner's cabin spans the entire width of the yacht. In front of it, the two guest cabins branch off from a central corridor. The cabin ceilings are clad with ribbed wooden panels that merge with the outer walls in gentle curves. They form a kind of passe-partout for the windows - and serve as a hiding place for the sun blinds. Flat sideboards are arranged in front of the fabric-covered walls, some of which serve as upholstered seating or as a stage for flower vases. Two icons of Italian design catch the eye on the bedside tables: the "Spider" table lamps (1965) by Joe Colombo and "Bilia", a design by Milanese cult architect Gio Ponti from 1932.
Consistently light: technology transfer from aircraft construction
The fronts of the wardrobes are made of ribbed glass. By making the available space behind the panes tangible, the room gains depth. The same applies to the private bathrooms in the cabins. They are also visually extended into the sleeping areas with ribbed glass panes. "The SP92 is a floating piece of architecture with very balanced dimensions. There are areas that double in height. Interior and exterior space merge together," says Piero Lissoni.
The beach club is generously sized at 45 square metres. It features a free-standing cushioned island for sunbathing, which consists of movable components. These can be moved apart to create an additional dining table situation to save space. Two steps lead up to the bathing platform. The middle section can be folded upwards like a giant hinged door so that a 3.95 metre long tender can enter. The projecting roof is a real eye-catcher. "The copper-coloured cladding on the upper edge of the deckhouse gives the SP92 additional sportiness. This stylistic feature is characteristic of the entire SP range. It gives it energy and a strong identity," emphasises Bernardo Zuccon.
Coloured metal panels conceal a photovoltaic system that achieves an output of three kilowatt peak per hour. The electricity is stored in batteries, which relieve the generators of their hotel duties when at anchor. The development team led by Tilli Antonelli optimised the hull, which is inclined by 14 degrees, for efficiency and comfort. Lightweight construction was also emphasised and composite materials from aircraft construction were chosen for much of the furniture. To save even more weight, Sanlorenzo's engineers reduced the number of cables and pipes. This means that the SP92 not only consumes twelve per cent less fuel than a conventional design. It also makes it even more agile and dynamic. Just right to bear the title "Smart Performance".
Technical details
- Length over everything: 27,95 m
- Waterline length: 23,90 m
- Width: 7,10 m
- Height: 3,70 m
- Draught (full): 1,20 m
- Displacement (half full): 72 t
- Gross tonnage: 146 Gross Tons
- Material: GRP
- Motors: 2 x MAN V12
- Engine power: 2 x 1,471 kW
- Speed (max.): 40 kn
- Speed (travelling): 33 kn
- Generators: 2 x 25 kW
- Fuel: 8.500 l
- Guests: 8
- Crew: 4
- Construction: Sanlorenzo
- Exterior design: Zuccon International Project
- Interior design: Lissoni & Partners
- Shipyard: Sanlorenzo, 2024
- Price: from 9.3 million euros
