A text by Norman Kietzmann
It takes a touch of craziness - and a good dose of foresight. If these are mixed in the right proportions, something groundbreaking can actually emerge. This is exactly the case with the SX120 from Sanlorenzo. With a length of 37 metres and an interior volume of 270 gross tonnes, it is the largest yacht in the Italian shipyard's crossover range. As soon as you step on board, it feels like you are on a much larger boat. A lot of space has been created on board - a slim design that favours visual connections and thus creates a real space miracle. Particularly impressive is the beach club, which can be enlarged to an area of 70 square metres thanks to folding bulwarks. The upper end is a sun deck with a 360-degree panorama. "A new icon of freedom" is the fitting marketing slogan for this new model.
"This very special design was born out of the desire to combine the spaciousness of an explorer yacht with the generosity of a classic navetta," explains Bernardo Zuccon. Together with his sister Martina and her Rome-based studio Zuccon International Project, he designed the exterior of the yacht. The special feature of this design is that it shifts its volume forwards, giving it an imposing, elongated stern. Unlike classic explorers, the spacious aft deck is not used to transport mini-submarines or a lavish arsenal of water toys to remote corners of the world. The space is used for life on board, which unfolds in all its splendour, especially under the Mediterranean sun. "The SX120 is the natural evolution of a range that has redefined the on-board life of a yacht by introducing a different idea of space, quality of life and connection to the sea," explains Tommaso Vincenzi, CEO of Sanlorenzo. Inside and outside flow harmoniously into one another. The spacious rooms seek a dialogue with the surroundings and visual contact with the water. The conceptual and formal balance between the exterior and interior is also the result of a collaboration between two offices. While Zuccon International Project designed the outer shell, Piero Lissoni was responsible for the interior design and furnishing of all the outdoor areas. The Milan-based architect and designer has been working as Art Director for Sanlorenzo since 2018 and has played a key role in putting the company on the map of contemporary design.
Impression of generosity and expanse
The centrepiece on board? Clearly the beach club. A special feature is the pool, which can be covered or uncovered using a lift and slide mechanism. This solution, specially developed by Sanlorenzo, is unique on the market for yachts of this size. The advantages are obvious: when the SX120 accelerates up to 23 knots, the water always remains in the pool. Privacy and safety are also guaranteed. Children often leave a mess behind when playing in the pool, which you would be reluctant to present to your direct boat neighbours or the assembled crowd of onlookers on the promenade when mooring in St. Tropez. In short: the pool is like a good butler. It is there when it is needed. Otherwise, it gallantly disappears from view. Only three steps connect the beach club with a lounge on the lower deck. Four guest cabins and the crew's accommodation in the bow are connected to it via a central corridor. This takes up a concept that was first introduced by Sanlorenzo with the SP110 (issue 2/23) and further developed with the 50M Steel (2024): a split-level design in which the beach club is positioned halfway between the main and lower decks. "This creates a play of levels that are connected by half stairs. They create the impression of a continuous environment that is nevertheless separated into individual zones, which is something completely new in the nautical sector," explains Martina Zuccon. Inspiration was provided by the spatial plan of Viennese architect Adolf Loos, a pioneer of modernism. In 1910, he developed the approach of separating the floors of a building not by walls or doors, but by raised or lowered levels. This allows views to pass through, which reinforces the impression of spaciousness. Nevertheless, zones are created in which people do not feel lost, but protected and secure. Intimacy and spaciousness are not contradictory. They go hand in hand.
The common thread on board? A clear view of the sea
The SX120 extends over four levels. The main deck accommodates a dining area aft, which is open on three sides and offers space for up to 14 guests. A wide glass front provides access to the large saloon, which is flooded with natural light. The absolute eye-catcher is the spiral staircase - a wooden structure clad in steel on the outside, which winds elegantly and gracefully from the lower deck across the main deck to the upper deck. The upper end of the staircase has soft, organically flowing contours that are emphasised by the shimmering metal cladding. On the underside of the staircase, you can read the height increments of the steps - like a zigzag line twisted into a spiral. "This staircase not only serves to connect different levels. With their virtuosity, we create a different sense of space and change the points of view. I am truly obsessed with stairs," says Piero Lissoni.
What is it all about? Brightness, flexibility and an unobstructed view of the sea: the elegance of the essential. This is reflected in a sophisticated choice of materials and a special attention to detail. The ceilings of the SX120 have wood panelling, a series of fine grooves that give the rooms an impression of continuity and depth. The floors alternate between parquet and carpeting - thus enhancing the cosiness on board. A ceramic material with a marble effect is used in the bathrooms. In the owner's cabin, the backlit headboard of the bed is designed like a large-format screen that discreetly separates it from the dressing area. The ceiling is slightly raised here, which widens the impression of space. A large panoramic window provides a view of the sea and the bow terrace, which is accessed through a separate door. The private sun deck is equipped with several cushioned loungers and a concealed retractable table. The upper deck also offers an unobstructed view of the sea. A lounge with sofa and round glass dining table for ten people adjoins the bridge. Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows lead out onto the terrace, where an external staircase leads to the most original feature of the SX120: another sun deck on the roof of the flybridge, from which a breathtaking 360-degree view opens up. It is an intimate, almost hidden place. Although it is located at the highest point of the yacht, neither the other guests nor the crew can see it. A modular upholstered island can be arranged in a variety of configurations.
At ten knots, the range is 2,000 nautical miles
The Sanlorenzo SX120 is the world's first large yacht to be equipped with the new IPS Professional Platform from Volvo Penta. The propulsion system is based on four diesel engines, each with an output of 735 kilowatts, which act on four tried-and-tested IPS towing propeller units. "They enable a considerable reduction in energy losses and a significant improvement in manoeuvrability, especially at low speeds," says Nicola Pomi, Vice President of Marine Sales Yacht & Superyacht Division at Volvo Penta, explaining the advantages of the so-called Eco-Mode function. When this is activated, the system automatically synchronises the drive units. This reduces the number of active engines or lowers the engine speed while maintaining full thrust and control. The fuselage of the SX120 was laminated as a sandwich of GRP and carbon on a foam core and, thanks to the reduced displacement, is designed to travel particularly efficiently and fuel-efficiently, which in turn results in lower emissions. In addition, pollutants are filtered by an exhaust gas aftertreatment system (SCR) and partially converted into environmentally friendly substances. A win-win situation that has a positive effect on the environment and comfort on board. In other words: it's a balance - the perfect balance.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 36,58 m
- Width: 8 m
- Draught (half full): 2,23 m
- Displacement (half full): 165 t
- Material: GRP/Carbon
- Motors: 4 x Volvo Penta D13-IPS 1000
- Total engine power: 2,940 kW
- Speed (max.): 23 kn
- Speed (travelling): 20 kn
- Range @ 10 kn: 2,000 sm
- Generators: 1 x 70 kW, 1 x 55 kW
- Fuel: 19.500 l
- Water: 2.200 l
- Water with pool: 3.500 l
- Guests: 10
- Crew: 6
- Tender: 6.25 m/1.8 t
- Construction: Sanlorenzo
- Exterior: Zuccon International Project
- Interior: Piero Lissoni shipyard:Sanlorenzo, 2025
