First Sanlorenzo SX88 crossover yacht launched

　　The first hull in the new Sanlorenzo SX88 crossover yacht series has been launched at the Italian yard's Ameglia facility, it has emerged.

　　Built from a GRP hull and carbonfibre superstructure, the first Sanlorenzo SX88 features interiors by Piero Lissoni, who will help to develop the rest of the SX range, which will be expanded in 2018 with the SX72 and again in 2019 with the SX104.

　　Described by Sanlorenzo as “a Copernican revolution”, this new 27 metre aims to combine the best features of a compact explorer yacht and a flybridge yacht. The Sanlorenzo SX88 will be given a full public debut at the 2017 Cannes Yachting Festival. CEO Massimo Perotti believes that this line will help to attract a new generation of buyers.

　　Exterior styling is by Officina Italiana Design, incorporating several new elements, such as an open transom, which allows both a five-metre tender and Jet Ski, loaded via an integrated davit crane. Moving further forward and the reverse-angled windshield adds to the SX88’s explorer yacht aesthetic.

　　The skylounge is another star feature, with a fixed forward windshield in front of the sole helm position and three-metre long side windows that can be lowered completely. A dedicated lounging area, aft of the mast, is left open to the elements.

　　The main deck has been designed without a superyacht wheelhouse, thus allowing guests to move from the cockpit to the bow with the minimum of obstacles and only two steps. Cutaway bulkwarks will help to increase the amount of light permeating this open-plan area, which comprises a saloon, galley and dining area.

　　Speaking at a press conference in May, Lissoni said: "I keep picturing boats, even very large ones, as if they were lofts — that is very open, highly liveable spaces, which make it possible to be in contact with what’s around us.”

　　The colour palette and materials are completely customisable to suit an owner’s tastes. Furniture has been kept to a minimum, the majority of which is free-standing, with selected items blending Oriental and domestic style. Meanwhile, the galley and en-suite bathrooms were developed in collaboration with Boffi.

　　The Sanlorenzo SX88 will be offered with a choice of three layouts without moving any structural elements. The owner’s cabin can either be situated forward on the main deck or amidships on the lower deck.

　　The hull has been tank tested in the Netherlands and Sanlorenzo predicts a top speed of 23 knots. The first six hulls of the Sanlorenzo SX88 range have already been sold — the yard adds that the seventh hull could be launched as soon as spring 2018.

　　Full details of the SX88’s drivetrain have yet to be disclosed, but Sanlorenzo revealed that it will be working exclusively with Volvo Penta.

　　Other superyacht projects currently under development at the Italian yard include the flagship Sanlorenzo 64 Steel, which is due to be hit the water in 2019.