Yacht Class n°17 (june-july-august 2019)

Sanlorenzo Yachts

Three talents have joined forces to create the SX88’s little sister: Zuccon International Project and Luca Santella for the exterior profile, Piero Lissoni for the interiors. The final result is an original 23-metre boat that will capture a clientele appreciative of contemporary and minimalist style.

Written by:  Alain Brousse – Photos: All rights reserved

This model has fully inherited the concept of the SX88. At the helm of the exterior design, which has an indisputable power of attraction and even, for some, of seduction: Zuccon International Project and Luca Santella. One certainty, like her big sister, the 76 can be seen from afar thanks to a distinct look we might want to characterize as Expedition, or “crossover” as proclaimed the yard. But let’s make no mistake, she is first designed for pleasure cruising in areas with mild climate. Hence her innovative stern, a real 18 m2 terrace overlooking the sea, that will please aficionados of swimming and sunbathing, and will house a four-metre tender and a jet ski when in navigation. On the other end, the foredeck is also dedicated to farniente and offers an outdoor lounge and sunbed. Finally, on the upper deck, the flying bridge has many strengths, including its surface sheltered on two-thirds by an opening hardtop. Two layouts are available: a lounge with a L-shaped settee or a dining table for six guests. In both cases, the aft can accommodate deckchairs. Note that the only one helm station is located on this flying bridge, on the starboard side. It is protected from the elements by a windscreen and electric side windows. Powered by standard twin Volvo Penta IPS1050 diesels (2 x 800 hp), she will reach a top speed of 21 knots. At 12 knots, she has a range of almost 500 miles.

Two layouts: two or four cabins 

On this Piero Lissoni version, the most successful innovations are undoubtedly the layout plans. Starting with the main deck, designed in such a way that the saloon, opening onto the cockpit we discovered first, conceals the dining area. It is helped in this by the pristine white and curved main staircase we could consider as a piece of design. As on the SX88, the dining table is round (six guests) and it shares this almost isolated place with a galley cabinet, referred to as “range cooker” by professionals. The decoration by Piero Lissoni shows a clear inclination for modernism, minimalism even. As for the lower deck, the Italian architect and designer has not favoured the number of cabins, as there are only two of them. The master is located amidships. It features a king size bed perpendicular to the planking and faces a very stylish bathroom. The forward VIP is based on the same principle, with its bed against the planking. Of course, both are en suite. In between, a lounge. This version is suitable for a family of four. Fortunately, the yard also proposes another layout with a more conventional and “enriched” lower deck, with four cabins: master, VIP and two guests. In all cases, the SX76 includes a crew cabin with two bunks and an independent shower and toilet area. 
If she achieves similar success than the SX88 (already thirteen units sold since 2017), it will prove that Sanlorenzo played the right card. One thing is certain: with this audacious 76 foot, the yard has brought new blood to the under 24-metre segment.