on 29 Dec 2021
Sanlorenzo's technical and R&D vice president Paolo Bertetti offers an inside look into cutting-edge design
Sanlorenzo SD96 | Photo: Thomas Pagani
When considering where luxury yachting design, technology and IT finds itself in late 2021, the truth is: every year, product development goes further, adding new elements.
Sanlorenzo has always strived to look ahead and has been commended for its ability to do so. Our continuous search for new solutions that look to the future has led us, for example, to enter into a new agreement with Siemens Energy for the exclusive development and integration of fuel cell technology for the 24m to 80m yachting sector and two development and purchase contracts for new generation diesel-electric and hybrid systems. The agreement will enable the creation of unique technologies to significantly reduce the impact of yacht use on the marine ecosystem.
Each of our new models results from extensive research that allows us to present different elements of innovation every time. The new SL120A, SL90A and yachts feature several new smart design elements.
SD118
Among the main ones is the asymmetrical layout, which has allowed us to rewrite traditional onboard circulation flows by expanding the interior spaces and improving communication with the outdoors. Then, the modularity of the interior layout allows the spaces to be organised with great flexibility.
The future could reach new goals by working on foiling systems, which are already used in racing sailboats and could find new applications in yachting
On the SL120A, it was possible to achieve a lift linking three levels at the owner’s request, which is an absolute innovation on a model of this size. Another notable feature is our ‘one-way’ glazing, which externally is chromatically similar to the hull and eliminates the perception of voids, giving a sense of cleanliness and aesthetic continuity. The windows are also fitted with internal films with a thermal filter to reduce the absorption of infrared rays.
Also harnessing technology for us are the lighting management and audio/video systems. Vessel monitoring comes via user-friendly media tablet device – and integration of a lithium battery system to power onboard systems, even at anchor.
SL120A
A lot of experimentation went into the asymmetrical layouts to enable an improved onboard experience by offering more space, brightness, relaxation and improved flexibility of use. On the main deck of the two asymmetrical models and the upper deck of the SD118, the full-height lateral windows on the wide body side directly overlook the sea.
On the opposite side, in the case of the SL120A, the bulwark opens up at the saloon to form a terrace. This allows continuous contact with the outdoor environment even onboard the yacht. In the new models, this layout allows the owner total privacy by creating direct and dedicated access from the master cabin to the foredeck.
We believe that there is still a considerable scope for work on sustainability and recycling to reduce environmental impact. We have been pioneers in this area and continue to be, both by working on propulsion systems (the project in collaboration with Siemens Energy is an example) and increasing the use of recyclable materials and natural fibres. However, this is an area that is constantly evolving and requires the utmost attention.
Another interesting aspect is the optimisation of hull shapes, a point on which Sanlorenzo is constantly developing, but which in the future could reach new goals by working, for example, on foiling systems, which are already used in racing sailboats and could find new applications in yachting.
About the author
Paolo Bertetti is Sanlorenzo’s technical and R&D vice president.¬†With 21 years of directorial roles at Italian luxury yacht brands, Bertetti has been with Sanlorenzo Yachts since 2008, in charge of operations, GRP (glass reinforced plastic) and interior development and other project management, before his current position.