5 key points of better understanding the passion behind the Sanlorenzo shipyard

August 24, 2022

12 minute read

When talking about the Sanlorenzo shipyard, yacht connoisseurs recognize that this Italy-based yacht builder is synonymous with some of the most luxurious yachts found on the water today. A pedigree brand, Sanlorenzo yachts do not lose value over time; in fact, they become “classics”, rather than just “outdated” or “old”.

Photo credit to Sanlorenzo Yachts

A major player in the production and design of luxury yachts between 20 and 60 meters, Sanlorenzo`s way of customizing every vessel to fit the need of the owner is one of their strongest hallmarks. Complete customization and personalization guarantee total customer satisfaction, either for owners or charter guests.

Hailing from a rich tradition of yacht building, the founding fathers of Sanlorenzo had a singular purpose – to create a leisure craft for the wider public that will satisfy luxurious appetites, while still delivering optimal performance and handling.

Since they first started building boats, Sanlorenzo recognized the need of the public for more than just leisure vessels. Slowly, they made steps to ensure that every boat they built was unique in regard to their competition.

sanlorenzo yacht shipyard aerial view
Aerial View of the Sanlorenzo Yacht Shipyard in Liguria, Italy – Photo Credit to sanlorenzoyacht.com

As decades passed and technology progressed, Sanlorenzo started building more and more complex boats and yachts, firmly establishing itself as one of the leading manufacturers of luxury yachts in the world. As time went on and their reputation flourished even more, Sanlorenzo become the synonym for Italian yachting luxury.

After the start of the 21st century, Sanlorenzo developed an appetite for building larger and larger yachts using materials like steel, fiberglass or aluminum.

This way, Sanlorenzo could satisfy the ever-increasing number of orders for bigger yachts, while also satisfying the rigorous safety standards regarding yacht hull structure, as well as the sturdiness and soundness of the superstructure.

Innovation followed progress in the Sanlorenzo yacht shipyard, producing the latest rage of yachts – the Explorer range, while another memorable step in the evolution of Sanlorenzo yachts is when they released their Alloy range.

Despite all this, there is much more to the Sanlorenzo brand than listing all the classes and types of yachts made by this yacht manufacturer. When talking about Sanlorenzo, one must adhere to their history, heritage and the difference between Sanlorenzo and all the other yacht manufacturers in the world; here are 5 points to better understand the Sanlorenzo ideal.

The philosophy of Sanlorenzo

The incredible craftsmanship that goes into constructing Sanlorenzo yachts can only be matched by the excellence and expertise displayed by the hardworking men and women of the San Lorenzo yacht shipyard.

Their experience in transforming raw materials into luxurious yachts stands as a testament to the quality control present during each stage of construction in the Sanlorenzo yacht shipyard.

By following their passion and striving for excellence, Sanlorenzo manages to achieve remarkable results; after just one day spent on a Sanlorenzo yacht, every person can testify that this Italian yacht manufacturer really does encompass Italian style and excellent design.

A charter holiday on a Sanlorenzo yacht means that guests can enjoy all the trademarks of typical Italian luxury, while still experiencing subtle comforts and masterful design.

Working with prominent industry leaders, as well as expert artisans and master craftsmen, Sanlorenzo yachts display the best exterior and interior architecture, in combination with the usage of rare and luxurious materials found on the furniture and accessories on Sanlorenzo-made yachts.

sanlorenzo yacht shipyard building the yacht
The Secret behind every Sanlorenzo Yacht is excellence & expertise displayed by the hardworking men and women – Photo Credit to sanlorenzoyacht.com

Every screw and bolt finds its place perfectly in the grand scheme of a Sanlorenzo yacht superstructure, while the skillful hands of engineers and builders create exterior profiles that stand out on the water.

Considering the history of Sanlorenzo, it is no wonder that every yacht built by Sanlorenzo contains a piece of tradition, which is the key to its success because it implements the lessons of the past into the challenges of the present and the expectations of the future.

Every Sanlorenzo yacht is the personification of decades of experience, summarising all the hard work that the staff and management put into the creation of these marvelous floating palaces.

History of Sanlorenzo

Previously known as Cantiere Navali, Sanlorenzo was founded by Giovanni Jannetti in 1958. The original yacht shipyard, located in Viareggio, launched its first superyacht in 1995.

This fantastic yacht, named SL1OO was the benchmark for all other Sanlorenzo yachts to follow: the 31.7 meters of length was a spectacular achievement for a leisure craft, when similar yacht shipyards were not even close to producing vessels of similar quality and design.

From 1995 to 2012, Sanlorenzo has focused on the Mediterranean and cross-Atlantic markets, but in 2013 a joint venture with the Sundiro Holding group helped Sanlorenzo export their product to China.

Since every Sanlorenzo-built yacht goes through a meticulous process of quality inspection, as well as workers hand-making most of the components that go into yachts, Sanlorenzo`s yacht shipyards can only satisfy about 50 customers per year.

This means that they managed to construct nearly a thousand yachts during their 50-year lifespan; the most incredible achievement of all is that each vessel is different from the previous.

Today, Sanlorenzo`s HQ is located in Ameglia, on the banks of the river Magra, in Liguria, Italy. There are three more divisions of the yacht shipyard; the second one is located in Tuscany, in the quiet coastal town of Viareggio.

The third part of the Sanlorenzo production chain is located in Massa, while the construction of the superyacht takes place in the La Spezia shipyard.

Types of Sanlorenzo yachts

When talking about the range and quality of Sanlorenzo-made yachts, they come in different ranges and types, from high-performance vessels with nearly 6,000 horsepower ( an equivalent to 12 Tesla cars Model S ) to yachts that span nearly 160 feet or 62 meters.

There are economic models also, where comfort trumps performance or length. Sanlorenzo has a firm belief that every yacht is analogous to the needs of her owner, so where one individual covets speed or spaciousness, another tends to gravitate towards top-notch design, modularity or high-tech yacht amenities.

The types of yacht hulls made by Sanlorenzo vary greatly – these include planning, semi-displacement and full-displacement hulls, as well as more traditional hull shapes. Engine and power options include inboard, outboard and V-drive power options, mainly for diesel propulsion, but with other propulsion systems also.

The materials used in the production of Sanlorenzo vessels are aluminum, steel and fiberglass, either solid or resin-infused. The teak found on the decks is all hand-carved and hand-polished, giving guests the maximum level of comfort.

Since Sanlorenzo is relied upon to produce only the most exclusive yachts on the water, this fact reflects in its yacht range, which incorporates the SL, SD and SX yacht fleets. When it comes to bigger and more luxurious vessels, Sanlorenzo`s superyacht range includes the Alloy, Steel, Explorer and E-motion fleets.

Keeping up with the times, Sanlorenzo also strives towards innovation, incorporating modern technologies and cutting-edge materials in the production of their yachts, such as carbon fiber used to strengthen the superstructures or advanced solid-state batteries, for e-powered yachts or longer and more durable battery life.

Notable Sanlorenzo yachts

Sanlorenzo is one of Italy`s most prominent builders of luxury yachts, and one of the world`s top ten luxury yacht builders. This means that customization is always regarded as one of the primary features of Sanlorenzo`s construction, which covers many different ranges and types of yachts, always built to suit specific tastes of the owner; meaning every yacht is unique.

To give readers a glimpse into the variety and all-encompassing expertise of Sanlorenzo, here is a short list of some of the most notable series, types and yacht examples built by this yacht shipyard, that can be found on the water today.

Explorer fleet

Type: 500EXP

The 500Exp is Sanlorenzo`s first explorer yacht, with capabilities that transcend regular yachts. Boasting improved range and a reinforced hull, the 500 Exp has the capability to break ice in the Antarctic, then go on a leisure cruise in the Caribbean, all without refueling or sacrificing anything from the list of luxurious amenities.

Measuring 47 meters, the 500 Exp will deliver performance, durability and comfort, wrapped in that distinguishable Sanlorenzo package. This luxurious yacht can also be viewed as a “4×4” on water, with her onboard helipad and an array of equipment for exploration.

She is also equipped with a crane, located on the main deck aft, adding versatility to an already avid capability list. Her recognizable explorer profile is immediately noticeable to everyone observing her on the water. The range is quite astonishing – 4000 thousand miles of cruising ability, without the need of refueling.

She can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins, which makes cruising on the 500Exp an exclusive experience indeed.

sanlorenzo yacht shipyard 500EXP yacht model
500EXP Superyacht from Sanlorenzo Yacht Shipyard – Photo Credit to sanlorenzoyacht.com

Alloy fleet

Type: 62Steel

Notable example: Cloud 9

The 62Steel specimens personify this yacht type in Cloud 9, a marvelous 61.5 meter vessel. The most notable exterior characteristic is that the entire hull is made of steel, which enables plenty of interior volume, as well as wide decks and spacious accommodation.

The smooth lines of her profile carry the unmistakable signature of the Sanlorenzo design – sleek deck arrangement, seamless transitions between the exterior and the interior, as well as amenities that are smartly integrated into the architecture of the hull and superstructure.

The spaciousness of the interior is best communicated in the huge master`s suite on the upper deck, where floor-to-ceiling windows allow for incredibly vivid panoramas. The facilities found on the 62Steel are typical hallmarks of Sanlorenzo luxury: a private owner`s terrace, a gym, a pool and a complete wellness venue located in the beach club.

The foredeck can also serve a purpose of a touch-and-go helipad, and the yacht has a fully functioning elevator, enabling guests to move freely throughout the yacht, even if they are physically impaired. The 62Steel can accommodate 12 guests in 5 staterooms, constructed by prominent Sanlorenzo designers and contractors.

sanlorenzo yacht shipyard cloud 9 yacht charter
Cloud 9 Yacht for Charter – Photo Credit to sanlorenzoyacht.com

Alloy fleet

Type:44 Alloy

Notable example: H1

H1 is a yacht that has been nominated for the 2021 World Superyacht Awards, which only underlines her uniqueness and the mastery of her craft. Made mostly out of aluminium, H1 is a fast-displacement yacht that incorporates groundbreaking engineering feats and cutting-edge technology.

Her amenities include a gym, a spa pool, hydraulic balconies and an incredible beach club, with a fully equipped sports center and a bar.

She can accommodate 10 guests in 5 glorious staterooms, designed to be as comfortable and inviting as possible. The 9 experienced crew members aboard will make sure each guest receives the very best of 5-star hospitality service. The top speed of H1 is 22 knots, while the cruising speed is 18 knots.

sanlorenzo yacht shipyard h1 yacht for charter
H1 yacht from Sanlorenzo – Photo Credit to sanlorenzoyacht.com

Steel fleet

Type: 46Steel

Notable example: Rev D`Or

Rev D`Or yacht charter was built by Sanlorenzo in 2011 and refitted in 2017. This marvelous yacht leaves every observer breathless, due to her amenities, spacious decks and overall design. Her 46 meters of length offer a chance to intimately experience the natural bounties of the sea and observe all the beauties of the Croatian Adriatic.

Her 6 cabins can comfortably accommodate 12 guests, while stabilisers, both at anchor and underway, create a sense of standing on solid ground, even when you sleep. Her cruising speed is a comfortable 13 knots, with the potential of developing max speeds of about 17 knots.

Among her many amenities, the most notable examples include a fully equipped outdoor yacht gym, a big sundeck jacuzzi and an inviting jacuzzi lounge. Charter guests find that Rev D`Or offers the best charter experience when she is cruising in the beautiful Croatian Adriatic sea.

reve dor yacht charter side view
Reve D’or Yacht Charter

Steel fleet

Type: 52Steel

Notable example: Seven Sins

This timeless Sanlorenzo-built yacht won the 2018 World Superyacht award for best design, mostly due to the incredible design and architecture of the beach club.

This incredible space includes a fully-equipped bar, but the main feature is the glass ceiling above the beach club, which is also the floor of a lengthy pool, located on the main deck aft. This creates an interesting optical effect of the water from the pool reflecting the incoming light downward into the beach club.

Seven Sins can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins, who will enjoy a fully-functioning gym and sauna. Seven Sins was praised for her groundbreaking design in 2018, becoming a benchmark for future megayachts; some designs present on Seven Sins can still be traced today, to yachts of different builders following the same general concept present in this yacht.

This fact stands as a true testament to Sanlorenzo`s ingenuity when it comes to yacht construction and design.

seven sins yacht charter side view
Seven Sins Yacht Charter – Full Side View

The value of San Lorenzo yachts

The cost of Sanlorenzo yachts varies greatly and it depends entirely on the size and year of the build. Some older yachts are more affordable, while newer and more modern vessels require more spending power.

One thing is for certain, Sanlorenzo`s signature guarantees that these yachts do not lose value over time; only maturing into classic yachts instead of outdated boats.

San Lorenzo is the only shipyard that can compete in different yacht categories as a single brand – no other yacht builder can provide the same quality for 20 meter and 60 meter yachts, built in their own shipyard.

The Global Order Book ranks Sanlorenzo in the top 10 superyacht builders in the world constantly, incorporating their entire range, from 28 meters to 62 meters. Sanlorenzo is also a standing member of SYBAaa, which stands for Superyacht Builders Association.

Why charter a Sanlorenzo yacht in Croatia with SuperYachts Croatia

A Sanlorenzo yacht is the personification of Italian craftsmanship – if there is something the Italian shipyards are widely recognized for, it is their ability to produce outstanding leisure crafts. Artistry and masterful craftsmanship is synonymous with Sanlorenzo yachts, which are made by combining advanced technologies and the skilled hands of artisan craftsmen.

Using conventional materials such as steel and aluminum, but also fiberglass and carbon fibre materials, Sanlorenzo manages to stay ahead of the curve, always one-upping the competition and producing some of the most exquisite superyachts to be found on the seven seas.

San Lorenzo builds approximately 50 yachts a year, meaning their exclusivity is the result of a meticulous building process, that consists of many different stages.

Supervision is an integral part of their quality process, which has been in place since 1958 and is constantly evolving. Sanlorenzo prides itself in expressing the individuality of the owner, which reflect in the type yacht which is produced following strict guidelines set by the future owner

The entirety of Sanlorenzo`s knowledge and experience produces unique artisan creations, that feel splendid, look great and find their perfect place cruising in the Croatian Adriatic sea.

A superyacht vacation in Croatia and Sanlorenzo yachts go hand in hand due to the simple fact that elite works of art that are Sanlorenzo yachts find their perfect place in the timeless beauty of the Croatian Adriatic sea.

The incredible grace of the turquoise Croatian sea and the lush greenery of its countless islands beckon charter guests to come and explore. If you want your yacht holiday to be an unforgettable experience, contact your local Superyachts Croatia broker, who will your dreams into reality.