NEW BOATS - Sanlorenzo 94
As a passionate sailor, it has taken me a long time to come to terms with those vessels that require several hundred thirsty horses to propel them across the sea — especially as they invariably cut me up while I’m enjoying a leisurely afternoon on the water and send my G&T flying across my cockpit. However, with the recent summer — if you can call it that — demonstrating why northern Europeans often head somewhere else for their hols, I have to admit a growing fondness for the large cruiser.
The latest design to catch my eye is the SL94 from Italian builder Sanlorenzo, due to be unveiled at the upcoming Monaco and Genoa Yacht Shows this autumn. Borrowing styling cues from her bigger sister, the SL104, this 94-footer boasts many features, one of which is a larger-than-usual sundeck area. The space for this fully customisable area has been achieved thanks to a clever tender stowage and launching system in an aft garage — which can take a 15-foot tender lying athwartships without affecting twin aft stairs to the bathing platform — meaning the upper deck is tender free.
In the main living area, the saloon is separated from a forward dining area by stairs to the lower deck accommodation and a dayhead, giving a self-contained informal area aft and a cosy eating space forward. Unusually, a large galley occupies the main deck forward, with a crew mess beyond that, while the lower deck cabins follow a familiar layout — large owner cabin amidships, two twin/double guest cabins and a forward VIP, beyond which lie the crew cabins.
The first build has interior designed for the owner by Francesco Paszkowski in what is described as a “modern, sober style”. This sleek and stylish package is powered by a couple of engine options from Caterpillar or MTU giving top speeds respectively of 27 or 29 knots. Which, come to think of it, would be fast enough to get me to port before the ice in my G&T has melted. I knew there was a reason I liked these yachts… — Tim Thomas