There are yachts, and then there are Sanlorenzo yachts. Unique and bespoke, only 1,000 of these stunning yachts have been crafted over more than half a century, each embodying exquisite and one-of-a-kind beauty. Join O2H2O Vietnam as we explore the special craftsmanship of Sanlorenzo in today’s article.

The 1950s were a golden era for Italian design. It was a time when the country was reasserting itself, with Vespas zooming through the streets and Ferraris gliding along the roads, while the garments of Ferragamo and Pucci epitomized high fashion. Modern designers like Achille Castiglioni and Gio Ponti skillfully played with form and space. When Ponti’s Pirelli Tower was completed in Milan in 1958, he remarked, ‘She is so beautiful that I want to marry her.’

And on the sea, there was a similar grace and elegance. In 1958, a new shipyard emerged from the small coastal town of Florence, bringing with it the mission to showcase Italian craftsmanship and design through each distinctive yacht. Sanlorenzo developed from there, continuously innovating with modern technology and materials, ushering in creative ideas that completely transformed the image of yachting. One of the standout innovations was the design of open spaces and asymmetrical layouts, creating expansive and comfortable living areas like never before.

Bespoke Yacht Design

Sanlorenzo does not produce mass-produced yachts. Each one is fully customizable, reflecting the personal touch of its owner. Over more than six decades of operation, Sanlorenzo has crafted only around 1,000 yachts, each a unique masterpiece that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its owner. Just like renowned fashion designers who create exclusive haute couture collections, Sanlorenzo focuses solely on crafting bespoke yachts, tailored entirely to the specific requests of each client

Creativity Led by Exceptional Talents

Sanlorenzo’s creativity is shaped by exceptional artisans, including architect Piero Lissoni, who has served as artistic director since 2018. Sanlorenzo is a pioneering brand in seeking inspiration beyond the shipbuilding industry, focusing on inviting prominent names like Christian Liaigre’s Studio Liaigre and Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola to bring fresh perspectives to its projects. This approach not only fosters creativity but also positions Sanlorenzo at the forefront of global art events like Art Basel and the Venice Biennale, where the brand continually innovates and leaves its mark with unique artworks. Notably, in 2025, the brand will launch Casa Sanlorenzo in Venice, establishing a new cultural hub.

The Clients are the Main Designer

The most unique aspect of Sanlorenzo lies in the fact that clients are the ultimate designers. Everything inside a Sanlorenzo yacht, including the interiors, materials, and colors, can be transformed according to the owner’s preferences.

The interior space serves as a blank canvas for owners to realize their dreams, with support from the talented designers at the shipyard. This is where Sanlorenzo surpasses other manufacturers, elevating personalization capabilities to every detail, from the smallest cabinet handles to a complete kitchen redesign. With an almost limitless collection of materials and finishes, Sanlorenzo offers a creative experience full of freedom, like a vast coral reef with countless shades and textures.

Nick Hatfield, Sales Manager for Sanlorenzo Yachts in the UK and Ireland, shares: “For example, we recently launched the SL96A in April. The client made 411 customizations in the initial contract, and that number increased to over 600 later.” Instead of being limited by manufacturer specifications as is often the case, Sanlorenzo clients can select unique furnishings from renowned Italian brands like Minotti, Zucchetti, and Paola Lenti. For the SL96A, the client chose a Minotti ‘Connery’ sofa, a chaise longue, and handcrafted tables made by Sanlorenzo’s own artisans, along with a dining table that can transform into a coffee table.

One owner remarked, “Most manufacturers only offer interiors with three or four types of wood with a glossy or matte finish. When I asked about Sanlorenzo’s options, the response was ‘any sustainable wood available in the world.’” Any surface can be spray-painted in any color or upholstered in leather, with custom mirror finishes available

Designing a Unique Style from Land to Sea

Sanlorenzo always draws inspiration from the lifestyle of its owners on land, bringing interior designs that reflect their unique aesthetic tastes. There’s no reason why your yacht can’t embody the style of a loft in Manhattan with panoramic ocean views or a modern Greek villa with staircases leading down to the deck like a private beach. Customers can also customize cabin layouts, the number of rooms for crew and guests, and even add personal touches like a private corridor leading to the master suite.

Potential yacht owners are invited to the shipyard in La Spezia, on the Ligurian coast of Italy, for a tour before diving into the design details. The completion time for a yacht is typically 12 months, but throughout the process, owners receive continuous updates on progress with drawings and detailed reports.

Hatfield further explains, “Most design decisions depend on how the customers want to use the yacht. Will they use it for extended cruising with family, or turn it into a floating office for remote work with Starlink connectivity? One customer used his fourth yacht as a floating hotel with a chef and staff for parties at sea, prioritizing the swift transportation of food from the kitchen to the deck. Therefore, we added a butterfly window service to meet this requirement.