Introduction

With the launch of SHE—an acronym for Sanlorenzo Heritage—the Italian luxury yacht builder introduces a yacht that blends 1960s elegance with modern innovation, set to debut at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival from 8 to 13 September and spark interest among industry professionals and high-net-worth individuals.

With the unveiling of this yacht—a one-off project that will not, at least for the time being, lead to the creation of a new Sanlorenzo Yachts division—the shipyard is introducing the “restomod” category to the superyacht sector, even though SHE is entirely new.

The yacht draws on the shapes and minimalist style of the 1960s while offering advanced technology and features that resonate with industry professionals valuing innovation and quality, plus something more.

Style and dimensions

From the outside, SHE has a classic deep-V yacht hull, with an overall length of 25.5 metres and a beam of 6.5 metres. However, its construction follows a rigorous minimalist philosophy that takes the defining concepts of yachts from that era to their extreme.

Every visual and formal constraint has been removed to create a spacious living area at sea where nothing superfluous has a place, inspiring a sense of timeless elegance and exclusivity that appeals to discerning owners valuing quality over ostentation.

The spaces are generous, the materials and the way the various elements join are of the highest quality, and any accessory or feature that might obstruct the view or make moving around the yacht less fluid has been left out.

A triumph of light

The uncluttered environment and expansive glazing are designed to create visual continuity between the different areas, maximising the available space and allowing as much natural light as possible.

The upper level is a spacious lounge with 360-degree views, designed to make the most of the horizon. A small helm station is almost concealed in a corner, as if life on board took prominence over navigation. This contrasts with modern yachts, where the helm occupies a major position and is central to the design rather than the other way around.

The message is the following: power follows function. Rather, the need to move SHE through the water serves the quality of life on board and the unhurried pace conveyed by her lines.

Flush interior surfaces, the virtual absence of sharp corners and unnecessary volumes, and the use of just a few materials and colours—all of the highest quality—hold the scene.

A small spiral staircase provides direct access from the upper deck to a compact lounge, much like on an early twentieth-century ocean liner reinterpreted for the modern age.

Two exceptional partners

The exterior deck uses ecological teak, reducing surface temperature by 3–4°C, according to the shipyard. Meanwhile, the “Smart Island” configuration, developed through collaboration between Sanlorenzo, Zuccon International Project and Lissoni & Partners, creates a highly customisable space designed to enhance life on board, both in the forward sunbathing area and on the deckhouse.

The aft section accommodates the owner’s cabin, a VIP cabin and a guest cabin, each with its own private bathroom. The roof of the main salon, which features an upper outdoor sun deck accessible via a wide staircase, follows Sanlorenzo’s classic style, with two external arches bracing the aft terrace.

Advanced and eco-friendly propulsion

SHE is the first yacht to feature Volvo Penta IPS Hybrid technology, combining electric and diesel power with dual IPS30 units rated at 1,000 horsepower each, showcasing cutting-edge innovation for industry professionals and enthusiasts.

The top speed is 20 knots in hybrid mode, while the yacht can reach 9 knots using electric power alone. Recharging the batteries takes just 45 minutes when using diesel propulsion.

SHE also features an integrated carbon-fibre tender measuring approximately 3.95 metres and entirely EV-powered.

Initial thoughts

Some yachts define an era, but age over time and must inevitably give way to the next generation.

SHE embodies a philosophy designed to endure, blending minimalist style with exceptional quality and sophistication to appeal to discerning owners seeking timeless luxury over passing trends.

SHE represents a niche of timeless luxury vessels, and this is clearly the objective pursued by the shipyard together with its long-standing partners.

They have conceived a superyacht for discerning owners who have no interest in showing off or winning a race based on performance and extravagance.They appreciate the sophistication of a vessel that combines the outstanding quality of the handcrafted wooden yachts with the build standards offered by contemporary design and technology.

(Photo credit: Sanlorenzo)