SD 122 Santa Anna

In the field of composites built yachts more and more owners have opted for semi-displacing motor yachts in lieu of faster planing ones which expresses according to some of them, a more mature outlook on how to best live the sea, the yacht, with greater awareness, and added comfort, in a yacht which is quieter, and close to cruising sailing yachts…

Maybe though we can also argue that essentially this choice is purely dictated by an impelling necessity to reduce fuel consumption which after all is legitimate giving the period we’re currently undergoing. A number of yards which until recently produced fast hulls only are offering today a rich range of options transforming this niche market into a growing trend for slower vessels which is now taking the lion’s share in comparison to the other formats and typologies.

Among the more representative semi-displacing Italian motor yacht brands known for their style and quality and which have been internationally recognized there’s the Sanlorenzo range which is realistically new still – with its first model the SD92 which goes back to 2007and features Francesco Paszkowski’s layout – the SD92 was wanted by Massimo Perotti who took over the yard from Giovanni Jannetti two years earlier in 2005.

Paszkowski ranks as one of the more established designers from the Italian school who’s initialled several models from this shipyard among which there’s the above mentioned SD92 or the multi-prize winning Alloy 40 from the Sanlorenzo metal built line, or the more recent SL94 from the planing range of yachts and lastly also “Santa Anna” this lovely semi-displacing SD 122 which is by no means slow since it sports a top speed of 17 knots and a range of 3,597 nautical miles at 11 knots. The yacht is made up of three decks with an overall length which is just short of 38 metres – it’s in actual fact 37.75 metres, while the beam is all of 8 metres. This ship boasts large volumes and consequently disposes of much liveable space accompanied by a well proportioned and modern design without being stylistically excessive even if endowed with a strong personality.

The first one was delivered in 2008 and Santa Anna which we’re presenting is the fourth of the six of the SD 122 series built to date even if chez Sanlorenzo the only “serial built” things are the naval projects and exterior layouts. In Sergio Buttiglieri’s words, head of Sanlorenzo’s design department: “Our main feature is that our products are all made to measure” which entails involving the owner and liaising right from the layout of the interiors, and accessories which make up some of the yacht’s furniture to better meet and satisfy his requirements and tastes which make of every ship something unique… As for Santa Anna’s personalisation project which started off by determining the dominating principal essence to be deployed while the choice fell on elm wood and the kind of more laborious wood work it requires since in nature an elm tree is on the short side in comparison to others and consequently shorter and smaller strips can be obtained from each one.

Consequently we had to carry out lots of meticulous work to find matching, and more uniform colours for the panelling which produced the results required and which make the yacht stand out as something different and at a glance something truly personal … All of this is also enhanced by “pale green” glossy lacquered facing to the bathrooms, with marble flooring – brushed and smoothened Fossena Stone which has been widely used in all guest bathrooms, and in the captain’s quarters. Brushed and smoothened Tobacco Brown coloured stone has been installed in the two day bathrooms in addition to “thermally treated” dark oak wood flooring with opaque lined strips… The owner’s choice fell on matching different shades of oak on the lower deck level with the grain set across and with an eggshell/opaque “hand painted peach finish” look to it, and with light coloured carpeting which clearly matches the bed headboards’ colour and leather lining situated in the two guest cabins while it purposely contrasts with the bed headboards in the two VIP cabins which sport dark leather lining instead.

The owner’s cabin which runs full beam and has been placed forward of the main deck sports contrasting colour schemes too. What’s striking about this cabin with its double bed set at centre, over and beyond the sheer size of the cabin itself is the attention given to detail which stands out for the exquisite finish and selection of furniture. As for much of the remainder of the ship this cabin features a number of “valuable pieces” taken from the most established furniture brand catalogues to embellish and add value to every area.

As does the LC 09 chaise longue situated in the port side of the owner’s cabin or for example the Knoll Brno armchair found in the study to starboard. The bathroom serving the suite is equipped with a shower unit, a Turkish bath and hydro-massage where glossy coke coloured onyx linings dominate throughout. Along the same deck towards the stern beyond the Boffi cooker with adjoining Corian lined work tops in the galley we come to several convivial areas shared by the owner and guests.

A living room hosting two Minotti Hilton sofas with sand coloured upholstery, followed by a saloon /TV area furnished with Arketipo Love armchairs a second LC 09 chaise longue and a small circular Minotti Huber coffee table and then finally to the main dining room seating 10 in B&B “Vol au Vent” chairs. Buttiglieri carries on to explain – “the owner has requested a fairly classic configuration for a ship of this size and has preferred to lodge the captain in quarters that are adjacent to the helm/controls station which is an ideal position especially when undertaking long passages.

The remaining portion of this deck sports a sky lounge area furnished by another Minotti Hilton sand coloured sofa and with two Arketipo Love armchairs on the starboard side while the opposite side sports a B&B Landscape chaise longue.

A glazed door set forward of the living room between the helm controls station and lounge links the stern’s day lounge with the helm controls station and sea view toward the bow beyond the wheelhouse. An informal dining area has been situated as requested by the owner in the open air portion astern of the upper deck. This area can seat 10 around a large teak table while two matching teak corner divans and a barbecue with grill and basin complete the zone.”

The flying bridge above is dedicated for tan fans but also for others’ enjoyment too since a Jacuzzi hosting up to three is placed forward of the mock funnel inside which there’s a conveniently placed day head while astern of it there are four sun beds and a wet bar corner served by three dark coffee tables.

For further information Via Salvadori 58 – 55049 VIAREGGIO (LU) +39 0 58438071 [email protected] www.sanlorenzoyacht.com

by Stefano Colotti

The sea trial was pubblished in Superyacht 34 – Autumn 2012