The Sanlorenzo SX100 that debuted recently can rightfully be thought of as a middle child. The SX line represents a crossover between the builder’s planing SL models and its semi-displacement SD yachts. And the SX100 sits between the SX88 and SX112 as the ‘tweener in that line. As a model that bridges multiple gaps, its versatility—the ability to be a long-haul cruiser or a mega dayboat—is what makes the design so interesting.
As Robb Report discovered during an onboard visit at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the SX100 brings to the table a profile and exterior aesthetic that is contemporary, if not futuristic, thanks to a reverse-rake windshield thick, chunky bulwarks, and open stern. The forward part looks robust and seaworthy.
The open stern, with fold-down sides creates a connection with the water.
Guillaume Plisson
But this hard exterior gives way to a vessel that is equal parts playful and elegant. On stepping aboard, the SX100 exhibits a large beach club that becomes enormous, once its twin terraces to port and starboard fold out. Modular furniture like lounge chairs and ottomans make the area the yacht’s premiere alfresco entertainment space.
The beach club also offers access to the yacht’s engine room, which houses four Volvo Penta IPS D13s that deliver a top speed of 23 knots. At 10 knots, its range is an impressive 1,600 nautical miles.
The lower salon, typically a dark, cramped space, is the bonus room aboard this yacht.
Guillaume Plisson
Forward of the beach club, compliments of the IPO engine layout, is the lower salon. Similar to the design on the larger SX112, the space nicely suits the exterior portion of the deck, and also makes this boat amenable to charter parties and for larger, multi-generational families, because this salon also offers privacy.
Most of the accommodations on this yacht are forward of that lower salon. But the master is on the main deck and it will be a tempting design for any prospective owner. The spacious, full-beam, ensuite design is accentuated by eye-catching quadrangular windows to either side.
Interior design choices in the main suite, like a suede headboard and chic nero marquinia black marble in the head, will appeal to a sophisticated clientele.
The main salon also has a simple, elegant design.
Guillaume Plisson
On the flybridge, the SX100 incorporates a multi-weather indoor-outdoor design. The vessel’s single helm (which frees up space in the main-deck salon) is located on this bridge. This location also provides excellent sightlines for the captain.
Windows to port and starboard in the enclosed section of the deck lower to allow fresh air to fill the salon. A teak ceiling, which plays off the helm’s unfinished teak steering wheel nicely, has slats that also open electrically to provide more natural light. The aft end of the flying bridge is open, designed for alfresco living.
The third salon is on the enclosed flybridge, with a slatted roof that opens to the elements.
Guillaume Plisson
The boat we tested in Cannes also had a modular sunpad and lounge chairs on the flybridge, providing an excellent place to hang out under way, watching the world disappear in your wake.
Typically, ‘tweener products are seen as also-rans, or at most, uninspired copies of an original idea. But in the case of the SX100, it’s a breath of fresh air in the 100-foot category where the launches tend to be conservative compared to more adventurous designs in the 80- and 125-foot sectors. The third salon sealed the deal.