Sanlorenzo SL96 Asymmetric Review (2024 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The SL96A has a sharp, modern profile, with a drop-down bulwark section on the port side that lifts to create a flush line underway or drops at anchor to reveal near floor-to-ceiling glazing from inside. High rails run along the side decks, giving secure passage forward to a large sunbathing area on the foredeck. The forward sunpads include adjustable backrests, and a height-adjustable table sits just aft, converting to another lounging zone. Bimini poles are in place to allow shading, though the owner preferred to keep this space open. An additional leading line winch has been added at the bow, aiding line handling when stern-to docking. Twin stainless-steel anchor chains and an extra deck locker for warps and poles round out the foredeck setup.

To port, a private side-deck door leads directly from the owner's suite to the foredeck - a feature complemented by a gate that swings across to cordon off the space for private use. The galley also has direct access to the deck, helping with provisioning and circulation.

Aft, the cockpit is fitted with a large table and sofa seating. Wide steps either side lead down to the swim platform, and rope-handling winches, extra cleats, and side boarding doors complete the practical setup. Life rafts are neatly housed in hydrostatically released lockers on deck.

The flybridge features a custom dining area with height-adjustable tables, convertible to daybeds. Adjustable electric helm chairs and multiple Garmin screens fill the forward helm station under a louvered hardtop. Aft of the helm is a sociable area with more seating, an upgraded music system, fridge drawers, an ice maker, and a wet bar with sink. This owner opted not to include a grill, leaving the aft section open as a relaxed space for evening drinks or events. A cinema screen and projector setup can be deployed, and bimini poles extend coverage over the aft end.

Tender handling is carried out using the full-beam garage. A Williams 435 tender sits on a cradle that connects to the submersible bathing platform via guide tracks. The whole operation is automated, with manual overrides. The garage includes custom mounts to support the tender and was fitted with a bespoke console including a Garmin screen.

Rather than the standard bar layout in the main saloon, the owner extended the seating area and added a custom daybed. A marble coffee table, designed by the owner and fabricated by the yard to align perfectly with the fluted timber around it, anchors the space. Dark, muted tones are offset by subtle lighting, while a concealed TV is set into a mirrored panel, framed with bronze accents to turn it into a feature wall when not being used.

The day head carries the same level of finish, with custom stonework and artwork carefully supported by reinforced bulkheads. This attention to structure extends throughout the boat. Screens throughout allow control over lighting, blinds, HVAC, and other systems. The lighting configuration is especially thorough, with power-operated blinds, dimmable scenes, and programmable presets accessed through centralised displays.

The galley is specced for heavy use, with twin 60cm ovens instead of the standard single unit, a warming drawer, twin dishwashers, and a Samsung smart fridge/freezer with cold water dispenser and digital display. Fold-up work surfaces on both sides offer extra prep space when catering for guests. There’s also a clever pass-through to the flybridge steps, so food can be served to the upper deck without walking through the interior.

Owner's Cabin

Positioned on the main deck forward, the owner's suite reflects the same obsessive attention to detail. The fluting, stonework, and also the height of joinery panels were specified by the owner. The layout includes a dressing area with wardrobes lining both sides, a mirrored TV, and a side door giving direct access to the side deck and forward terrace.

The ensuite includes a bidet and a rainfall shower with LED lighting in the headliner. Pocket doors close it off when privacy is needed. Storage is tucked neatly around the perimeter, and a custom two-level sideboard includes a small coffee station. A false bulkhead conceals the mounting system for a piece of wall art, allowing for future changes without altering the underlying structure.

Guest Accommodation

Below, the lower deck houses four guest cabins. Two twins forward can be configured either as doubles or split singles with a central nightstand that drops away. One also features a Pullman berth. TVs are again hidden behind mirrored panels, and each cabin has its own ensuite.

Aft, the two VIP cabins feature fixed double beds, large hull windows, and more generous wardrobe and shelving space. The ensuite bathrooms match the rest of the boat’s high standards, with vein-matched marble, full rainfall showers, and pocket doors for separation. The consistent detailing gives a sense of space that defies the yacht’s sub-30m (98.4ft) length.

Crew Accommodation

A discreet coffee station has been built into the corridor near the pilot house, so crew can grab drinks without entering the galley. The galley itself has its own side deck access, easing crew flow.

The lower crew quarters include three ensuite cabins, all twins. The captain’s cabin has a full control screen for monitoring onboard systems, with the same style of finish as the guest areas. A dedicated laundry space is fitted with professional Miele machines, in addition to a separate owner’s laundry hidden in the guest corridor for discreet use.

The space can be adapted depending on crew numbers - the owner here chose to maximise accommodation, but the forward cabin could serve as a mess if needed.

Accessed via the aft deck, the engine room houses upgraded 2,434hp MTU engines on V-drives, positioned aft to increase internal volume. These drive the yacht to a top speed of around 30 knots. She cruises efficiently between 17 and 24 knots, with a range of 300+ nautical miles at the higher end. At displacement speeds (around 9 knots), range increases to nearly 1,000 nautical miles. The V-drive setup allows conventional shaft drives while freeing up space forward.

The yacht is fitted with fin stabilisers and proportional hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, with all systems integrated into Schleitner hydraulic packs. A spot zero water purification system treats both seawater and dock water, allowing it to be used for drinking or even rinsing down the decks without leaving residue. Twin generators are installed, and the fire suppression system is automatic but can be manually activated remotely. The lighting control units also power the yacht’s 10 colour-changing underwater lights, which can sync to music.

This SL96A is a prime example of what happens when an experienced owner works closely with a top-tier shipyard. Like concealed AV systems and practical flybridge pass-throughs, for example. The interior is finished to an exceptional standard, and the yacht’s layout achieves a space that rivals much larger builds. Upgraded to have more power, better handling, full stabilisation, integrated systems, and a garage setup that wouldn’t be out of place on a 40m.

It’s a complete package, full of clever solutions, and set up to be lived in and enjoyed - whether you’re cruising at speed or just watching a film on the flybridge.