Sanlorenzo SHE: How Retro Design Becomes a Quieter Luxury

Sanlorenzo SHE is a 25.5 m yacht (hull 22.9 m, beam 6.5 m) that carries six guests and three crew, reaches a maximum speed of 20 kn, and uses a Volvo Penta IPS hybrid powertrain.

Retro as a Complete System, Not Just a Style

Launched on 10 July with the tagline “where tradition meets tomorrow,” the model reinterprets the 1960s navetta hull form through contemporary design, technology, and craftsmanship, treating heritage as a functional product system rather than a decorative theme.

Avoiding the Retro‑as‑Prop Pitfall

Typical retro designs overload rounded corners, wood trim, brass, and vintage fonts, turning the vessel into a visual prop. SHE retains the low, balanced hull lines and classic proportions while stripping away overt nostalgic detailing. Zuccon International Project executed the exterior, preserving the classic yacht silhouette without adding decorative retro elements.

Hybrid Power as the Foundation of Quiet Luxury

Length 25.5 m, hull length 22.9 m, beam 6.5 m

Two IPS 30 PHEV Volvo Penta engines, 1000 HP total

Two 160 kW electric motors

Maximum speed 20 kn, cruising speed 17 kn

All‑electric top speed 11 kn, cruising 7 kn

Capacity 6 guests, 3 crew

The dual‑energy system provides silent electric cruising, intelligent consumption, and sustainable performance, turning the powertrain into an experiential platform rather than a noise‑generating showcase.

Interior by Piero Lissoni: Long‑Term Living Over Opulence

Lissoni’s “Modern classic” interior emphasizes restraint, brightness, and continuous spaces that feel like a contemporary residence. Heavy wood veneers and overt luxury symbols are omitted in favor of clean, breathable volumes, aligning daily livability with the exterior’s timeless proportions.

The Significance of a 25.5‑Meter Scale

At 25.5 m the yacht is modest compared with 80‑100 m concept vessels. It offers 5 350 L fuel capacity and 1 400 L freshwater while remaining human‑scaled, reinforcing the authenticity of its retro inspiration.

Market Validation and the Shift Toward Low‑Noise Luxury

Before its Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 debut, the first five SHE yachts were sold. SuperYacht Times described the model as a “quieter vision of luxury yachting,” appealing to owners who prioritize substance over spectacle.

Insights for Designers

Historical motifs should serve present‑day experience rather than act as mere decoration.

Technology integration should support the lifestyle narrative without appearing as a gimmick.

A modest scale can deliver a coherent product identity, demonstrating that luxury does not require excessive size or noise.