Heritage Meets Modern Design
Italian yacht builder Sanlorenzo has launched the first yacht in its new SHE Heritage line, combining the styling of classic 1960s motor yachts with contemporary engineering. The 25.5-metre yacht was launched in Ameglia, Italy, in July 2026 ahead of its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Designed by Zuccon International Project on the exterior and Piero Lissoni for the interior, SHE brings a more traditional silhouette to a market where modern yachts often favour sharper lines and expansive glass. Its design focuses on balanced proportions, restrained detailing and a closer connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Hybrid Power Takes Centre Stage
SHE is the first Sanlorenzo yacht to use Volvo Penta’s IPS hybrid propulsion system. Twin 1,000-horsepower diesel engines work alongside two 160 kW electric motors, allowing the yacht to operate in diesel, electric and combined-power modes.
The system allows quiet electric navigation at lower speeds, while diesel power supports longer journeys and higher performance. Sanlorenzo lists a top speed of 20 knots and full-electric speeds of up to 11 knots. The hybrid setup also supports battery charging while the yacht is operating under diesel power.
The technology is significant because hybrid propulsion is being introduced without making the yacht’s exterior look overtly experimental. It brings a new technical direction into a design rooted in Italian yachting heritage.
A Different Approach to Luxury
The 25.5-metre yacht features three guest cabins and accommodation for three crew. A transforming stern terrace improves access to the water, while a 3.95-metre electric tender extends the yacht’s onboard offering.
The result is a combination of traditional styling and newer systems designed to improve comfort, reduce noise during selected operations and offer more flexibility at anchor and in port.
Early Demand Signals
Sanlorenzo reported that the first five SHE units had been secured by owners before the yacht’s public debut. That early demand suggests the concept has found interest among buyers looking for a more classic aesthetic paired with modern propulsion.
For the builder, SHE is more than a new design. It demonstrates how heritage-led styling can be used as a platform for introducing technical changes in the premium yacht market. Its longer-term significance will depend on owner experience, real-world hybrid performance and whether demand extends beyond the first orders.
Sources
- Sanlorenzo — Sanlorenzo Launches SHE
- Sanlorenzo — SHE: Official Model and Technical Specifications
- YachtBuyer — Sanlorenzo SHE Review
- SuperYacht24 — Sanlorenzo Launches the First SHE; Five Units Already Sold







