As they get older, many sailors switch to a motorboat out of convenience. With Sanlorenzo boss Massimo Perotti it is the other way round. The passionate boat builder, who transformed the Sanlorenzo brand into one of the most successful companies in the superyacht world within 20 years and who recently integrated the Finnish shipyard Nautor into his company empire, is changing sides on the water and focussing on wind propulsion.
In search of innovative solutions
It was only a year ago that Perotti started 50 metre long "Almax" the first yacht with methanol fuel cells. The steel displacement yacht built by Sanlorenzo continues to serve as a test laboratory for the ecological propulsion system, which enables open-plan layouts thanks to a small engine room.
With the SwanAlloy 44, the passionate yacht builder is now expanding its fleet and making a statement. With a new line of aluminium sailboats, Perotti wants to fill the gap in the market left by the bankruptcies of the shipyards Alloy Yachts in New Zealand and Perini Navi in Viareggio, which specialise in super yachts. The British brokerage firm Edmiston is helping him to market the large aluminium yachts.
Relocating production to Northern Europe?
Contrary to expectations, the large aluminium swans are not, like the Maxi line comprising four models laminated in Finland, but welded in Holland. Massimo Perotti confirmed that "at least the first unit will be built in the Netherlands". This decision marks a geographical expansion of the Nautor and Sanlorenzo yacht shipyards, which previously only produced in Finland and Italy, and could indicate a new strategic direction.
With the decision to build at least one yacht in the Netherlands, Massimo Perotti is relying on the maritime expertise of this northern European country. The Netherlands is regarded as one of the leading locations for yacht building, particularly in the production of aluminium superyachts. The shipyard industry there has specialised skilled workers and an established supplier structure. It is not clear from Perotti's statement whether the planned production is a one-off project or the start of a longer-term relocation of production.
New design paths
With a first presentation of the project This March, it was announced that designer Malcolm McKeon would be responsible for the design of the XL-Swan and not, as has been the case for four decades, the Argentinian design icon German Frers. Further technical details of the SwanAlloy44 are not yet known.
Larger aluminium models are being planned
It remains to be seen whether production of the SwanAlloy line will move to the Italian yacht-building mecca of Viareggio after construction number 1, as initially announced. The launch of Perotti's 44-metre sloop is planned for spring 2028. Larger models are being planned, but it remains to be seen exactly which yacht lengths will be involved. If the Sanlorenzo boss wants to continue on the path of Perini Navi founder Fabio Perini, lengths of between 50 and 70 metres can be expected. It remains exciting.
