Superyacht SAN: Simple Yet Refined Elegance

The new 45-metre Superyacht SAN represents a feat of engineering and design by maintaining a sleek profile and constant visual contact with the sea while enhancing interior living spaces and onboard comfort. SAN was built in Turkey by Alia Yachts. Both exterior and interior were designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, while the naval architecture is by Lateral Naval Architects.

The superyacht features a large main deck aft with a shaded area for sofas. Steps lead down to sunpads and folding bulwarks that expand the beach club area in the stern. The exterior furniture found on deck can be adapted for dining, cocktail settings or sunbathing. The adjustable teak dining table can be used as a coffee table or raised and extended for dining. Positioned under the foredeck is a tender garage and dedicated crane.

SAN’s streamlined, coupé-style exterior lines make the profile appear as low in the water. The unique design with cutouts in the bulwarks, means the sea is always visible, even from a seated position.

The minimalist raised pilothouse configuration makes the most efficient use of available space. Even the wheelhouse has been pared down to occupy the least volume possible while still remaining functional. Inside, it resembles an airplane cockpit.

“The main challenge on a yacht of this size and volume is that every square centimetre had to be optimised. While developing the layout we had to push the boundaries everywhere while taking care that you could still move around the boat comfortably, so the ergonomics were important too,” says Paul Costerus, Sinot’s senior yacht designer and project manager.

Meanwhile, to keep the profile low and sleek meant a portion of the ceiling in the main saloon had to be lowered – to provide sufficient standing room in the pilothouse. This was creatively compensated by having the main seating and dining area in a cosy, Japanese-style recess in the floor. 

The interior design perfectly complements the external appearance and is simple, yet elegant. Only 15 high-quality materials including teak, stained oak, eucalyptus, and tan leather—were used throughout the yacht. Despite its understated design, the yacht exudes a welcoming ambience, featuring intricate details like butterfly joints in the carpentry, saddle-stitched leather and stainless steel accents. Apart from a few pieces of free-standing furniture, all the fitted furniture is by Alia Interiors Atelier. 

The same refined look continues in the guest suites on the lower deck, which is accessed via a spiral staircase behind the bar in the main saloon. 

The master stateroom is forward beyond a walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. Taking advantage of the bow shape, the bed is flanked by cushioned bench seating and long windows of compound-curved glass for natural light to flood in.

There are four guest suites, each personalised in different colour palettes. Meanwhile, the bathrooms’ golden beige Luget limestone was quarried in France and personally chosen by the owner.

A service door at the end of the guest accommodation corridor leads into the crew quarters, comprising three cabins (one with shared head) and captain’s cabin for a total of seven crew, galley, crew dinette and laundry. The crew area is compact but well-appointed and comfortable. There is also direct access to the engine room that houses four 700hp Volvo Penta engines.

SAN has an impressive top speed of 23 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. By turning out such remarkable vessels, Alia Yachts, the Turkish boatbuilder is fast gaining a reputation for nautical excellence.