Sanlorenzo 500Exp: where the Monaco Yacht Show meets EBACE

It is on the extended stern of the Sanlorenzo 500Exp that luxury meets technology. Here, the yacht transforms into a limitless adventure platform, offering a deck for a small helicopter and a garage that even accommodates a seaplane.

At the Monaco Yacht Show, the M/Y "M," displayed by the prestigious brokerage firm TWW Yachts with headquarters in Monaco, symbolizes this new frontier. But there’s more: the yacht not only explores the sea but also ventures into the sky and in this regards we have asked a comment form Mr Valerio Burchietti Owner Representative of TWW.

“It is not uncommon to see helicopters landing on or taking off from superyachts. But it is unique to see one onboard a 47m 499 GT yacht, along with a seaplane inside the tender bay.
We as TWW have been very lucky to have the opportunity to follow the building of this Sanlorenzo EXP500 on behalf of such a visionary Owner. This yacht, part of a successful Sanlorenzo series, was not conceived for such extreme use. The Client's request necessarily entailed rather large structural and operational challenges that might not have found a satisfactory solution to his needs. With the invaluable support of Sanlorenzo Project Team, one by one all potential issues became opportunities to challenge the existing design and remold this unit to become an enduring reference in the Yacht building industry”.

To better understand this connection, we draw a parallel with EBACE, the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, an annual event held in Geneva. If the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is synonymous with excellence for those who embrace the sea, EBACE represents the forefront of business aviation. These two worlds, seemingly separate, are increasingly converging, and this year, the Sanlorenzo 500Exp served as the catalyst for this integration. Onboard, we witnessed the future of private travel: a yacht that is not only a floating space of luxury but also a hub for connecting to new adventures, both in the sky and on the sea.

Helicopter

Let’s start with the crown jewel: the toys on board. These are not just accessories but true instruments that amplify freedom. The helicopter, for instance, is not merely a convenience but an extension of the journey itself, allowing for the exploration of islands, reaching cities, or discovering remote landscapes from a fresh perspective. The Leonardo AW09, a next-generation single-engine helicopter, is a marvel of engineering, featuring a composite material design that ensures safety and maneuverability. With a cruising speed of 260 km/h and a range of 800 km, it is the ideal vehicle for those who wish to venture far without sacrificing comfort.

Seaplane

Equally captivating is the seaplane, a true icon of freedom. The ICON A5 is designed for those who want to experience water from a new perspective: taking off and landing on the sea, lake, or river without the need for a traditional runway. Its foldable wings, carbon fiber structure, and aerodynamic design not only make it practical but also a stylish gem. With a maximum speed of 176 km/h and a range of 427 nautical miles, the ICON A5 allows for effortless exploration of remote coastlines, providing unique thrills with every takeoff.

The presence of these vehicles is not merely a style statement but a clear signal of change in the worlds of luxury yachting and aviation. Until recently, air and maritime transport were distinct, separated by rigid boundaries. Today, the Sanlorenzo 500Exp embodies a new vision: travel is no longer a matter of "where," but of "how." The future of yachting is not solely on the water but also in the sky.

In a world where travel has become an experience, innovation blends with adrenaline, and it is this very symbiosis that yachts like the 500Exp manage to offer. The toys on board are not just “toys,” but means to experience the sea and air like never before. And seeing a helicopter and a seaplane on the same deck raises the question: what does the future hold for us? Perhaps, soon, we will soar even higher… directly from a yacht.

Technical Specifications of Sanlorenzo M/Y “M”

The Sanlorenzo M/Y “M” is a luxury explorer from the 500Exp line, designed to offer comfort, style, and functionality, ideal for long cruises and adventures in remote locations.

Overall Length: 47 meters - Draft: 2.75 meters - Beam: 9.60 meters - Gross Tonnage: 499 GT
Filippo Ceragioli