Gold Vision, Green Soul: Sol, the stunning 80 Sunreef Power Eco

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Sol, an 80 Sunreef Power Eco

Sunreef Yachts is in the process of delivering a stunning, gold-hulled 80 Sunreef Power Eco to US-based owners with a strong passion for sustainability. Named Sol, the striking solar-electric luxury catamaran is the first publicised version of a Power model from Sunreef’s Eco Line and has been described as the “world’s most advanced electric motor yacht” by the Polish builder.

The builder’s first Eco sailing catamaran, a Sunreef 80 Eco, was launched early last year. Distinguished by her dark-blue hull, Marie-Joseph went on to exhibit at the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show last September, as well as this year’s Dubai International Boat Show in the UAE, where Sunreef is developing a new production facility.

Sol features Sunreef’s revolutionary solar panels integrated into the hull sides and superstructure

Soon, there was more to come from the Eco line. Marie-Joseph was followed last year by a Sunreef 60 Eco sail cat and this year by the second Sunreef 80 Eco. It was then the turn of Sol, which was named in honour of the Norse sun goddess and launched in May at the builder’s second, larger production facility in the north-coast city of Gdansk.

Sol, also Spanish for sun, is an Eco version of the hugely popular 80 Sunreef Power, whose many owners include tennis star Rafa Nadal. Officially unveiled at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival, the 80 Power has already sold about 30 units between its standard and Eco versions, a staggering total considering the size of the 24m catamaran with a 12m beam.

Sol has two 360kW electric engines and 990kWh of batteries

However, eco-friendly propulsion and energy systems were priorities for Sol’s owners, a family of experienced boat owners “deeply engaged in sustainability and looking for the perfect eco-responsible motor yacht”, according to Sunreef.

Sol features Sunreef’s revolutionary solar-power system, with panels fully integrated into the hull sides and superstructure, and has two 360kW engines and 990kWh of batteries. The yacht also features an energy-saving air-conditioning system and smart energy management, while the tailored layout and décor includes four en-suite cabins to accommodate eight guests.

CHOOSING SUNREEF

The yacht’s owners have a long history in yachting. Spending time on the water since childhood, they’ve raced sailboats and cruised extensively in New England, Florida and the Bahamas with family boats, also chartering in the British Virgin Islands.

Forward view of the flybridge, fitted with a dining table, bar and L-shaped outdoor galley

“Our three generations of close-knit families have enjoyed countless joyful experiences on board our family yachts, but the climate impact of large power yachts is significant,” the owners said.

“We’ve taken extensive steps to impact the climate crises, so we could only consider a motor yacht if it incorporated technologies that are rapidly scaling in other sectors such as solar energy and electric vehicles. Given our focus on sustainability broadly, only an electric ‘Eco’ boat aligned with our values.”

Having researched the market with The Catamaran Company and visited overseas shipyards “to determine who was genuinely and successfully advancing state-of-the-art with electric and sustainable yachting”, the owners decided to build with Sunreef Yachts.

Forward view of the vast saloon, which the owners will outfit with additional furniture after the yacht arrives in the US

“The result of our discovery process was clear,” the owners said. “Sunreef leads the industry with research and development, high-quality production, highly evaluated sourcing, and compelling on-water performance.”

BUILDING THE DREAM

The couple, their captain, designer and broker all worked directly with Sunreef throughout the project, interfacing remotely with the shipyard’s client-facing team, sometimes on a weekly basis.

“Sunreef allowed for significant input and choice on our part. While we’ve never designed and built a yacht, we’ve brought our style and ideas from our home and hospitality projects, and enjoyed learning and shaping our future marine home,” the owners said.

Aft view of the cockpit, which offers alfresco dining

“On-site visits were extremely efficient in terms of making early design decisions about layout, material, colours and furnishings. Sunreef is a family-run, private company with a history of high achievement, and that culture is evident throughout the organisation.”

At time of writing, there was still work to be completed, with the owners planning to have the teak decking and most of the furniture installed in the US. Once it’s all done, the owners plan to spend summers on the yacht in the Northeast and winters in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, when the boat is not being chartered.