Multihulls Special 2021: Sunreef expands range, production

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Sunreef recently launched a carbon version of its popular 80

Sunreef Yachts is in an exciting period as it continues to roll out models from its updated sailing and powercat lines headed by the Sunreef 80 and 80 Sunreef Power. At the same time, it’s preparing for a busy summer, when it’s scheduled to launch the first 80ft sailing and power models from its new Eco line, as well as the first 70 Sunreef Power and 100 Sunreef Power, while continuing to build its flagship 49M Power.

Sunreef is developing its new shipyard in Gdansk

All this while continuing its ongoing relocation from its original base at the historic Gdansk Shipyard to its spectacular and still-evolving 81,000sqm site further along the Martwa Wisla river. Last year, more manufacturing halls were added at the new site and all office buildings were completed, today housing all non-factory staff.

Despite retaining its original 35,000sqm shipyard to help keep up with demand, the company is already planning to expand its new production facilities, warehouses and workshops.

Francis Lapp founded Sunreef in 2002

“Despite a difficult year worldwide, we kept growing and hiring new staff. We expanded our new shipyard and maintained growth. We have 1,500 people working at Sunreef now and we’re still hiring,” says Francis Lapp, founder and President of the company.

“With the growth we’re currently experiencing, we have the old and new shipyard working in parallel. This enables us to keep up the pace and maintain a good rhythm of production. Eventually, all the production will move to the new facility, but as for now, we keep building in two locations. Complete relocation is planned for the end of 2023.”

A customised flybridge on a Sunreef 80 sailing cat

The pioneering Polish builder has been doing things on a larger scale and in a more customised fashion ever since Lapp formed the company in 2002 and the following year launched a Sunreef 74, an oceangoing luxury flybridge catamaran. In 2008, it launched its first big powercat, the double-deck 70 Sunreef Power with oceanic range.

Sunreef’s recent surge in sales and expansion follows an overhaul of its sail and power ranges, which started in memorable fashion with the world premieres of the Sunreef 80 and the 80 Sunreef Power at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Ocean Vibes, the first Sunreef 70, was launched last year

The huge success of the Sunreef 80 – whose sales include the Chinese-owned Double Happiness – spearheads a sailing range that also includes the 50, 60 and the 70, whose first hull was launched last year.

Meanwhile, Rafa Nadal and a China-based client are among the growing list of owners of the 80 Sunreef Power, which was joined late last year by the first 60 Power, while the first 70 Power will launch this summer.

Rafa Nadal received his 80 Sunreef Power last year

“We inaugurated both the sail and power range with 80-footers that brought a lot of new customers and the Sunreef 80 has become a bestseller as well as the 80 Sunreef Power. Those models spearheaded the success of our new range,” Lapp says.

“The Sunreef 50, 60 and 70 in the sail range have also had great feedback from our clients, while the 60 Sunreef Power is growing in popularity with new deliveries including the US and Qatar.”

The 60 Sunreef Power is the builder’s newest powercat

As seen with global sales of pre-owned superyachts, Lapp believes Covid has made many clients considering buying a yacht in the future push ahead with a purchase while boating stands out as one of the most enjoyable ‘safe’ activities.

“In some ways, the pandemic has pushed people to reach out for the things they desire and stop putting plans on hold. This translated into a growing number of sales. I’m not surprised with this trend as I can understand people looking for more privacy, more freedom, more quality time with friends and family away from all the stress and anxiety.”

The first 100 Sunreef Power is among upcoming launches

The yard has a history of building bigger models, having launched the double-deck Sunreef 102 sailing cat and sloop-rigged Sunreef 114 in 2010, plus the double-deck Sunreef 88 in 2017. Its biggest ongoing builds include the 100 Power announced last year and the 49M Power, a 161-footer with a beam of 55ft.

Spearheading the new Eco range are the upcoming Sunreef 80 Eco and 80 Sunreef Power Eco, both featuring solar panels integrated into the hull sides, flybridge and hardtop, and even the mast on the sailing yacht.

The first Sunreef 80 Eco will launch this summer

“Apart from our solar system and electric propulsion, the Sunreef 80 Eco will be able to generate clean energy while under sail due to a hydro-generation system,” Lapp says.

“Both cats will be equipped with custom-engineered, ultralight battery banks and will feature a gas-based air-conditioning system that will be a huge energy saver.”