Sunreef 80 Eco to launch in summer

alt="Sunreef 80 Eco to launch in summer"/>

While sailing, the Sunreef 80 Eco also generates power from rotation of the propellers

Sunreef Yachts is on course to premiere its new 80 Eco sailing catamaran this summer as it builds what it calls “the world’s most advanced sustainable luxury catamaran”. The all-electric Sunreef 80 Eco is based on the Sunreef 80, the flagship of the Polish builder’s updated range of sailing yachts that also includes 50, 60 and 70 models. However, the Sunreef 80 Eco is an autonomous craft designed for long offshore cruises in total silence, built to generate renewable energy both above and below the waterline.

The 80 Eco features ‘solar skin’ developed in-house by Sunreef

Sunreef has engineered and produced a solar skin system featuring “the world’s lightest solar cells”, according to the yard. The skin is fully integrated with the hull sides, superstructure, flybridge roof and carbon mast. The photovoltaic system will cover a total surface of 150sqm and deliver up to 34kWp.

The yacht’s wind-free propulsion will come from twin 180kW electric engines. Furthermore, while under sail, an advanced hydro-generation system will recover energy from the rotation of the two propellers, producing over 15kWh while sailing above seven knots. The energy obtained will be used to power both the propulsion and house appliances.

Sunreef’s solar skin wraps around the hull, superstructure, hardtop and even the carbon mast

Francis Lapp, President of Sunreef, which he founded in 2002, said: “The Sunreef 80 Eco is all about responsible sailing that relies on renewable energy. We are now pairing the industry’s most innovative solar-power system with hydro-generation. On top of that, the yacht will be able to save massive amounts of energy thanks to an air-conditioning system available exclusively on Sunreef Yachts catamarans.”

Sunreef’s Eco range also includes Power models, with the 80 Sunreef Power Eco set to launch later this year.