Sunreef 80 Eco, the sailing catamaran designed and built to sail in complete harmony with the elements of nature, is a pioneer in the world of responsible yachting
by Marco Mariani
Francis Lapp, founder and president of Sunreef Yachts, has an analytical mind with a perfectly natural visionary tendency to project the present into the future. Lapp is an entrepreneur and team leader who knows how to see something different in the future that others don’t see. This, in part, explains the success of the Polish shipyard.
The galley is located on the port side of the main deck; it is fully equipped and offers large storage space.
A vision allows you to create your own North star without boundaries, a realistic yet ambitious goal. Normally, however, when we define our goals, we tend to think only about what is possible. However, no one would ever have reached the peak of Everest, nor the moon, with this logic. Grom wouldn’t be the legendary ice cream maker he is today if he had not pursued the vision of “making the best ice cream in the world.” As a goal it is impossible, but as a vision it is perfect because it gives the company a clear direction.
THE MAIN DECK SALOON FEATURES TWO LARGE SOFAS AND A CONVERTIBLE TABLE AMIDSHIPS. TOWARDS THE BOW, SUNREEF 80 ECO HAS A FULLY EQUIPPED BAR WITH A PIANO AND A RETRACTABLE TV.
Lapp’s vision was to build the world’s most technologically advanced eco-friendly luxury catamaran and he seems to have accomplished it. The Sunreef 80 Eco, a sailing boat equipped with solar panels for power generation, is fully autonomous and can sail in absolute silence without consuming fossil fuels. The ultralight solar panels are integrated into the outer sides of the two composite hulls, in the mast, the superstructure, and the bimini roof. Assisted by the latest technology, the photovoltaic system can supply up to 36 kWh.
The layout can be customised according to the owner’s needs. The solution chosen for the first Sunreef 80 Eco includes a bright suite with a bathroom, a VIP cabin, and two twin guest cabins.
The yacht’s wind-free propulsion is provided by two 180 kW electric engines, which grant the highest energy efficiency and performance. When sailing, the Sunreef 80 Eco recovers energy from the passive motion of the two propellers thanks to an enhanced hydroelectric generation system. The resulting energy is used to power both propulsion and household appliances. The system is capable of generating over 15 kWh when sailing at more than 7 knots.
According to Francis Lapp: «We are taking a great step forward with this truly pioneering yacht. Renewable energy is the key element in the design of the Sunreef 80 Eco. Thanks to a revolutionary solar power system, hydro-generation, and performance sails, the Sunreef 80 Eco is fully autonomous, relying on the sun, water and wind».
The flybridge offers lounging areas, large sun pads, and a wet bar. Inside the aft cockpit, guests luxuriate in a full-beam relaxation space with a dining table and swim platform.
The Sunreef 80 Eco is also a very comfortable yacht thanks to its large surfaces, accommodating up to eight guests on board. The starboard hull of the catamaran has an exquisitely bright master suite, equipped with a double bed, en-suite bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe, a pop-up TV, a sofa, and a desk. The customised layout includes a VIP cabin in the central section of the port hull and two identical guest cabins in the forward part of each hull.
Built by Sunreef Yachts, the catamaran’s carbon mast was equipped with integrated solar panels made from composite material.
When sailing, the Sunreef 80 Eco recovers energy from the passive motion of the two propellers thanks to an advanced hydrogeneration system. The energy obtained is used to power both propulsion and household appliances.
The main deck hosts the yacht’s galley, which is fully equipped and offers many storage options. The lounge has two large sofas and a convertible table amidships. Towards the bow, the Sunreef 80 Eco has a fully-equipped bar with a piano and pop-up TV. The catamaran’s flybridge offers lounging areas, large sun pads, and a wet bar. Inside the aft cockpit, guests luxuriate in a full-beam relaxation space with a dining table and swim platform. The sail wardrobe includes a 200m² mainsail, 155m² Genoa, 340m² Gennaker, and 70m² staysail.
«We are taking a great step forward with this truly pioneering yacht. Renewable energy is the key element in the design of the Sunreef 80 Eco. Thanks to a revolutionary solar power system, hydro-generation, and performance sails, the Sunreef 80 Eco is fully autonomous, relying on the sun, water and wind». Francis Lapp
Sunreef 80 Eco’s sail equipment includes a 200m² mainsail, 155m² Genoa, 340m² Gennaker, and 70m² staysail.
SUNREEF VENTURE S.A.
Doki 1, 80-863 Gdańsk – Poland
www.sunreef-yachts.com
www.sunreef-yachts.com/en/contact
PROJECT
Sunreef Yachts (naval architecture and design)
HULL
LOA 23.87m
Maximum beam 11.53m
Solar panels 160m²/34kWp
Electric motors 2x 180kW
Batteries bank 550kW
Mainsail 200m² • Genoa 155m²
Gennaker 340m² • Staysail 70m²
EC CLASSIFICATION
CAT A
(Sunreef Yachts 80 Eco, sailing in harmony – Barchemagazine.com – July 2022)
