Gdańsk, 2002: In a shut-down shipyard on the Polish Baltic coast, French entrepreneur Francis Lapp took a step few believed in at the time: founding Sunreef Yachts to build large, tailor-made luxury catamarans — innovative and far from the industry’s usual hubs.
Lapp, a successful businessman and passionate regatta sailor, saw a gap in the high-end multihull market. Poland offered exactly what he needed:
Highly skilled shipbuilders
Competitive production costs
Direct Baltic Sea access and strong maritime infrastructure
Just a year later, in 2003, the first Sunreef 74 was launched — making waves in the yacht world. From the outset, Sunreef stood for custom-built masterpieces crafted in close collaboration with owners, not mass-produced boats.
Sunreef Yachts. Credit: Milan@media4marine.com
Milestones of the Rise
2010 – Launch of the Sunreef 102 Double Deck, then the world’s largest sailing catamaran.
2013–2018 – Expansion into large motor catamarans and global sales growth.
2019 – Debut of the Eco Series with integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion.
2020s – Entry into emission-free superyachts, including models over 40 metres.
Each launch strengthened Sunreef’s reputation for combining ultra-luxury with advanced technology.
Growth with a Green Agenda
Today, Sunreef is one of the fastest-growing superyacht builders worldwide. More than half of its current builds are Eco models capable of running without fossil fuels.
Current flagship projects include:
Sunreef 35M Eco – 35m electric sailing catamaran with large solar surfaces, megawatt battery pack, and eco-conscious interiors.
Sunreef 43M Eco – The largest eco-catamaran yet, boasting 250 m² of solar panels and hydrogeneration.
The shipyard is also scaling globally — with new facilities in the United Arab Emirates and showrooms in Shanghai and Miami.
“We Build Visions”
“We don’t just build yachts. We build visions – and the technology to make them a reality.” – Francis Lapp
Francis Lapp, Sunreef Yachts. Credit: Milan@media4marine.com
Sunreef’s formula combines Polish craftsmanship with entrepreneurial daring and a head start in sustainability trends. By avoiding mass production, the brand positions itself as a boutique superyacht builder.
Facts at a Glance
Founded: 2002, Gdańsk, Poland
Founder & CEO: Francis Lapp
Specialisation: Custom luxury catamarans from 18 m
From a quiet hall in Gdańsk to a name recognised in Monaco, Miami, and Dubai, Sunreef Yachts has become a flagship of Polish shipbuilding and a pioneer in sustainable superyachts. And their journey is far from over.
On a recent press tour organized by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), a selected group of journalists from the yacht industry, including us, had the unique opportunity to visit two of Poland’s leading yacht manufacturers: Sunreef Yachts, Conrad Yachts, as well as the sailmaker Sail Services. Each company brings a distinct heritage and approach to yacht building, reflecting Poland’s growing reputation in the superyacht sector.
Sunreef Yachts. Credit: Milan@media4marine.com
Historical Background Sunreef Yachts, founded in 2002 by French entrepreneur Francis Lapp in Gdańsk, started in a shuttered shipyard with a bold vision: building large, customized luxury catamarans that combine cutting-edge innovation with tailored design. Over the years, Sunreef has become a global leader in eco-friendly superyachts, expanding their portfolio from sailing to motor catamarans with hybrid and electric propulsion technologies.
Conrad Yachts, with roots tracing back to the 1970s in Gdańsk, has built its reputation on crafting elegant monohull sailing yachts. Known for exceptional craftsmanship, Conrad combines traditional shipbuilding techniques with modern sustainable innovations to meet the demands of discerning sailors worldwide.
Sailmaker Sail Services, though smaller, specializes in bespoke sailing components and rigging solutions, supporting the industry with precision engineering and personalized service.
Two Distinct Production Concepts: Sunreef and Conrad A standout insight from our visit was the striking contrast between Sunreef and Conrad’s production philosophies, representing two very different approaches to yacht manufacturing:
Sunreef Yachts operates on a larger scale with a focus on custom-built luxury catamarans, both sailing and motorized. Their manufacturing process emphasizes technological innovation, modular construction, and sustainability, integrating advanced composites, solar energy, and hybrid propulsion systems. Sunreef’s approach is more industrial yet flexible, allowing for extensive customization while pushing the boundaries of green technology. Their facilities also extend beyond Poland, with new production sites and showrooms globally, highlighting their ambition to lead the eco-superyacht market.
In contrast, Conrad Yachts follows a more boutique, artisanal production model focused on high-quality monohull sailing yachts. Their craftsmanship relies heavily on traditional shipbuilding skills, valuing hand-finished details and classic design elements. While sustainability is embraced, it’s integrated subtly into a production process that prioritizes heritage and sailing performance. Conrad’s smaller-scale, meticulous manufacturing ensures each yacht is a masterpiece tailored to passionate sailors who value tradition alongside innovation.
Current Status and Future Outlook Sunreef’s bold push into eco-friendly superyachts — such as the Sunreef 35M Eco and 43M Eco with extensive solar arrays and electric drives — positions them at the forefront of sustainable luxury yachting. Meanwhile, Conrad continues to refine its elegant monohulls, blending timeless sailing performance with greener technologies.
Poland’s yacht industry is clearly on the rise, driven by these complementary strengths: Sunreef’s innovative, scalable catamaran production, and Conrad’s artisanal, heritage-focused monohull craftsmanship. Together with companies like Sail Services, they form a dynamic ecosystem boosting Poland’s global presence in the superyacht market.
Many thanks to Marek Górecki and his team at PAIH for organizing this press tour for us! Also to all these companies for opening their doors. We will for sure come back to visit Poland and all it’s possibilities!
Before everyone is posting their pictures about superyacht KISMET, we want to share with you our very own pictures of this 122m Lurssen giant during her Sea Trials earlier this year.
Every year, the Monaco Yacht Show is a showcase for the world’s most exclusive and beautiful yachts, and in 2024, the Kismet is one of the undisputed stars of the show. The show, which takes place in Port Hercules in September, attracts yacht enthusiasts, owners and celebrities alike. For many, the Kismet will symbolise the ultimate in luxury and elegance.
Visitors to the show will have the rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of this floating work of art and be awed by its size and splendour. The yacht will certainly provide plenty to talk about and admire at the show.
Looking for a new Owner: Cloud 9 (ex Infinity) in Monaco
Yesterday Burgess announced their sales central agency for M/Y Cloud 9 which was delivered by Oceanco in 2015 with her first name INFINITY. The exterior of this 88,5m superyacht was designed by Espen Oeino, while Sinot Yacht Design and David Kleinberg took care of the interior. In 2019 Infinity visited the Baltic Sea together with her support vessel Intrepid, a 69m Support Yacht built by Damen. In 2022 Infinity was sold for the first time from her first owner Eric Schmidt. It is expected that Cloud 9 will remain available for charter, she is a charter yacht available from 1.000.000€/week + expenses.
Cloud 9 (ex Infinity) in Monaco
Cloud 9 (ex Infinity) in Monaco
Cloud 9 (ex Infinity) in MonacoCloud 9 (ex Infinity) in Monaco
Artefact was built in 2020 at German shipyard Nobiskrug. She was first known as „Glass Yacht“ due to her tremendous use of glass. With a length of 80m the yacht is listed in the top 200 largest private yachts of the world.
This stunning newbuild yacht was recently named Nord. She was built by Lürssen in Bremen. After some sea trials her owner went on a first voyage to the Baltic Sea. After visits in Eckernförde, Flensburg and the isle of Rügen. Nord returned to Kiel for a passage through the Kiel Canal. Many people turned heads while this 142m megayacht made her way to the locks in Kiel Holtenau. This morning she arrived in Bremen and will shortly be delivered. Design was drawn by Nuvolari – Lenard, while the project was managed by Moran Yachts.
Nord is the owners upgrade from his previous vessel Lady M which we had spotted five years ago in Sardinia, Italy.
If you want to use some of these pictures or if you are interested in more pictures. Please contact us via mail: info@superyachtblog.de
It’s been quite a while since my last blog post here on Superyachtblog. Currently we are focusing on social media and improving of our photographer skills. But we hope to deliver more content here as well.
A few weeks ago the legendary superyacht Eclipse arrived in Hamburg. This 163 meter long vessel was built in 2010 in Hamburg at Blohm&Voss shipyard. And now she’s back at her construction site for a refit. Eclipse is well known for her serial yacht owner Roman Abramovic. As well as for many rumors about her technical features. Confirmed is that Terence Disdale designed her exterior and interior. Eclipse is the largest yacht drawn by him and his team, but he is responsible for several other well known yachts like A+(ex. Topaz), Pelorus, Radiant, Tatoosh,…
And here are some pictures of megayacht Eclipse in Hamburg. If you are interested in more pictures, please drop a message to info@superyachtblog.de.
Special guest on Elbe riverMegayacht Eclipse in HamburgEclipse in HamburgRoman Abramovics yacht in Hamburg in front of the container terminals.
Espen Oeino designed the military inspired superyacht Skat. She is 70,70 meter long and has a beam of 13,50 meter. The Lürssen yacht was built in 2002 and outfitted with interior by Marco Zanini.
Skat made a cruise from Amsterdam to Stockholm with stop in Copenhagen. I caught her passing Kiel Canal on 19th of June.
Enjoy the pictures of this unique yacht! If you want to use them, please contact me via my contact form.
1 of 7 ist eine 35 Meter lange Superyacht gebaut von der jungen Dynamiq Werft. Das Unternehmen hat seinen Sitz in Monaco, lässt ihr Yachten jedoch im italienischen Viareggio bauen. Bereits im vorletzten Jahr präsentierte Dynamiq die GTT 130, eine 39 Meter lange Yacht mit dem Namen „Jetsetter“. Nun jedoch zu der Dynamiq GTT 115 welche im letzten Jahr auf der Monaco Yacht Show präsentiert wurde. „1 of 7“ wurde gerade erst gebaut und ist auf ihrer Probefahrt direkt nach Monaco gefahren um dort vorgestellt zu werden. Die 35 Meter lange Yacht wurde im Jahr 2017 gebaut und steht Aktuell zum Verkauf. An Bord können sechs Gäste in drei Kabinen untergebracht werden, es gibt allerdings auch die Möglichkeit ein Layout mit vier Kabinen zu bestellen. Dies ist möglich im eigenen Konfigurator auf der Webseite von Dynamiq. Eine sechsköpfige Crew versorgt den Eigner auf seiner Yacht. Die Crewkabinen befinden sich auf dem Unterendeck unter den Tendern. Der Crew Bereich ist sehr geschickt mit einer Treppe von der Brücke zu erreichen. „1 of 7“ erreicht bei 21 Knoten die Höchstgeschwindigkeit. Die Reisegeschwindigkeit beträgt 19 Knoten und am ökonomischsten reist man mit 9 Knoten, dabei verbraucht die Yacht nach Angaben von Dynamiq lediglich 52 Liter Diesel pro Stunde. Durch einen Unterwasserspoiler mit dem Namen Hull Vane® wird ein Hydrodynamischer Auftrieb erzeugt, wodurch der Sprit Verbrauch reduziert wird. Dieses System wurde von Van Oossanen Naval Architects entwickelt und verringert beim Ankern zusätzlich noch das Stampfen und Gieren der Yacht. Zusätzlich befinden sich an Bord noch vier kleinere Flossenstabilisatoren.
Im Interieur und Exterieur hat sich das Studio F.A. Porsche ausgetobt und ein fantastisches Design verwirklicht. Im Inneren der Yacht finden sich viele Ähnlichkeiten und Anspielungen auf die Automobil Marke Porsche. Da wären zum einen die verwendeten Stoffe und Farben, desweiteren auch Armaturen und Designlinien, wie es sie sonst nur bei dem Autobauer aus Zuffenhausen zu finden gibt. Die Farbauswahl bei der Superyacht könnte sich nach dem Porsche in der eigenen Garage richten, „Rhodium Silver“, „Monte-Carlo Blue“ oder „Chalk“ um ein paar zu nennen. Dynamiqs erste GTT 115 ist, wie der Name bereits vermuten lässt, die Erste von nur Sieben Yachten die in diesem Format gebaut werden. An Bord fällt einem sofort das üppige Platzangebot auf, im Inneren sind überall Deckenhöhen von über 2,10m. Die verwendeten Materialien sind alle in einer ausgezeichneten Qualität. Ohne die Eckdaten der Yacht zu kennen könnte man durchaus denken, man befindet sich auf einer deutlich größeren Luxusyacht. Im Heck befindet sich ein Loungebereich um in der Sonne zu entspannen, anschließend geht es in den Essbereich wo ein runder Tisch mit Platz für bis zu acht Gäste steht. Diesem angeschlossen ist der Saloon zu finden mit gemütlicher Couch in klassischem Porsche Design. Vor dem Saloon befindet sich die Brücke, auf der ein Sportwagensitz für den Kapitän bestimmt ist. Von der Brücke überblickt man eine Liegefläche unter der sich die Tender befinden. Auf dem großen Sonnendeck (95m²) sind ein Jacuzzi, eine Bar, sowie ein weiterer Essbereich untergebracht. An der Bar erkennt man sofort wer für das Design verantwortlich ist, denn die Theke hat die sportliche Form eines Spoilers. Auch das Sonnenbaden kommt auf dem obersten Deck nicht zu kurz, im Achterbereich und neben dem Whirlpool befindet sich genügend Platz um sich zu bräunen.
Die Kabinen für Eigner und Gäste befinden sich auf dem unteren Deck Mittschiffs. Der zukünftige Eigner hat eine Kabine welche über die komplette Breite der Yacht gebaut ist. Ein schwarz-weiß gemusterter Teppich ist in den Kabinen ausgelegt und verleiht dem Raum einen retro- und modernen Look zu gleich. Neben einem begehbaren Kleiderschrank ist auch ein Eignerbadezimmer mit zwei Waschbecken integriert. Die Gäste schlafen in zwei gleich großen VIP Kabinen unterhalb des Essbereichs.
„1 of 7“ steht aktuell für einen Preis von 13.950.000€ zum Verkauf. Die Grundausstattung des Modells beträgt 12.500.000€.
Interieur Bilder, sowie weitere Daten und Fakten findet Ihr bei Dynamiq Yachts.
