Sunreef Yachts – From an Empty Shipyard to a Global Leader in Innovation
A Bold Start in Gdańsk
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.
