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 the 13th of August project TIS (Palo Alto) was launched by Luerssen in Rendsburg. It was a big pleasure to see this huge superyacht hits the water for the first time. I’ve spent several hours watching this scenery. When she came out of the shed and made a 180° turn it was so interesting so see so many details and beautiful lines all over the whole superyacht!
This 111m superyacht will be delivered at the end of this year. TIS was designed by Winch Design and managed by Moran Yacht & Ship.
Enjoy some pictures of Avanti. This 61 meter superyacht was built in 2004 by Luerssen. The timeless yacht has an impressive range of 7700nm at her cruising speed of 13 knots.
Exterior designed by Winch Design and interior was drawn by Moffit Design. Accomodation for up to 12 people and a crew of 16.
The yacht spent some time in the Baltic Sea. Great to see more and more yacht exploring this beautiful area in Northern Europe.
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.
Auch dieses Jahr war ich wieder auf der Monaco Yacht Show unterwegs. Neben einigen Yachtbesichtigungen hatte ich in diesem Jahr auch die Chance eine Tender-Tour durch die Bucht von Monaco zu machen. Hier gibt es nun eine erste Galerie mit Eindrücken aus Monaco. Der nächste Beitrag wird im Laufe der kommenden Woche veröffentlicht. Er wird sich mit einer 60 Meter Yacht befassen. Weitere Informationen werden folgen. Seid gespannt! Schaut auch auf meinem Instagramprofil: Superyachtblog vorbei, dort werden regelmäßig Bilder von der Show gepostet. Ebenso wie auf Facebook: Superyachtblog
I’ve been again on the Monaco Yacht Show this year. It was a great success with many Yacht visits and a tender tour in the bay of Monaco. This is a first impressions gallery with pictures from the show. Next week I will publish the first yacht review. It is about a 60 meter superyacht. More informations will be in the article. Stay tuned! Check out my Instagramprofile: Superyachtblog for daily posts from the show, as well as on facebook: Superyachtblog
Savannah, Feadship
Aquarius, Feadship
Areti, Lürssen
Home, Heesen
1 of 7, Dynamiq
Which yacht could this be? More information in the upcoming post!
Early morning on Project 783 (ex. Flying Fox), Nobiskrug
Heesen Yachts is proud to announce the delivery of YN 17755, formerly known as Project Alida. Her new Owners christened her Laurentia.
Laurentia combines efficiency, performance and style in a design package of 740GT, with elegant yet muscular clean lines by Omega Architects. This steel-hulled motor yacht sets a new standard in superyacht performance.
During the sea trials, which were held in the North Sea at the beginning of August in moderate sea conditions, Laurentia exceeded her contractual speed and reached a top speed of 16.6 knots. The vessel proved to be highly responsive, accepting steering commands immediately. The use of large rudders in conjunction with a powerful steering unit makes for a very quick reaction, as does the high pitch of the propellers. The overall effect instils great confidence in the captain when maneuvering in strong wind conditions.
The Owner appointed Ramon Alonso at RADYCA, a Miami-based design firm, to create an interior design that promotes luxury, relaxation and entertainment throughout the yacht.
“The objective was to create a clean and simple, yet sophisticated, interior that evokes tranquility in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere,“ comments Alonso. A consistent use of neutral hues is found in open-grain white oak and different tones of wengé, taupe and grey leathers, wool carpets, and light textured suedes. White Arabescato and Grecale brown marble slabs emphasize the purity of the design. The loose furniture was carefully selected from various European and American brands and each piece was customized to fit perfectly and adapt to the interior scheme. Hand-stitched leather panels and accents play in contrast with the light suedes and dark wengé wood in different tones and finishes.
Laurentia is a fantastic new addition to the fast growing Heesen fleet and will turn heads wherever she cruises!
PRESS RELEASE by Heesen Yachts, Picture by Dick Holthuis
Benetti has announced the sale of a custom 63-meter FB276 to a German owner, introduced by Kurt Lehmann of Yacht Moments.
The yacht consists of a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure. The exterior of the FB276 is the result of a joint effort between Benetti and Giorgio M. Cassetta Design, while the interior is by Bannenberg & Rowell. FB276 is a modern yacht characterised by extreme onboard liveability, which is achieved by meticulously optimising the generous interior volumes with respect to exterior spaces defined by simple, flowing lines. The defining feature of this yacht, located on the upper deck, is what can only be described as a spacious “apartment”. This offers the owner 162 m2 of extreme privacy, including the owner’s cabin, which has large glazed surfaces on three sides, two bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe and a separate living area with sofa and television. These are all connected with a bow cockpit combined with a 55 m2 bow terrace complete with touch and go helipad. The privacy of the area is ensured during navigation as well, with the help of the “sun roof”, which is specially designed to block the view from the wheelhouse. The central stairway leads directly to the bridge deck and the third cockpit, which has a dining table seating 12, a bar, a jacuzzi and a sun lounging area. On the main deck, in addition to the saloon with living and dining areas, is the big full-beam VIP cabin with side terrace, studio, dressing room and double bathroom. The design of this yacht also features many other distinctive and innovative elements. They include the stern beach club, which is open on three sides, offering exceptional contact with the sea, when both of the two side doors and the stern door are open. A stairway from the cockpit on the main deck provides access to this living area during navigation. The large cockpit on the main deck is joined by another one on the upper deck.
The spaces available in the FB276 have allowed Bannenberg & Rowell to experiment, in particular with asymmetrical layouts. The new approach is clear to see in the beach club, which is rotated about 30 degrees off-centre to open up new perspectives of the sea, as well as in the main and upper deck saloons, which are turned through the same angle to challenge conventional expectations and perceptions. Likewise, the all-around owner’s suite has been designed to offer breath-taking panoramic views through the large windows over the private bow deck.
Christos Ramnialis, Benetti General Manager, commented: “We are very proud of the recent sale of the FB276 to an owner from Germany, which is an extremely important strategic market for us. This is without a doubt the result of the internationally-recognised quality of our products and our consolidated financial solidity, which has allowed Benetti to win the trust of customers in all market segments and geographical areas”
Project 400 a 81m schooner from Royal Huisman Picture: Royal Huisman
The construction of the 81m / 266ft contemporary three-masted schooner has commenced at the shipyard’s facilities in Vollenhove. This new build project for an Asian client was unveiled by the joint team of Royal Huisman, Dykstra Naval Architects, designer Mark Whiteley and Bart Kimman of Northrop & Johnson Asia at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.
Within a year Royal Huisman completed the design phase, the construction planning and a large part of the engineering for this iconic yacht – all in close interaction with the owner, his team and the architects. Even Royal Huisman’s largest shipbuilding hall was upgraded in preparation for the new project. Now, the milestone all involved parties were anticipating has been achieved: the keel is laid and the building frame for the main deck is under construction. The build of the world’s largest aluminium yacht has started!
Powerful and recognizable exterior design
The exterior design is the result of the joint effort of Dykstra Naval Architects and Mark Whiteley Design, skillfully incorporating the owner’s requirements – world cruising, fast yet comfortable, and iconic looking. The distinguishing superstructure features a half-raised bridge for inside steering. The yacht’s flybridge offers full controls during sailing, comfortable seating for guests wishing to be close up with the yacht’s navigation, and opportunity for sunbathing. The sheltered main cockpit beneath the flybridge features a bar, sofas and a large table; perfect for post-sailing dinner at anchor.A variety of innovative or indeed exciting features enhance the yacht’s appeal. The newly developed sliding Rondal door with individually operated moving glass panels provides a seamless transition from the cockpit into the interior, whereas the flybridge steering stations give access to the hydraulically operated crow’s nest for an exhilarating ride up the main mast with breathtaking views – for anyone wishing to add perspective to their stay on board! Various watersports gear such as waterscooters, a large guest tender with dive equipment, kayaks and SUP boards will be stored under the aft deck, and the deck design comprises a number of clever features, such as the crew tender in front being recessed into a pocket, which can be used as a cockpit after launch. The design of the crew entrance on the foredeck ties in with the looks of the main deckhouse.
Modern interior
Mark Whiteley designed a modern interior in balance with the exterior living spaces. The design is based on Alpi Walnut bulkheads and comprises oak floors. Alpi is a natural material which – thanks to technology – achieves high performance and eco sustainable quality. A very high comfort level for the owner, family and friends are very important considerations, but the yacht can also be used as a platform for business meetings. The forward part of the superstructure has been reserved for the owner and his guests, featuring a combined saloon with comfortable seating and a large table with sixteen seats for formal dining.
Royal Huisman will deliver this headturning project in 2020 – when the world’s largest
aluminium yacht can set sail to explore the oceans!
Project 400 a 81m schooner from Royal Huisman Picture: Royal Huisman
