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!
