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.
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!
