IN POLE POSITION: A LOOK AT INDUSTRY TRENDS WITH FRANCIS LAPP

Over 20 years of involvement with the yachting world I have observed many trends in the field of yacht design. Today, we are witnessing one of the most interesting evolutions of the industry: an increasing demand for voluminous catamarans. A part of the monohull superyacht market gradually shifts towards multihulls. We see more and more big catamaran designs emerging. Monohull brands are now trying their hand at luxury multihull design. In the nearest future, we will see twin-hulled crafts gaining ground in the superyacht world. This trend is visible and tangible. But where did it start?

When I founded Sunreef Yachts, luxury catamarans were non-existent. Nobody believed multihulls would ever achieve their current status. In 2003 we launched the world’s first catamaran with a flybridge - the Sunreef 74. We discovered a new potential. From then, we kept pushing. We built the world’s first double deck catamarans, launched the first carbon-built multihull superyacht, installed a folding mast on a +24m craft…Our power catamarans were the first to feature pod propulsion and the first to achieve Atlantic range. For Sunreef Yachts, the quest for innovation never stops. In this industry, there is a distinct line between trendsetters and trend-followers.

Today’s trend for big, ocean-going multihulls is a fact. Customer expectations have changed. Superyacht owners look for a better length-to-volume ratio, more stability, fuel efficiency and green solutions. They seek wide open spaces to enjoy with friends and family. They want to be close to the sea.

Sunreef Yachts has recently been commissioned to build the biggest luxury power catamaran up to date: 49M Sunreef Power – a 49m craft with a 17m beam. This catamaran, among other superyacht projects like the 110 Sunreef Power entrusted to our shipyard will become landmarks in the industry. We begin this journey in pole position.

The momentum around and within the company is exceptional. At this stage, we have already doubled our last year’s turnover. Our facilities are in full expansion, a completely new office and production site with Europe’s biggest CNC machine are being developed. We are going in the right direction and at the right pace. The future belongs to multihulls.

Yours sincerely,
Francis Lapp,
Sunreef Yachts’ Founder and President