Sunreef Yachts is developing a new range of Eco catamarans, both power and sail, as the Polish builder promotes “responsible boating” and a solar-powered, fuel-free way of cruising and living at sea. The new range has a dedicated website: www.sunreef-yachts-eco.com
The 80 Sunreef Eco powercat is due to launch in the second half of 2020
The first 80 Sunreef Eco powercat is scheduled to launch in the second half of the year and will be followed by the 70 Sunreef Eco and two sailing catamarans, the Sunreef 70 Eco and Sunreef 80 Eco. Renderings of the 80 Sunreef Eco show the model with two windmills, as the Gdansk shipyard is also exploring the benefits of wind power.
Over the past year, Sunreef has launched electric/hybrid versions of its 50 and 60 sailing catamarans, the latter named E and displayed at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.
However, the new range features patent-pending technology developed by Sunreef including 1mm-thick solar panels fitted on the hull and flybridge, as well as on the foredeck of powercats and even on the mast of sailing cats. The Eco range also features electric propulsion, custom-built battery banks, and naturally-sourced and recyclable materials.
The Sunreef 70 Eco shows solar panels fitted on the hull, flybridge and even mast
Francis Lapp, founder and President of Sunreef Yachts, said: “It is vital that the industry follows the growing demand for more sustainable crafts. We are talking about the future of yachting and I know Sunreef Yachts can make a change.
“Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans are a concept going far beyond electric propulsion systems. Everything on board, from batteries to fabrics and structural materials to water management, reflects a new yachting philosophy.”
The shipyard is designing and manufacturing what it calls “the industry’s lightest solar power systems”, featuring solar panels less than 1mm thick and industry-leading solar cells (peak performance 24 per cent).
The 70 Sunreef Eco powercat is also among future models
Sunreef’s R&D department has conceived a new method of integrating the panels within composite structures so they can be mounted on any surface of the yacht, vastly increasing the amount of solar power.
The shipyard states that 200sqm of solar panels on the upcoming 80 Sunreef Eco weigh 360kg and generate 40kWh peak. In comparison, a 20kW generator weighting 400kg generates two times less power.
For redundant, safe energy storage, all Eco catamarans are equipped with at least two ultra-light battery banks (5kg per kWh), which have a life of 5,000 cycles and range from 90kWh to 1MWh depending on the yacht model. The stored energy powers the electric propulsion and all ‘household’ appliances including air-conditioning, without using the generator.
The company is also incorporating naturally-sourced materials like basalt and linen elements, sustainable alternatives to e-glass that offer excellent mechanical properties, while interiors will use natural, reclaimed or recycled fabrics and materials.