Sunreef 80 Eco Marie-Joseph

Having already set a standard for the construction of large luxury catamarans, Sunreef Yachts is now leading the charge of the green revolution in yachting. The first Sunreef 80 Eco showcases how the latest sustainable technologies can also enhance onboard comfort. Thanks to a revolutionary solar power system, hydro generation and performance sails, the catamaran offers full autonomy by relying on the sun, water, and wind

by Bryony Mc Cabe - ph. courtesy by Sunreef Yachts

ustainable cruising is increasingly high up on the agenda for yacht owners, with builders finding innovative ways to change the way in which their clients can enjoy the ocean.

The all-electric Sunreef 80 Eco is the perfect example – it’s a fully autonomous craft that utilises revolutionary green technology for fuel-free cruising in total silence and luxury. Designed to navigate in complete harmony with the elements, this pioneering model is a breakthrough for both Sunreef Yachts and the concept of responsible yachting. The Sunreef 80 Eco is very much an evolution of the Sunreef 60 Eco, but takes sustainable technologies to the next level with renewable energy a key element of the design. Unique in the yachting industry, MarieJoseph’s solar power system features ultralight composite-integrated solar panels within the hull sides, mast, superstructure and bimini roof. This patented system was entirely engineered and produced in house by Sunreef and offers optimal efficiency. Covering a total area of 164m², the solar panels on board can generate up to 45,5kWp.

For generating energy under sail, the sail wardrobe on board includes a main sail, genoa, gennaker and staysail with performances of about five knots in light airs and more than double that in anything over 15 knots of breeze. While under sail, the Sunreef 80 Eco recovers energy from the passive motion of the two propellers thanks to an advanced hydrogeneration system. The system can generate more than 15kW while sailing above seven knots.

Below the main deck, the catamaran’s smart energy management system along with custom-engineered batteries ensures optimal energy efficiency. This enables all energy obtained via the solar power and hydro-generation

system to be stored and reused to power both the electric propulsion and house appliances. All this technology combines to create a yacht that can cruise almost indefinitely on renewable energy from sun, water, and wind. While these are impressive green credentials, Marie-Joseph also astounds in terms of onboard comfort. Catamarans are known for being spacious, and the Sunreef 80 Eco does not disappoint in this regard, with plentiful areas for relaxing and entertaining. The vast main deck saloon offers lots of lounging and dining space with two oversized settees, a convertible table amidships, and a bar area forward. The space is accentuated further by wrap-around, panoramic windows. Portside off the main deck, the yacht’s high-end galley is fully equipped with restaurant quality amenities.

On the exterior, the catamaran’s flybridge boasts impressive lounging areas, big sun pads and a wet bar. Inside the aft cockpit, guests can enjoy a full-beam relaxation space with a large daybed, dining table and swim platform. The foredeck is particularly special, with traditional trampolines separating the two hulls and a sunken deck with large sun pads and a Japanese-style tatami table. With luxurious accommodation for eight guests, the catamaran’s starboard hull houses an opulent and light-filled master suite. The generous ensuite bathroom follows the contemporary style of the master stateroom. The custom layout also includes a large VIP cabin in the middle section of the portside hull as well as two identical guest cabins in the bow portion of each hull.

While many shipyards purport to be building sustainable yachts, many can be guilty of ‘greenwashing’. With the Sunreef 80 Eco, Sunreef Yachts is truly paving the way towards zero-emission yachting.

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This page, the solar power system features ultralight composite-integrated solar panels within the hull sides, mast, superstructure and bimini roof. This patented system was entirely engineered and produced by Sunreef Yachts.

Opposite, the catamaran’s foredeck offers a full-beam outdoor terrace with a sunken seating area and trampolines separating the two hulls

Above, the main deck saloon offers lots of lounging and dining space with two oversized settees and a convertible table amidships. Right, a piano hides a pop-up TV. Opposite top, the aft cockpit makes the most of the wide beam, with a large dining table and a daybed to starboard. Opposite bottom, on this unit, the galley occupies the aft end of the port side

Exterior Design

Nicolas Lapp CTO & Co-Founder Sunreef Yachts

Space is one of the key characteristics of a catamaran configuration, and the exterior space is optimised to its fullest potential on board the Sunreef 80 Eco. Spanning almost across the entire beam, and with large panoramic views, the main saloon opens wide onto the fullbeam aft cockpit and its large hydraulic platform. All of this creates a very versatile setup for dining, parties, and water sports. The bow terrace is also a full-beam relaxation area. It stands out with two large trampolines and a sunken lounging corner that is well protected from the sun and the wind. Up on the flybridge, guests can enjoy dining with ocean views or basking in the sun on the large sun pads. One of the striking features of the exterior design is the full integration of solar panels into the composite bodywork. Thanks to Sunreef’s inhouse technology, the solar cells cover the hulls, the mast, the bimini roof, and the superstructure. This is something quite unique and, at the same time, very important. While most solar panelled yachts these days will use heavy and rigid glass-based solar panels, we searched for a solution that would not only make photovoltaic technology super-efficient, but also visually appealing. We want to prove a point: a sustainable yacht does not have to compromise on refined aesthetics. The idea of this ‘solar skin’ started with the mast. We wanted to integrate solar panels throughout the mast, but the concept quicky turned into something much more ambitious: full integration with all the curved composite elements of the bodywork. While designing this solution, we had to make sure that the panels are well protected. As a result, the system is as solid as the composite itself, resistant to shock and abrasion. In case of any damage, it is possible to remove and replace a given section of the system. Furthermore, whenever one of the panels fails, the other ones keep working thanks to a bypass system. Overall, the panelling contributes to the aesthetic of the yacht, giving her a futuristic look.

Above, one of the most striking features of the exterior design is the full integration of solar panels into the composite bodywork. Opposite and below, the Sunreef 80 Eco’s green technology combines to create a yacht that can cruise almost indefinitely on renewable energy from sun, water, and wind

Above and below, four double ensuite cabins provide accommodation in the hulls. The head of the bed is always oriented against the inner part of the hull for ocean views out through the port lights. The interior colour palette is dominated by dark colours so guests can soothe their senses after a day in the sun

Interior Design

Nicolas Lapp, CTO & Co-Founder Sunreef Yachts

The interiors onboard Marie-Joseph have been designed to be open, universal, and relaxing. This has been achieved through a good consideration and understanding of the layout, but also through the colour palette which is characterised by dark colours. After a long day in the sun, guests can soothe their senses in a cosy environment where grey, beige, and black tones are dominant. Natural finishing materials and wide-open spaces filled with light and symmetry are the key features of the interior design. The main deck is a perfect example of this approach. Amidships, there is a height-adjustable and modular table

and, to port and starboard, there are two identical oversized lounging sofas. The vast sliding door opens fully onto the aft, so the saloon in semi-open and full of sunlight. The Sunreef 80 Eco boasts many alfresco and interior lounging and dining options. At the same time, the yacht offers a lot of flexibility – namely thanks to freestanding furniture. Many spaces can be transformed and adapted to various opportunities: cocktails, yoga sessions, conferences, or movie nights. This yacht is meant to be a private retreat when needed, but on many occasions, she turns into the perfect platform for socialising.

On the flybridge, guests can enjoy dining with ocean views or basking in the sun on the large sun pads. There are also treadmills and comfortable lounging chairs

The Shipyard

Francis Lapp, Founder and President, Sunreef Yachts

The Sunreef 80 Eco represents a new philosophy of boating. This yacht proves that boating and sustainability go together and that, if you manage your energy consumptions properly and use the right green technology, you can cruise emissions free.

All the technology we used on the Sunreef 80 Eco increases comfort on board. With electric engines, you enjoy the most silent motoring experience. On top of that, these engines require a minimum of maintenance. The yacht features hydro generators, which means that she uses the motion of her propellers while under sail to generate green energy, again in silence. The air conditioning on board is not only energy saving but maintains the perfect level of humidity. We have a smart water management system with water-saving taps, with still and sparkling water. We are already working on new solutions for even more harmony of sustainability and comfort.

For the future, Sunreef is committed to keeping up with the rapidly developing world of eco technology. One way to keep up with the rising demand for eco yachts is expanding our manufacturing capacity. This is why we are developing an entirely new facility in the United Arab Emirates, which should be operational soon. Staying ahead of the game in green technology requires a lot of research and development. We are constantly in search of creative solutions to make yachting smarter and more energy efficient.

In fact, Sunreef recently announced an order for a hydrogen yacht, which surely is an exciting project. The owner of the yacht wanted an autonomous craft that will not use any fuel. The idea is to be able to cruise long distances and just rely on clean energy, even when there is not enough sunlight to generate solar power. The energy mix of this yacht is, therefore, tailored for long-range cruising. We feel the company must keep investing effort and talent into many different technologies to push innovation forward, and the hydrogen Sunreef 80 will be a wonderful opportunity to do so.

Thanks to a revolutionary solar power system, hydro generation and performance sails, the Sunreef 80 Eco sets a new standard in the world of ecoresponsible cruising