Latest news with #SunreefYachts
Newsweek
29-04-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
AI-Controlled, Solar-Powered Yachts a Reality That Came From a Dream
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new era of sustainable yachting is on the horizon. Sunreef Yachts introduced Solar Skin 3.0 this month, an upgrade over previous versions, with added durability and efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint of each catamaran it is on. "The latest generation of our solar skin technology offers top efficiency—currently the highest attainable for silicon cells—marking a major milestone in marine solar innovation," Sunreef Yachts CTO Nicolas Lapp said. Solar Skin 2.0, the predecessor to the system launched this month, lead the industry in efficiency, thanks in no small part to its high thermal stability. Notably, Solar Skin can operate at high temperatures (above 100 degrees) and is compatible with dark paint finishes. Sunreef Yachts also touts Solar Skin's resistance to microcracking. The cells were durability tested through 20,000 yield cycles. RFID chips are embedded in every panel, a move designed to deliver better precision for after-sales service and diagnostics. The next-generation solar system is optimized by artificial intelligence (AI) and utilizes the most efficient solar cells currently available. AI uses machine learning and real-time data from Sunreef vessels operating in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Dubai, to adjust the output of the cells, mitigating sail and superstructure shading. In addition to the Solar Skin, each catamaran's bimini area, the zone where shade is provided to the captain of the ship, comes equipped with photovoltaic cells that have been honed for shaded environments, pulling in the sun's energy. Francis Lapp, founder and president of Sunreef Yachts, came up with the idea for an AI-enabled, solar-powered yacht in an unexpected way. He told Newsweek: "It's hard to believe, but the whole idea came to me in my sleep. One day I just woke up with the somewhat eccentric idea of putting cells into a mast on a sail yacht. This was the spark. Afterwards, a lot of research and development work followed. We purchased cells and started experimenting in our own research lab. Today we have a patented solution for the mast, and we integrate solar cells everywhere on our yachts." Sunreef Yachts has fully developed and produced each panel in house.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manufacturer: Electric powered superyachts drawing significant interest across US
WEST PALM BEACH — The irony was impossible to overlook as Alex Reisch gleefully showed off his solar-powered superyacht moored just a few nautical miles from the home of the U.S. president who just a year ago ridiculed electric boats in one campaign rally after another. Reisch, a retired Philip Morris International executive, this week is displaying his 60-foot Sunreef Power Eco ultra-luxe catamaran at the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show. It's a promotional appearance hosted by Sunreef Yachts, a company with shipyards in Poland and the Arab Emirates. Because Sunreef's yachts are custom-made, the company showboats the vessels it has built for owners at events from Cannes to Monaco to South Florida. The manufacturer has moved into the superyacht class in recent years, and marketing spokesman Artur Połoczański said the migration to Palm Beach County of one-percenters was exposure too good to pass up. "That's why Palm Beach is important to us as we're slowly shifting toward the super yacht end of the industry," he said. Reisch was only too happy to guide visitors, prospective buyers and the just curious through the various decks of the tailored catamaran, called "Double Happiness," on a sun-splashed morning just after the boat show's gates opened to patrons on Thursday, March 20. The boat show opened Wednesday and continues through Sunday. Reisch beamed at the two, 120-kilowatt electric engines and the 330-kilowatt main battery pack he said is equal to those of six Teslas. He singled out the array of solar panels that are built into the yacht's sides so they are indistinguishable unless pointed out. Reisch, an Austrian, and his wife, who is from Switzerland, spent three days with a team from Sunreef explaining they wanted a sleek, alpine chalet-type look to the interior design. Previous story: While promoting luxury yachts, Lech Walesa talks global politics, capitalism, Trump "Everything was chosen," he said. The couple selected two different types of teak wood flooring and ordered different AC units in the vessel. They also got all the comforts of a luxury getaway in the Alps — a washer and dryer, a kitchen with a range plus a freezer and refrigerator, dishwasher, a grill on the top deck, a 45-bottle wine cellar and a cocktail bar. The sound system is segmented, too, allowing for TV watching in the living room, playing rap on the lounge deck and classical music in the staterooms, Reisch said. The yacht was built in Gdansk, Poland, in shipyards made famous by the 1980s anti-communist Solidarity labor movement led by Lech Walesa. Walesa has done promotional appearances for Sunreef, saying in a 2020 interview with The Palm Beach Post that in a post-Cold War world, he learned the value of helping private enterprises succeed. 'We had to start from scratch. We had to look for job opportunities and look for markets,' Walesa said recalling the scramble for markets and sales to sustain employment after the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union imploded. And he added this prescient observation. "I've said this a million times," Walesa offered. "Either the U.S. wants to lead, or they don't.' 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show: Mega-yachts descend on West Palm Beach waterfront Not-so-subtle reminders of Palm Beach County's changing political hue were spotted here and there at the show along Flagler Street and the waterfront marinas in the West Palm Beach downtown. One yacht moored not far from Reisch's was named "Second Amendment" with two machine guns crossed. A merch stand in a market area stocked "Gulf of America: No Woke Zone" caps. Reisch recalled cruising by President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club and residence and said it looked grand. Trump, however, made clear on the campaign trail that he was no fan of the kind of transportation Reisch has invested seven figures in. Trump mocked people who bought electric cars saying they would have to recharge every few miles. He heaped scorn on what he said were plans to use electric engines in everything from long-haul trucks to military tanks on the battlefield. In one particular stump soliloquy, he mused about having to choose between being electrocuted or eaten by a shark if he were on a sinking electric boat. Reisch suggested skeptics just go for a ride. "Once you charter an electric, you will never go back," he said. In addition to saving thousands of dollars on fuel per trip, the big-ticket maintenance costs, so often rued by boat owners, are practically nil. The only major mechanical overhaul — at 50,000 hours — involves changing out the engines' eight bearings. The components, which are critical to power transmission and shaft alignment, run $100 apiece. "I said to myself, 'That sounds really reasonable,'" Reisch said. "It's not just good for the environment. It's good for your wallet." As for distance, Reisch's captain, Josh Hillary, said since the family took possession of the catamaran last June, they have sailed across the western Mediterranean with stops in Sardinia, Spain, France and Portugal. They also toured the Caribbean. "We've gone pretty far," he said. "And with a lot of ease." Połoczański shrugged off the president's critique, noting that 50% of the demand for Sunreef boats is now for either pure electric or some form of hybrid. "Yeah, well, OK, but he is teaming up with a producer of electric cars, so ...," he said of Trump, who has assigned Tesla chief Elon Musk to slash the federal budget. Trump and his administration seem to have had a change of heart, for that matter. On March 11, Trump held a photo-op with Musk and several Tesla electric vehicles outside the White House to bolster the automaker amid a stock collapse and reports of plummeting sales. On Wednesday, March 19 Trump's commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, encouraged Americas to buy Tesla shares. Połoczański pointed out another favorable feature, the silence on the high seas from quiet engines. He related how one Sunreef customer, Formula I race car driver, Fernando Alonso, said he enjoyed the sound and smells of a gas-powered, high-performance motor while on the track when racing, but not while vacationing. "This is something that completely changes your point of view," Połoczański said. "Because when you want to relax the last thing you want to hear is the noise of the engine, the generators, the fumes, the vibrations that come from the engine. You don't want all that." More telling, Połoczański said, is the burgeoning market for Sunreef's electric catamarans, especially in the United States. The manufacturer's director of U.S. sales, Liza Kharoubi-Echenique, said she is seeing a surge in buyers from the 35-to-50 age group. She said the growing attention is not just owing to concern about the environment but also the family-friendly roominess of the catamaran, which is steadier on the high seas. And that interest includes people in locales in red Florida. "I am seeing more and more demand across the United States," she said. "And in Miami." Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump mocked electric boats, makers cruise in to Palm Beach boat show
Khaleej Times
05-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
The captain of tomorrow? Artificial Intelligence takes the wheel
Picture this: A yacht that sails itself, navigates the seas with precision, and adjusts onboard settings based on your preferences — all without lifting a finger. The future of yachting is here, and it's driven by artificial intelligence. With the autonomous maritime market projected to reach a staggering $165.61 billion by 2030, the industry is embracing AI and automation at an unprecedented pace. At the 31st edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) — the world's most prestigious maritime and lifestyle event, held at the luxurious Dubai Harbour from February 19 to 23 — the spotlight was on innovation. Bringing together over 1,000 brands and 200+ yachts and watercraft, the event reaffirmed Dubai's status as a global yachting capital. Among the pioneers shaping the future of smart yachting is Sunreef Yachts, a leader in sustainable and luxury multihull vessels. In an exclusive conversation with BTR at DIBS, Nicolas Lapp, CTO and Co-Founder of Sunreef Yachts, shared insights on how AI is transforming the world of sailing. Edited excerpts: How is Sunreef Yachts integrating AI into sailing vessels? At Sunreef Yachts, we are actively working on automating sailing vessels by redesigning sail plans and incorporating advanced AI-driven systems. For a long time, traditional sails have seen minimal evolution. However, innovations seen in racing boats, such as the America's Cup, have introduced wing sails, which are becoming increasingly popular in the industry. One of the key advantages of wing sails is their ability to rotate 360 degrees, making them easier to automate. AI technology enhances automation by selecting optimal sailing routes based on real-time and predictive meteorological data. For instance, if a boat owner needs to reach a destination urgently, AI can calculate the fastest route while adjusting the sails accordingly. AI-driven navigation considers wind conditions and forecasts, ensuring precise and efficient sailing, even for long transatlantic voyages. When can we expect AI-driven sailing systems to be available? We anticipate implementing these AI-driven sailing systems within the next year. Development is progressing rapidly, with significant improvements in AI calculations and predictive capabilities. Over the past year, we have been focusing on optimizing mast automation and system integration, which are essential prerequisites for AI-controlled sailing. How is AI enhancing the onboard experience for yacht owners? We are developing a new AI-powered interface to automate various aspects of yacht management, enhancing both convenience and efficiency. AI learns from the owner's habits and preferences to optimise comfort settings, such as cabin temperature control and air conditioning. This system ensures energy efficiency by adjusting temperature settings based on occupancy, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, AI-powered voice commands enable seamless control over onboard entertainment and other functions, such as adjusting lighting, controlling TVs, and managing sound systems. These features create a more intuitive and luxurious experience for yacht owners. How does AI improve crew operations and onboard management? AI-driven systems significantly enhance crew efficiency by streamlining various operational tasks. For example, AI can manage food inventory, monitor provisioning levels, and even integrate with online platforms for automated restocking. This reduces manual workload, allowing the crew to focus more on service quality rather than administrative tasks. Additionally, AI can automate paperwork, including invoices and other documentation, reducing the administrative burden on the crew. By minimizing manual processes, crew members can dedicate more time to delivering an exceptional onboard experience for guests. Are there any AI implementations already in place or in development? Yes, we have already started implementing AI-driven automation in yacht control systems. We have hired a team of engineers dedicated to enhancing onboard automation, making systems more intelligent and efficient. Beyond onboard experiences, AI is also playing a role in yacht manufacturing. We are exploring AI-driven design and engineering processes to optimise materials, structures, and electrical systems. AI offers fresh perspectives that can lead to innovative breakthroughs in yacht construction. What does the future hold for AI in the yachting industry? AI is set to revolutionise the yachting industry by improving automation, navigation, comfort, and operational efficiency. At Sunreef Yachts, our focus is on integrating AI not only into sailing vessels but also into the broader manufacturing process. As AI technology continues to evolve, we anticipate even greater advancements in yacht design, sustainability, and overall user experience.
Khaleej Times
19-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How Dubai's yacht industry will attract more high-net worth millionaires
With superyachts selling from Dh40 million to Dh80 million — combined with attractive residency visa options and flexible solutions for investors, yacht owners, and entrepreneurs — the UAE's yacht industry is set to attract more UHNWIs or ultra-high-net-worth individuals to come and reside in the country This is the view shared by experts and industry leaders at the ongoing Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) which opened on Wednesday. The annual trade show, which runs until Sunday (February 23), is showcasing more than 200 yachts and watercraft from 60 countries. More than 35,000 visitors are expected to visit the five-day event which is considered as the largest maritime and lifestyle event in the Middle East. But beyond the regular boating aficionados, the main target of a high-profile event like DIBS is to attract the UHNWIs or those with net worth of at least $30 million (more than Dh110 million) – they are composed of the wealthiest people in the world who control a huge amount of global wealth. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Mohammed Alshaali, chairman of UAE-based superyacht builder Gulf Craft, said: 'DIBS is not only about promoting tourism but also boosting the UAE economy. People who are buying yachts are not coming here only as tourists – they have long-term plans.' Alshaali noted superyacht buyers have an option to become long-term UAE residents. In Abu Dhabi, an initiative was launched in December last year offering Golden Visa to superyacht owners in the Capital . The 'Golden Quay' is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals to invest in and explore Abu Dhabi. Dubai is also offering 'flexible solutions for investors, yacht owners, and entrepreneurs to enhance their residency and mobility experience within the emirate.' 'With these initiatives, tourism is no longer about visiting the UAE for three to four days or weeks but they come here for some time and even consider residing and investing here,' Alshaali added. Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president at Dubai World Trade Centre, also observed families from Europe, Americas and Asia are coming to the UAE because of the value system in the country. 'Safety and security means a lot to them,' she added. 'Expats are no longer thinking as transient individuals like 20 years ago when I first came here,' said LohMirmand, noting more investors are now moving not just their businesses but also their families to Dubai. Artur Połoczański, PR director of Sunreef Yachts, which has set up a boat manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah, underscored the welcoming and robust business atmosphere as the main attraction for investors. He told Khaleej Times: 'What we have witnessed here is a very business-friendly approach. In Europe, things sometimes can be a little time consuming in terms of administration and having the right permits. 'Here, we had a very friendly and smooth process in terms of establishing our business. Right now, we have a new range superyachts being built in RAK and we see strong interest not only from local clientele and the Middle East, but also from Australia, New Zealand, and some countries in Asia,' added Połoczański. Yacht owners are also getting younger, noted Zakkak Migliorini, chief marketing officer at Azimut Yachts, who said: 'The average age of yacht owners has moved from 65-70 years old to 40-45 years old. This requires us to engage them with emotional experience — the desire of owning something that they were not considering at the very beginning.' 'Fifteen years ago, people were looking into size, then we see a second phase where volume became a purchasing driver. Nowadays it's all about the experience, the emotional experience, especially when considering the new billionaires, we need to surprise them, need to create some sort of immersion,' Migliorini added. Meanwhile, Saeed Mohammed Hareb, senior advisor to DIBS, said Dubai is expanding the number of berths available for yacht owners. 'DIBS each year attracts the most prestigious leaders and decision makers, gathering together to decide the future of the industry. Luxury yachts consider Dubai their premier destination and we are working with our partners to achieve the ambitious target of a total 52,000 berths,' he said.
Emirates 24/7
13-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Sunreef Yachts Launches First UAE-Built Catamaran, Set for Global Premiere at Dubai International Boat Show
The first catamaran constructed by Sunreef Yachts in the United Arab Emirates has officially left the shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah. The vessel, named Ultima 55 , was launched on February 11, 2025, and is currently undergoing test cruises in the Arabian Gulf. The Ultima 55 will make its global debut at the upcoming Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), scheduled to take place from February 19 to 23, 2025. Sunreef Yachts will showcase the vessel at Booth MD-25, marking a milestone for the company's expansion in the region. Sunreef Yachts' Expansion into the UAE Sunreef Yachts, a globally recognized luxury catamaran manufacturer, established its presence in the UAE in 2022 with a state-of-the-art facility in Ras Al Khaimah Maritime City. The 65,000-square-meter shipyard incorporates cutting-edge technology to produce eco-friendly, high-performance catamarans. This expansion complements Sunreef's main operations in Gdańsk, Poland, where the company was founded in 2001. The Ras Al Khaimah facility was officially inaugurated on March 4, 2024, by His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, with former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate HE Lech Wałęsa as the guest of honor. Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation Sunreef Yachts has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable yacht manufacturing, pioneering industry-first solar panels, eco-friendly fabrics, and hydrogen-based propulsion systems. The company participated in COP28 in Dubai, where it exhibited an eco-catamaran model and contributed to sustainability discussions. With over 550 luxury catamarans sailing worldwide, Sunreef Yachts continues to expand its international footprint. The brand's clientele includes high-profile ambassadors such as Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso, and Nico Rosberg. Strengthening Regional Presence In addition to its shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah, Sunreef Yachts has an office in Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, bringing together an international team of sales representatives, engineers, architects, and designers. The company has also engaged in key industry events, including the UAE Ministerial Mission to Poland and the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative in Abu Dhabi. Sunreef Yachts' presence in the UAE underscores its commitment to the region's growing maritime sector and reinforces the country's position as a global hub for luxury yacht manufacturing. The Ultima 55 's debut at DIBS marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sunreef Yachts in the Middle East. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
