Rafael Nadal’s favorite catamaran builder, Sunreef Yachts, is expanding its global presence with the opening of a new manufacturing facility in the United Arab Emirates. The Polish company, known for crafting catamarans for high-profile clients such as Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso, and Nico Rosberg, has announced the establishment of a new yard in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Founded in 2002 by French businessman Francis Lapp, Sunreef currently operates two shipyards in Gdansk, Poland, covering over 30 acres. The new facility in Ras Al Khaimah marks a significant expansion for the company, positioning it strategically in the Middle East and beyond.
The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 16 acres, will incorporate the latest technologies in luxury yacht building and will prioritize sustainability. Sunreef has been a pioneer in green technology, integrating electric powertrains and ‘solar skins’ into its multihulls. The new yard will adopt a holistic approach to yacht manufacturing, housing modern paint shops, carpentry, upholstery, and steel workshops, as well as cutting-edge machinery and robotics. Collaborating with the specialists at the local Dubai office, the facility aims to anticipate industry trends and develop innovative concepts.
Ras Al Khaimah was chosen as the location for the new facility due to its strategic advantages, including incentives, industry support, access to key markets, and robust transportation infrastructure. This move not only strengthens Sunreef’s presence in the Middle East but also enhances its connectivity with Asia and Australia, facilitating the introduction of its eco-friendly multihulls to a wider global audience.
Francis Lapp, the founder of Sunreef Yachts, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, ‘We can now further expand in an environment that merges perfect strategic location, skilled workforce, and proactive mindset. The yachts produced in Ras Al Khaimah will elevate eco-responsible yachting to a new level and showcase industry-first technology.’
The new Ras Al Khaimah facility will focus on producing the hybrid Ultima cats, as well as power and sail yachts ranging from 50 to 70 feet, further solidifying Sunreef’s commitment to sustainable and innovative yacht manufacturing.
