Francis Lapp of Sunreef Pioneers the Eco Initiative

Lapp, Founder and President of Sunreef Yachts, discusses his motivation for establishing the Eco range of catamarans, which currently constitutes more than fifty percent of the company's orders.

Francis Lapp

What motivates Sunreef Yachts to invest in sustainable boating?

Investment is a significant term in this context. We are not solely investing our efforts and time. We are allocating our resources. The rationale consistently remains unchanged. It is evident that numerous tasks require attention, and leadership is essential.

I recently accompanied Mike Horn in Greenland for his What’s Left expedition. The alterations in this region of the world exemplify the tangible nature of climate challenges. We acknowledge the urgency of the situation and recognize our obligations as boat builders.

Numerous shipyards are articulating their future initiatives to enhance the environmental sustainability of yachting. Our enterprise is effectuating outcomes now.

What is your response to the criticism directed at the yachting industry?

Sunreef Yachts has a unique niche. We are an isolated entity inside this industry. Our company manufactures electric, hybrid, and hydrogen catamarans. We diligently endeavor daily to persuade individuals to adopt sustainable alternatives, and currently, over 50 percent of our demand pertains to our Eco range.

Lapp in Greenland

Criticism is an inherent aspect of existence. I acknowledge that, but I also wish to ensure that everyone comprehends the substantial work and financial resources required to advance innovation. We perform nearly all tasks independently.

The complete transformation cannot occur instantaneously; nonetheless, as an organization, we acknowledge our obligations and strive to facilitate its realization. The interest in alternatives to fossil fuels is substantial, and we remain optimistic.

What is the status of the superyacht industry?

The transformations within the superyacht industry lack sufficient dynamism. Our conception of the superyacht experience diverges from prevailing industry standards. We are in the process of constructing two 43-meter electric sail yachts (Sunreef 43M Eco) that will utilize solar energy, electric propulsion, hydrogeneration, and high-performance sails. They will demonstrate that superyachts can be energy-efficient and highly autonomous.

What is your perspective on the future of the industry?

I contemplate the future nearly every day. I endeavor to envision situations, environmental challenges, anticipations, trends, and rising need. The industry will continue to advance towards cleaner technology; nevertheless, the pace of these transformations will rely on our effort as stakeholders. Shipyards must endeavor to translate rhetoric with tangible deeds.