Interview with Francis Lapp, CEO and Founder of Sunreef Yachts

With the Cannes Festival bustling around us and Sunreef models such as the Sunreef 60 Power Eco, Sunreef 60, Sunreef 70, and Sunreef 80 Sailing nearby, the setting couldn’t have been more fitting for a discussion about innovation and vision in the yachting industry.

A Journey from Alsace to Global Yachting Leadership

Born in Alsace, Francis Lapp’s early experiences were rooted in a region known for its craftsmanship and industrious spirit. His career began far from the sea, with a stint in Saudi Arabia at 26, followed by his return to France and eventual relocation to Poland in the late 1990s. It was a rally car event in Poland in 1998 that introduced him to both the country and the world of catamarans, sparking the passion that would lead to the creation of Sunreef Yachts.

This passion quickly evolved. After purchasing a 46-foot catamaran and starting a charter company, Francis soon realized he wanted more from his yachts than what the market offered. “I wanted something more luxurious, not a plastic boat,” he shared. This desire to create something beyond the ordinary led him to found Sunreef Yachts in 2002, setting the foundation for a shipyard that would redefine the luxury multihull market.

Pioneering Sustainable Yachting

Sunreef Yachts is a brand synonymous with sustainability and innovation. Francis shared his pioneering approach to the yachting industry, particularly in embracing green technology long before it became a trend. “Six years ago, I started thinking about building an electric boat,” he revealed. Today, Sunreef’s solar-powered yachts are at the forefront of the industry, with solar panels incorporated into the design of their luxury catamarans.

His vision for the future of yachting is deeply tied to sustainability, but it’s also driven by client demand. “Our clients always ask for something bigger,” Francis remarked. The growing desire for larger vessels has led to the creation of Sunreef’s expansive models, including their 140-foot yachts, with three already sold.

Innovation Through Intuition

Francis’ entrepreneurial journey is fueled by intuition and creativity. When asked where his ideas come from, he responded with a smile, “I don’t know. At night.” Many of his most groundbreaking ideas, like the solar panels, emerged from his dreams. His ability to think ahead and foresee market trends has been key to Sunreef’s continued success.

One such innovation is the new Ultima line, a fusion of monohull and catamaran designs that seeks to attract clients transitioning from traditional yachts to multihulls. The Ultima line, launched two years ago, has already sold 45 units, and the first deliveries are expected by the end of 2024.

Leading with Family and Vision

As the conversation turned personal, Francis spoke proudly about the involvement of the next generation in Sunreef’s operations. His son Nicolas is deeply engaged in advancing Sunreef’s technological edge, particularly with hydrogen-powered yachts. The company plans to unveil its first hydrogen-powered vessel, an 80-foot sailing yacht, in 2025. “Nicolas is helping with the big boats, and he is very engaged with the technology. New technology,” Francis said, hinting at the exciting future of hydrogen power for Sunreef.