Sunreef Yachts unveils 40M Explorer Eco catamaran

This expedition catamaran features efficient hulls, electric propulsion and a transatlantic range

Sunreef Yachts has developed the innovative 40M Explorer Eco catamaran for the owners who are keen on long cruises and exploring remote water areas. According to the shipyard, more efficient, slimmer and lighter composite hulls allow for considerably lower energy consumption, so with a modern electric propulsion system the yacht can easily cross oceans. 

Sunreef’s proprietary “solar skin” technology allows the manufacturer to cover the hull and supercatructure of the catamaran with solar panels,  capable of generating enough power (up to 40 kWt) to run all the onboard systems from air conditioning and icemakers to Jacuzzi and the multimedia equipment. 

There is a huge bathing platform aft, which can serve as a beach club, a watersports launchpad or a dive shop, while the fold-down side terraces increase the area of this area even more. 

With a beam of 11.20 m the 40-metre Sunreef Explorer Eco can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests and a crew of seven. Four guest cabins are on the main deck, while the upper deck is dedicated to the owner. In addition to the apartment, the owner has a private terrace aft, as well as a vast lounge with sofas and a sunpad on the foredeck, which can be used privately or shared with the guests. 

The bow section of the catamaran’s hulls is quite unusual, as its shape was designed to take the sting out of the waves, decrease the pierce the waves, reduce pitching and lessen the energy required to propel the yacht, which also makes the guest experience more comfortable. According to the yard, with two motors of 540 kWt and a cruising speed of 10 knots, this solution is “a key part of the Sunreef Explorer Eco’s transatlantic capability”. 

Mike Horn, explorer and Sunreef ambassador, has helped to inspire the design of the new yacht. Francis Lapp, founder and President of Sunreef Yachts, joined him in Greenland as part of his “What’s Left” sailing expedition. 

“Exploring Greenland under sail with Mike has served as a profound source of motivation for me to continue to act for a sustainable future within the yachting industry. That is why Sunreef has launched an Eco version of its 40m Explorer and is continuing to push boundaries both on emissions-free propulsion and renewable materials inside and out,” said Francis Lapp.