Sunreef 43M Eco Yacht: The (Hull) Shot Heard ‘Round the World

With construction underway on what will be the world’s largest electric-powered superyacht, Sunreef Yachts is showing yachting enthusiasts something they typically don’t see. You’re looking at the infusion method for the massive composite hull of the Sunreef 43M Eco yacht. What’s more, the recently completed process is officially the largest single-shot hull infusion in yachting.

Briefly, the infusion process forces resin into all areas of dry fiberglass and coring. Vacuum pressure sucks the resin into the laid-up dry material, encased in a large bag with hoses. Since it distributes the resin much more evenly than hand-laying, the method results in a stronger and lighter-weight hull. It additionally results in dramatically lower VOCs.

Notably, Horizon Yachts set the record about five years ago for the largest vacuum-infused hull. However, it was a 140-foot (42.6-meter) monohull. The Sunreef 43M Eco yacht’s LOA is 141 feet (43 meters), further with a beam of 50 feet (15.4 meters). Altogether, the infused surface measures nearly 18,300 square feet (1,700 square meters).

The yacht is part of Sunreef’s solar-cells-equipped superyacht series. Specifically, she’ll have solar cells integrated in her hull and superstructure, mast, and boom. A total of 2,691 square feet (250 square meters) of solar panels will be aboard. The solar panels will feed solid-state batteries with a 1-MWh capacity. This is particularly noteworthy because solid-state batteries can store more energy than lithium-ion batteries in the same physical footprint. Additionally, Sunreef has designed and engineered a hydro-generation system, producing power for various onboard needs while she’s under sail. A power-management system will monitor and balance the electrical draw throughout the decks. Finally, a pair of 200-kW electric engines will take care of repositioning and other maneuvers up to 14 knots.

Since construction started on spec, there’s still time to tailor areas to your liking. The semi-custom Sunreef 43M Eco yacht can accommodate 12 guests, offering some pretty expansive leisure areas. The master suite, for example, can occupy the full 50-foot beam on the main deck. Nearly as wide, the flying bridge is ideal for dining under the hardtop or soaking up sun aft. Down below, meanwhile, the Ocean Lounge—a.k.a. the beach club—can cater to simply enjoying the views, working out, and more. It has three fold-down sides, too, to look and feel airier. The three platforms touch as well, for a seamless walk-around experience.

Sunreef expects to release the hull from its mold by the end of the year. “We achieved an important milestone on our journey to build a truly groundbreaking yacht,” says Francis Lapp, Sunseeker Yachts’ founder. Make that two: This is the first of two Sunreef 43M Eco yachts under construction.

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