1 Sunreef 50 for Sale
Luxury Sailing CatamaranThe Sunreef 50 is a fully custom luxury sailing catamaran built by Sunreef Yachts at their state-of-the-art shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland. Unlike mass-production catamaran builders, Sunreef constructs each 50 to the owner's exact specification — from hull layup and interior layout to materials and systems. The result is the most luxuriously finished catamaran in the 50-foot segment, with bespoke joinery, premium materials, and a level of customisation typically reserved for superyachts. Available in both sailing and power versions, the Sunreef 50 bridges the gap between production catamarans and full-custom builds, offering genuine one-off yacht quality at a fraction of the cost of a traditional custom build. The sailing version features a square-top mainsail and self-tacking jib for easy handling, while the optional carbon fibre construction significantly reduces displacement for improved performance.
Show 2 awards
Show 6 key features
Showing 1–1 of 1 results
The Sunreef 50: A Complete Guide
The Sunreef 50 is a fully custom luxury sailing catamaran that occupies a unique position in the market: it delivers the bespoke craftsmanship and interior quality of a superyacht in a 50-foot platform. Built by Sunreef Yachts at their state-of-the-art shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland, each Sunreef 50 is effectively a one-off yacht — constructed to the owner’s exact specification, from hull layup and interior layout to materials, systems, and finishes. No two hulls are alike.
Introduced in 2017 as part of Sunreef’s “New Beginning” range (which also includes the 60, 70, 80, and 100), the Sunreef 50 was a strategic move to enter the sub-60-foot market and compete with production builders on size while maintaining the luxury positioning that defines the brand. First deliveries began in 2019, and the model has since been joined by the Sunreef 50 Eco — a variant that integrates solar panels into the hull, deck, and superstructure for hybrid electric propulsion.
The Sunreef story is inseparable from its founder, Francis Lapp. An Alsatian French electrical engineer, Lapp founded the company in Gdańsk in the early 2000s after being unable to source suitably luxurious catamarans for a charter operation he ran in Madagascar. He leased 6,000 m² of the recently closed Gdańsk Shipyard and built the world’s first 74-foot luxury ocean-going catamaran with a flybridge, launching on 25 July 2003. The luxury yachting establishment was sceptical — “most agreed there was simply no market for a luxury catamaran.” Over 570 yachts later, the market has been proven emphatically.
Today, Sunreef employs over 2,000 people in Gdańsk across a 125,000 m² shipyard complex, with a second 65,000 m² facility in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (opened February 2024) adding a further 1,100 staff. The yard operates in-house carpentry, upholstery, stainless-steel workshops, one of Europe’s largest CNC machines, and a 300-ton floating crane. Revenue is growing at approximately 10% year-on-year, with a target of €1 billion by 2030.
Hulls.io currently tracks 1 active listing for the Sunreef 50. Due to the low production volume and bespoke nature of each build, comparable brokerage data is limited — making independent valuation and our market intelligence tools particularly valuable for prospective buyers.
Sunreef 50 Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| LOA | 15.20 m (49 ft 10 in) |
| Beam | 9.10 m (29 ft 10 in) |
| Draft (standard) | 1.10 m (3 ft 7 in) |
| Draft (deep keel / Eco) | 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in) |
| Displacement | ~32,000 kg (70,548 lbs) |
| Mainsail area | 75–80 m² (varies by rig) |
| Genoa | 55–79 m² (varies by rig) |
| Gennaker | 140 m² |
| Spinnaker (optional) | 200 m² |
| Mast height | 23.60 m (77 ft 5 in) |
| Engines (standard) | 2× Yanmar 80 HP with saildrives |
| Fuel capacity | 1,000 litres (264 US gal) |
| Water capacity | 800 litres (211 US gal) |
| Cabin layouts | 3 to 5 cabins (bespoke) |
| Heads | 3 |
| Total living space | 167 m² |
| Generator | 19 kW |
| Air conditioning | Up to 50,000 BTU/H |
| Builder | Sunreef Yachts |
| Build location | Gdańsk, Poland (+ Ras Al Khaimah, UAE) |
| CE category | A (Ocean) |
| Production years | 2017–present |
Note the specification variance: because each Sunreef 50 is semi-custom, sail areas, displacement, and system specifications differ between builds. The figures above represent the standard range. Optional full carbon fibre construction can reduce displacement by up to 30%, dramatically improving performance at significant additional cost. The 1,000-litre fuel capacity and 800-litre water capacity reflect a boat designed for genuine long-range cruising autonomy.
How Does the Sunreef 50 Sail?
Reaching: In favourable conditions, the Sunreef 50 can achieve up to 16 knots under sail. A comfortable cruising speed of 8 knots on a reach is realistic for passage-making. These are respectable numbers for a 32-tonne cruising catamaran — though it must be acknowledged that the Sunreef 50 is not a performance catamaran. It is a luxury cruiser designed for comfort at anchor and safe passage-making.
Light air: At 32 tonnes displacement, the Sunreef 50 is heavier than most production competitors (the Lagoon 46 displaces 16.3 tonnes; the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 displaces approximately 13.6 tonnes). This weight makes itself felt below 10 knots of true wind. The gennaker (140 m²) or optional spinnaker (200 m²) become essential for keeping the boat moving in light conditions.
Under power: The twin 80 HP Yanmar engines deliver a top speed of approximately 11 knots under power. With 1,000 litres of fuel, estimated range under power is 800–1,000 NM at economical cruising speed (6–7 knots), providing genuine long-range autonomy for extended passages.
Bluewater credentials: The Sunreef 50 is a proven ocean-crosser. The Sunreef 50 PAZ completed the first Atlantic crossing of the model — 4,289 NM from Ibiza to St. Lucia via the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. The passage took 14 days (estimated 10–11 without a spinnaker halyard failure mid-ocean). CE Category A certification confirms ocean capability. The boat is designed for couple-handed sailing, with self-tacking jib and well-engineered deck hardware.
Interior Layout & Customisation
This is where the Sunreef 50 fundamentally separates itself from production competitors. The interior is a blank canvas — owners work directly with Sunreef’s in-house design team to specify every detail, from the cabin configuration and galley position to the wood species, upholstery, hardware, and lighting. The result is superyacht-quality joinery and materials in a 50-foot package, with 167 m² of total living space.
Layout options: Four primary configurations are offered. The owner’s version dedicates the entire forward section of one hull to a master suite with walk-in dressing room, desk, sofa, retractable TV, and oversized bathroom. The charter version splits this space into two identical cabins for more equitable guest accommodation, accommodating up to 10 guests in a 5-cabin configuration. Galley placement is flexible — either “galley-up” on the main deck level with a central island for food prep, or “galley-down” in one of the hulls for a more open salon.
Key spaces: The main saloon features panoramic topside windows and a modular height-adjustable dining table. The aft cockpit seats 8 guests and extends via a hydraulic bathing platform that transforms the stern into a water-level terrace. A bow terrace uses the full beam of the vessel, accessible from the salon through a watertight door. The flybridge houses the main helm station, a fully equipped wet bar, large sunpads, and dining for the full crew.
Build quality: Sunreef manufactures most equipment in-house — from composite structures to metalwork, rigging, carbon masts, interior décor, and upholstery. The Gdańsk shipyard operates dedicated carpentry, upholstery, and stainless-steel workshops. Reviewers consistently describe the interior quality as “superyacht finish in a compact package” — a marked contrast to the production-line interiors of Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Leopard.
Sunreef 50 Eco: Solar & Electric
The Sunreef 50 Eco represents the cutting edge of sustainable yachting. Introduced around 2020, it integrates 67 m² of solar panels directly into the yacht’s composite structures — not bolt-on panels, but photovoltaic cells embedded into the hull, deck, mast, boom, bimini, and superstructure using Sunreef’s proprietary technology developed in-house. The system generates up to 13 kWp of green energy.
Twin electric motors replace the diesel Yanmars, providing silent propulsion with zero emissions. The ultralight lithium-ion battery banks (Sunreef claims 7 kg per kWh) power all house loads and air conditioning for 24 hours with no generator running. Energy recovery from propeller rotation while under sail (hydro-generation) supplements the solar input.
Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso took delivery of a 60 Sunreef Power Eco in 2023, describing it as “exactly the yachting experience I was looking for” and praising the ability to travel “in total silence, with no fumes, no vibrations.” Other celebrity owners include Rafael Nadal (80 Sunreef Power “Great White”), Nico Rosberg, and tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, who has reportedly ordered a Sunreef Ultima 88. Paris Hilton has chartered a Sunreef Power 80 in the Bahamas. This celebrity endorsement reflects the brand’s positioning at the pinnacle of luxury yachting.
Sunreef 50 Ownership: What to Expect
Owning a Sunreef 50 is a premium commitment. Annual running costs for a bespoke luxury catamaran of this calibre typically range from 10–15% of the purchase price — significantly higher than production catamarans due to the bespoke systems, larger dimensions, and specialised maintenance requirements:
- Insurance: 0.8–1.5% of hull value annually. For a €2 million boat, expect €16,000–€30,000. Caribbean and hurricane-zone coverage commands higher premiums. Specialist marine insurers with luxury catamaran experience are essential.
- Berthing: A 50-foot catamaran with a 9.1 m beam requires a wide berth — expect €12,000–€40,000+ per year depending on location. Mediterranean marinas (Antibes, Palma, Montenegro) are at the upper end; Caribbean anchorages and mooring fields at the lower.
- Engine and systems maintenance: Twin Yanmar 80 HP diesels require annual servicing at approximately €3,000–€5,000. The 19 kW generator, air conditioning (50,000 BTU), watermaker, and bespoke electrical systems add €5,000–€10,000 per year. The Eco variant’s electric propulsion and battery management systems require specialist technicians.
- Haul-out and antifouling: €5,000–€8,000 annually for a 50-foot catamaran, depending on the yard and paint system used.
- Crew: The Sunreef 50 is designed for couple-handed sailing without professional crew. However, owners who want full-service operation should budget €40,000–€60,000 per year for a captain/mate.
- Approximate total (owner-operated):€45,000–€95,000 per year without crew. This represents approximately 3–5% of purchase price annually — competitive for the luxury segment but substantially higher than running costs for production catamarans like the Lagoon 46 or Fountaine Pajot Elba 45.
Depreciation: Sunreef yachts benefit from limited production volumes and strong brand prestige. However, the bespoke nature of each build means depreciation is highly specification-dependent. A well-equipped boat with desirable options (Eco variant, full carbon, premium systems) will hold value significantly better than a basic specification. Industry estimates suggest 15–20% depreciation in the first three years for the standard variant, with the Eco variant expected to depreciate more slowly as sustainable yachting demand grows.
How to Buy a Sunreef 50: What to Look For
New build vs used: New Sunreef 50 builds start from approximately €1.7 million, rising to €3 million or more with full specification. There is currently an approximately 2-year waiting list for new orders. Used examples are available from approximately €1.5–2.8 million depending on year, specification level, and equipment. Because each boat is bespoke, specification dramatically affects resale value — a well-specified boat with premium systems will hold value far better than a basic build.
Issues to Be Aware Of
- Weight and performance trade-off: At 32 tonnes, expect reduced pointing ability upwind and slower acceleration in light air compared to lighter production competitors. This is inherent to the design philosophy — comfort and luxury, not racing performance.
- Gel coat quality: Some owners have reported gel coat deterioration on Sunreef builds. Inspect the gel coat carefully, particularly below the waterline and around fittings.
- After-sales and service network: Sunreef’s service network is smaller than Lagoon (Groupe Beneteau) or Fountaine Pajot. The yard has facilities in Gdańsk and Ras Al Khaimah but does not maintain the kind of global dealer network that production builders offer. Bespoke components may require direct shipyard involvement for replacement.
- System complexity (Eco variant): The electric propulsion, battery management, and solar integration systems require specialised maintenance and training not available at every marina. Factor in the logistics of accessing qualified technicians when planning your cruising ground.
- Delivery delays: Some owners have reported delivery delays on new orders. The semi-custom nature of each build means timelines can extend beyond initial estimates.
Value Retention
Sunreef yachts hold their value well due to limited production volumes, strong brand prestige, and bespoke craftsmanship. However, the wide price variance on used listings (€1.5M to €2.8M for similar-vintage boats) reflects how dramatically individual specification levels affect resale. The Eco variant is expected to retain value particularly well as the market shifts toward sustainable yachting solutions. For context, mainstream production catamarans from Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot typically retain 65–70% of value after five years.
Sunreef 50 vs Competitors
The Sunreef 50 occupies a distinct niche. Its true competitors are boutique luxury builders, not the mass-production fleet — though buyers invariably compare across both segments.
Sunreef 50 vs Lagoon 46
The Lagoon 46 is the world’s best-selling catamaran in this size range, with over 600 hulls built. It costs approximately €874,000 base — roughly half the Sunreef 50’s entry price. The Lagoon offers a proven platform with a global dealer network, excellent parts availability, and strong resale liquidity. What it cannot match is the Sunreef’s interior finish quality, bespoke customisation, and the premium materials and craftsmanship that define every surface of the Sunreef 50. The Lagoon is the practical choice; the Sunreef is the luxury choice.
Sunreef 50 vs Fountaine Pajot Elba 45
The Elba 45 is the more sailing-oriented choice among production builders — lighter, with a sportier profile and the largest sky lounge in its class at 44–45 ft. At approximately €817,000 base, it’s less than half the Sunreef 50’s price. The Elba’s reversed bow, lower profile, and lighter displacement arguably make it a better sailing boat. But the Sunreef 50’s interior volume, material quality, and bespoke specification exist in a different category entirely.
Sunreef 50 vs Leopard 45/46
Built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa, the Leopard is the value play in this segment. Solid, reliable, popular with liveaboard cruisers and charter operators. The Leopard’s construction is respected for its durability, but the interior finish is utilitarian compared to the Sunreef’s bespoke luxury. For buyers where the yacht is a tool for cruising rather than a statement of craftsmanship, the Leopard delivers excellent value.
Sunreef 50 vs Privilège 510
The Privilège 510 is the Sunreef 50’s closest philosophical competitor — a luxury long-distance cruiser with an excellent reputation for build quality and finish. Designed to carry up to 6 tonnes of cruising gear, the Privilège is a serious bluewater yacht with a loyal following among experienced cruisers. Privilège has a longer heritage in luxury multihulls but lacks Sunreef’s eco/electric technology and celebrity cachet. For buyers who prioritise proven offshore capability over brand prestige, the Privilège merits serious consideration.
For a broader comparison of catamaran values across the market, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.