Sunreef 80 Sunreef Power Review (2019 Edition)

Sunreef Yachts, guided by its dedicated founder Francis Lapp, adopts a hands-on approach, overseeing the design and construction of nearly every aspect of its power and sail yachts. With a commitment to in-house expertise, the Polish builder minimizes outsourcing, ensuring a genuine semi-custom experience for buyers while maintaining a robust build program.

Sunreef's success extends beyond technical prowess, drawing the admiration of prominent owners, including racing drivers and athletes. Their Power models exude a commanding presence, characterized by a robust and masculine aesthetic, featuring a sleek profile with a concealed full flybridge deck. While their design hints at performance, these yachts are optimized for smooth, stable, and efficient cruising, typically achieving speeds of 10-14 knots, with a top speed of up to 21 knots.

Notably, the Eco version of the 80 Power stands out as a distinct offering, boasting Sunreef's innovative approach to sustainability. This version incorporates a remarkable grid of solar panels spanning up to 200m² across the topsides and superstructure, generating approximately 40kW of energy. Complemented by lightweight batteries and electric motors, with optional wind turbines and a kite for enhanced performance, Sunreef demonstrates a commitment to eco-conscious innovation in yacht design.

The appeal of catamarans lies not only in their spacious on-deck areas but also in the generous volume they offer below decks. Despite their narrow and efficient hulls, which traditionally limited cabin space, Sunreef has defied convention by maximizing interior volume on the 24m (79ft) 80 Power. In comparison to monohull yachts, where a 12m (40ft) beam is typically found on superyachts exceeding 70m in length, the 80 Power provides an exceptional on-deck experience with its expansive width.

Below deck, guests are treated to spacious ensuite cabins that rival those found on monohull yachts. Sunreef has carefully crafted versatile layout options to accommodate various cruising styles, ensuring that each cabin provides comfort and luxury. Furthermore, the yacht offers a wide selection of finishes, and Sunreef encourages owner input to tailor and personalize the interior to semi-custom levels, ensuring a truly bespoke experience.

The cabin configurations available across the two hulls offer a myriad of options, allowing for personalized layouts. Each cabin is generously appointed, featuring spacious ensuite facilities with expansive shower rooms, ample floor space surrounding the double berths, and abundant headroom. While there may not be a standout owner or VIP cabin typically found on monohulls, the 80 Power compensates with excellent overall space distribution, ensuring there are no small or cramped cabins onboard.

The evolution in design is striking, reflecting a significant progression from catamaran layouts of the past. Stepping into any of the 80 Power's cabins would astonish even a catamaran enthusiast from a decade ago, underscoring Sunreef's commitment to innovation.

The actual number of cabins varies depending on the placement of the galley within the yacht's layout. Opting for a galley-up configuration allows for more space below deck, offering options such as four guest cabins and two crew cabins, or a layout featuring five guest cabins and one crew cabin. Conversely, selecting a galley-down layout provides options for three or four cabins, with the possibility of one or two crew cabins.

In addition to a versatile five-cabin layout, the owner's suite occupies the starboard side, offering enhanced space. Buyers can opt to extend the ensuite and establish a separate dressing area behind the owner's cabin, potentially reconfiguring or relocating one of the crew cabins to accommodate this customization. 

Ascending from the cabins via shallow stairwells, we arrive at the main deck. The main salon is not just spacious; it's monumental — a sprawling single-level enveloped in glass and ready to be configured in a multitude of ways. Opting for the galley on this level proves advantageous, liberating space below for the cabins while effortlessly catering to guests inside or on deck.

In our test yacht, the galley resided aft, adjacent to generously wide cockpit doors that integrate the interior with the aft deck. With its expansive, minimalist countertops, and a double-fronted cabinet refrigerator, the galley delivers a penthouse aesthetic while satisfying all culinary and storage needs.

Alternatively, positioning the galley forward transforms it into a dynamic presentation area, allowing chefs to showcase their skills. Given the ample space available, the layout can be tailored to your preferences, allowing for flexibility in arranging the lounge, galley, and dining areas to your liking.

Discreetly positioned to starboard within the salon, the lower helm offers easy access to the foredeck doors just a few steps away. Featuring a multi-screen console and either two helm seats or a bench, this area provides a comfortable space for extended passages. However, its usage may be minimal as the upper helm, located on the flybridge, is where the captain and other occupants will likely prefer to be when underway.

The flybridge functions as a full upper deck, with the helm positioned prominently at the forefront. Flanked by two sets of guest seating, accommodating up to eight individuals, this central location provides a sense of balance. With unobstructed deck space all round, the captain can easily perform visual checks along each side during mooring, although cameras and the helm's MFD screens offer additional assistance in this regard.

The side decks of the 80 Power are unexpectedly impressive, defying the notion that they are just functional spaces. Instead, they are expansive, slightly curved teak walkways. Few yachts, even those approaching 100m (328ft) in length, offer the opportunity to walk side-by-side along the decks, but such an experience is possible on the 80 Power.

Navigating the yacht's expansive deck is a safe and effortless experience, thanks to its ample space and thoughtful design. Moving towards the bow, you'll discover a foredeck lounge that surpasses the size of many aft decks. This spacious area features two L-shaped sofas and a generously sized forward sunpad, which also serves as a storage compartment.

Moving towards the stern, you'll find yet another expansive deck area, complete with a central dining table and elevated lounging pads. With just a press of a button, the aft bench seat elevates, revealing additional storage space and a PWC cradle, allowing for a stylish James Bond-style launch of watercraft into the sea. Spanning across the stern, a broad swim platform features a hydraulic central section, ideal for launching the tender or serving as a delightful spot for swimming and water activities.

Ascending to the flybridge from the main deck, you're greeted by an expansive space, the defining feature of this elevated deck. The open area offers a feeling of vastness that might initially seem empty compared to a monohull flybridge. However, upon closer inspection, you'll find all the essential features — bar, dining area, lounge, and hardtop — thoughtfully distributed across the deck.

Moreover, there's ample opportunity to personalize the space with various options. Whether it's a larger bar, a pool, or fixed seating, the flybridge's generous proportions offer endless possibilities for customization. You could even add a hammock or two, creating an idyllic retreat for lazy afternoons.

Value and pricing represent a pivotal aspect of the catamaran purchasing decision, often stirring debate among enthusiasts. Consider a hypothetical scenario: a 20m (66ft) catamaran boasting a 10m (33ft) beam.

Advocates of catamarans argue that such a vessel provides significantly more volume and deck space compared to an equivalent 20m monohull with a 7m (23ft) beam. Consequently, they contend that catamarans should command a higher price point — a sentiment echoed by catamaran builders.

However, buyers have historically demonstrated a preference for monohulls, despite the perceived advantages of catamarans. For decades, monohulls have reigned supreme on the waves, underscoring the complexities surrounding perceptions of value and pricing within the community.

Nowadays, with an emphasis on enhanced luxury, style, and cabin space, coupled with rising demand for fuel efficiency and eco-friendly cruising practices, catamarans are gaining traction among buyers. Additionally, the ease of maneuvering in marinas adds to their appeal.

Arguably, the 24m (79ft) 80 Sunreef Power presents itself as a compelling value proposition, akin to a 30m (98ft) option. With its abundance of features and spacious layout, it offers buyers a unique blend of versatility and sophistication.