Yachting Art Magazine

Unveiled as a world premiere at the 2026 Monaco Yacht Show, the Ipharra marks a significant milestone for Sunreef Yachts. This catamaran, measuring nearly 29 metres, combines fully electric propulsion, a large array of solar panels and a unique concept that blends extended family cruising with an educational mission.

Recently delivered to her owner (a long-standing client of the shipyard), the Ipharra stands out as one of the major technological showcases in Sunreef’s Eco range. With over 250 m² of photovoltaic cells integrated directly into the hull and superstructure, she exemplifies the builder’s commitment to combining spacious interiors with the energy transition.

A story of loyalty and innovation

Founded in 2002 in Gdańsk by Francis Lapp, Sunreef Yachts has established itself in the market for large, bespoke multihulls. The history of the Ipharra is, in fact, closely linked to that of the shipyard: back in 2010, Sunreef had already launched a Sunreef 102 Double Deck bearing this name. Sixteen years on, the owner is continuing the adventure with a new-generation vessel, designed entirely around electrification and energy management.

Whilst the yacht retains the spacious interiors characteristic of the brand’s catamarans, its energy architecture proves particularly ambitious:

• Powertrain and storage: Two 360 kW electric motors are powered by a massive 770 kWh battery bank.
• Solar Skin technology: Developed in-house, it incorporates 252 m² of solar panels with a claimed maximum power output of 49 kWp.

This power output is designed to cover a significant proportion of the vessel’s on-board hospitality requirements, considerably reducing the use of combustion generators whilst at anchor whilst ensuring quiet operation.

A high-performance long-range cruising yacht

The Ipharra remains, above all, a genuine sailing yacht. Its carbon mast carries a 285 m² square-top mainsail, a 195 m² genoa, a 100 m² staysail and a 570 m² gennaker. According to the shipyard, the catamaran can thus maintain speeds of 8 to 10 knots in favourable winds (between 15 and 20 knots), with the electric propulsion taking over in calm conditions or during harbour manoeuvres.

Inside, the layout meets the standards of a family superyacht. The owner’s suite, situated at the bow of the main deck, has direct access to a private terrace. Accommodation is complemented by five cabins, including a single cabin for a young family member and four modular cabins in the hulls. The spacious saloon, bathed in natural light, combines a dining area for ten people, relaxation areas and a retractable projection screen. The interiors favour the warm tones of oak, creating a contrast between light-coloured furnishings and dark floors.

A multi-purpose floating laboratory

Outside, the living spaces extend from the sheltered cockpit to the spacious flybridge. At the stern, the modular platform and side terraces transform into a large beach club and can accommodate tenders, such as the two small sailing dinghies planned for the Ipharra.

This configuration supports a unique purpose: hosting educational programmes at sea. With long-standing ties to the Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland, the owner is reviving, with the Ipharra, an initiative previously run on his former catamaran. Travelling between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, the vessel will welcome groups of pupils to explore geography, history and marine biology. The vessel’s on-board energy technologies (solar power generation, storage and consumption management) will thus serve as educational tools in real-world conditions.

With this world first in Monaco, the Ipharra demonstrates that modern superyachting can successfully combine comfort, offshore performance and tangible energy efficiency.