A Silent Revolution

Oct 17, 2024

As the Sunreef 60 Eco glides through the Mediterranean, this beautiful catamaran isn’t just helping redefine luxury in the marine sector but yachting as we know it.

With an advanced fully hybridised powerplant, it offers seamless blend of luxury, sustainability, and tranquillity. Now available through Ray White Marine, this environmentally conscious vessel looks to set the standard for sustainable luxury on New Zealand waters.

At first glance the 60 Eco is striking. An expansive solar array acts as a futuristic skin wrapping the sleek design which is complemented by beautiful interior design and of course that innovative power system.

Al White of Ray White Marine, himself a very experienced Superyacht captain, spent some time onboard and caught up with existing owners at the Canne Yacht Show.

“Stepping aboard the Sunreef 60 Eco, you are immediately struck by the openness of the layout. As a passionate boatie, the central walkthrough is one of my favourite features, it’s a great example of indoor and outdoor flow and you just feel so connected to the water and your surrounds, it’s really amazing.” Says White.

The main salon flows effortlessly into the sunken lounge at the bow, while signature vertical windows flood the interiors with natural light. The interior woodwork is impeccable, giving the yacht an upscale feel. The staterooms, especially the owner’s suite, with its dual sinks, infinity rain shower, and breathtaking views outside, reflect a high standard of design and craftsmanship.

Following on from that, the aft tender lift platform also doubles as a social area, creating a perfect spot for waterside entertainment, whether you're diving, lounging, or creating your own private oasis.

The Flybridge is another highlight for Al, “It’s a very generous and well-laid out area, from here of course the captain can control the yacht with all the technical brilliance available in the Eco 60, while guests relax at a huge teak table, loungers, and a enjoy Alfresco dining with the day’s catch. There are just some many ways for 60 Eco to deliver experiences, be it dining, partying or chilling out, it’s a really versatile vessel”

And one that further enriches those experiences with the electric power unit.

“Talking with owners, that’s a gamechanger for enjoying the yacht. Depending on a multitude of variables, the captain often needs to pull anchor and get underway when the guests may still be resting. With the 60 Eco, you can do that silently. Imagine moving with no noise at all—just the sound of the sea.” Says White

“One owner I spoke with said their ‘real world’ experience was cruising for about four hours at eight knots using only battery power. No engines, no fuel—just the pure power of nature. Yes that’s a few knots slower than a combustion engine powered yacht, but a very agreeable compromise in most situations.” Says White

The Sunreef 60 Eco is equipped with a 330-kilowatt battery, allowing extended cruising without needing to fire up its generators. When necessary, the dual generators kick in, producing 70 to 140 kilowatts, enough to power the boat and recharge the batteries without missing a beat.

If you look to complete a day’s cruising with around 80% battery power remaining, it will allow you to operate everything including air conditioning, fridges and entertainment for 48 hours without needing shore power or generators.

“At night, there’s no generator noise. It’s a seamless, zero-noise experience both when cruising and when anchored.” White confirms.

This eco-friendly ethos isn’t just about technical capabilities; it dramatically changes the onboard experience. From an environmental perspective, Al believes there’s no going back. “Once you experience a motorboat that compares to the quiet and clean experience of sailing, it’s very hard to go back to diesel!”

Testament to the green technology onboard Sunreef’s latest yachts are the awards claimed in September during the Cannes and Monaco yachting festival. The Power 60 Eco won 'Best Electric Catamaran' at the World Yacht Trophies, one of the biggest industry awards held during the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival while the larger Sunreef 100 Eco won 'Best Eco Yacht' at Best of the Best Awards held in Monaco.

Crew quarters (if specified) are equally well-appointed, with spacious galleys and smart storage options. The galley features large windows and ventilation, ensuring that even the crew can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while preparing meals.

In the world of yachting, where luxury often clashes with environmental concerns, the Sunreef 60 Eco shows that you can have both.

“I was talking with an owner who up the boat in Poland and sailed 4,000 nautical miles down to Portugal, through Gibraltar, and across the Mediterranean, all with minimal environmental impact. He was averaging a fuel efficiency of just 18 litres of fuel per hour (at eight knots) and was achieving 5,000 nautical miles on a single tank which is amazing” Says White.

Yes, the Sunreef 60 Eco comes at a premium, given all of the technical advancement on board, but it just makes more sense for the environment and for the experience. Offering an entirely new way to sail. For those seeking luxury that aligns with sustainability, this yacht is a revolution on the water.

The Sunreef Power 60 Eco won 'Best Electric Catamaran' at the World Yacht Trophies - one of the biggest industry awards which was held in Cannes During the Cannes Yachting Festival.