For over two decades, Sunreef Yachts has been crafting top-tier catamarans in its Gdansk facilities, with buyers including tennis players like Rafael Nadal and Fernando Alonso. Looking to expand beyond Europe, the company's founder, Francis Lapp, selected the UAE as the location for its inaugural overseas shipyard two years ago.
The Ras Al Khaimah shipyard, recently inaugurated by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, is now operational, employing over 180 staff to reach 600 by year-end. Lapp's vision for the UAE shipyard stems from a strategic desire to tap into the burgeoning Asian and Australian markets.
Having relocated from Poland to Dubai four years ago, Lapp oversees production at the Ras Al Khaimah port, emphasizing the region's potential as a hub for luxury yacht manufacturing. The company's expansion into the UAE reflects a commitment to replicate the success achieved in Poland, where Sunreef Yachts transformed the country's shipbuilding landscape.
With orders worth $170 million in the pipeline, the Ras Al Khaimah shipyard is poised to meet the escalating demand for spacious yachts. These vessels, ranging from 44 to 88 feet, boast solar-paneled roofs and are customized to each client's specifications, featuring opulent interiors and amenities akin to floating villas.
Lapp envisions the UAE shipyard as a testament to Sunreef Yachts' unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. He anticipates a seamless transition, ensuring that the craftsmanship synonymous with the Gdansk site is upheld in Ras Al Khaimah.
The allure of these luxury catamarans lies not only in their lavish design but also in the seclusion they afford clientele, providing a sanctuary away from the public eye. As clients increasingly seek longer voyages, Sunreef Yachts aims to cater to their evolving preferences, offering unparalleled comfort and privacy on the open seas.
Amidst this expansion, the establishment of the Polish Business Council in Dubai heralds a new era of economic cooperation between Poland and the UAE. Lapp's deep-rooted affinity for the UAE underscores his commitment to making Ras Al Khaimah the epicenter of luxury yacht manufacturing, setting a precedent for future investments in the region.
As Lapp prepares to relocate his family to Ras Al Khaimah, he envisions the shipyard as a beacon of excellence, poised to redefine the standards of luxury yacht production in the Middle East. With a steadfast resolve to innovate and excel, Sunreef Yachts is poised to maintain its position as an industry leader, driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection.
