Sunreef Yachts releases the latest full shooting of its hotly anticipated Ultima 55, the debut model of the shipyard’s new performance catamaran line. Designed for modern lifestyle seekers and adventure lovers, the Ultima 55 introduces a more contemporary and aggressive look, foil-assisted performance, and exhilarating 38 knot top speeds, all while delivering the signature luxury and comfort that define Sunreef’s DNA. With 5 hulls launched and 9 hulls under construction, the model is proving to be one of Sunreef’s most successful launches to date.

“We listened to our clients, and the feedback was clear,” said Sunreef founder and CEO, Francis Lapp. “There is still huge enthusiasm for our sustainable, solar-powered luxury catamarans, but some of our owners were requesting a smaller, faster and nimbler take on the genre. This is the Ultima line, and we are delighted to see such strong interest following the launch of the Ultima 55, with 5 hulls launched and 9 under construction.”

A new concept

From the dock, it is at once obvious that the Ultima 55 is both part of the Sunreef family and something completely new. Its exterior design includes familiar cues, such as the gently chamfered edges and elegantly curved sweep of the hull aft. There’s also the contrast of the dark glass of the superstructure and the numerous hull lights.

But the design has been rethought from the keel up. Lines are much more aggressive, with a deep chine and a dramatic reverse bow. The mullions of the saloon windows are raked forward, giving a sense of athleticism and motion. And out of sight, below the twin hulls, a robust foil provides lift and reduces drag.

Many of the features on deck will be familiar from the larger Sunreef Yachts. Twin fold-down wings at the stern create a 7.6m-wide platform for watersports or sun worship. The deck is flush all the way into the main saloon, giving an enormous island of space for sofas, sun loungers and tables, plus the option of a bar area and icemaker. There is a second lounging area on the broad foredeck, benefiting more from the breeze.

The aft deck offers plenty of space to store a tender or jetskis using a clever removable crane arm for launch and recovery. When not in use, the crane simply stows away out of sight. Further storage under the aft loungers is ample for an array of toys, from Seabobs to dive kit, making the Ultima 55 an amazing platform for fun on the water.

“The Ultima is a little unusual for a Sunreef,” said Lapp. “The brand heritage is clear, but the design is edgier and more dynamic. We have drawn on our long experience of developing stable, efficient hulls to create something that is capable of higher speeds. All the elements that characterise a Sunreef are there, from the solar panels to the extreme comfort and flexible exterior living. It’s just in a faster, more compact form.

Choose your look

This is a flexible boat, sporting a sleek superstructure that can be opened right up to merge the indoor and outdoor spaces, or closed off to create an interior cocoon. Just slide the elegant glass doors open or closed as you please. Sit under cover to escape the sun or the wind or head aft to the open air. It means that the galley and helm station in the saloon can be connected to the cockpit, so you can stay in touch when preparing a meal or taking the wheel and cranking it up to 38 knots.

Sunreef’s 100-strong design department has curated two interior styles, including one based on beautifully grained oak that contrasts with gleaming carbon fibre and upholstery in natural tones. But of course, owners can and will make their own decisions about materials, colours and finishes to end up with the boat that suits their needs to perfection.

Facilities below deck preserve Sunreef’s legendarily high comfort, without conceding too much weight. Steps lead down to each hull, giving access to a large master stateroom to portside and a VIP stateroom to starboard, both with large ensuite bathrooms, as well as an extra cabin for a guest or crew member. 

Technology at the service of comfort

Like all Sunreef yachts, smart technology is used to enhance life on board. The Ultima 55 features high-performance solar panels on the coach roof, capable of generating many kilowatts of renewable power to keep the boat’s batteries topped up.

The first boat is equipped with 2× Volvo Penta IPS800 drives to deliver optimal power and manoeuvrability, and Sunreef now has 5 units launched, including some hybrid versions. Twin 350kW motors fitted between the main engines and the propeller offer the possibility of silent electric propulsion at eco speeds and while manoeuvring or fast battery charging when the main 600hp engines are running. A surface drive option is also available for even lower draft.

Either way, the yacht carries 1,500 litres of fuel, which gives enough range to cross from Capri to Porto Cervo, for instance. The carefully developed foil that spans the two hulls below the waterline is a key part of achieving that range and reducing fuel consumption. It hasn’t been designed to lift the boat out of the water altogether, but it generates enough lift to dramatically reduce the effective weight and drag of the boat. To the same end, the deck is built entirely in carbon composite.

The Ultima range runs from 44ft to 111ft in length, covering six models.