Ray White Marine adds Sunreef cruising catamarans to its portfolio

The distributorship deal was struck at the 2022 Monaco Yacht Show where Sunreef displayed its fully electric Sunreef 80 Eco sailing catamaran, a new model that features solar panels built into the yacht’s entire bodywork – an industry first.

Ray White Marine sales director Brock Rodwell said his group, which has office locations in the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, the Whitsundays and Auckland, said he was very excited about the new partnership.

“We have watched the brand grow and evolve over the past few years and the product is proving to be very popular, with innovative eco-technology and stylish exterior lines,” Rodwell said.

“We have been working together closely for years and our catamaran specialist Julian Legge has a great track record for settled sales when it comes to the multihull range,” he added.

Rodwell said Ray White Marine planned to have several Sunreef models on display at next year’s Sydney International Boat Show, including the Sunreef Eco 80.

Australia is experiencing a rise in interest in cruising catamarans in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Rodwell, monohull owners were starting to look for more range and better fuel economy from their cruisers, something that only a catamaran could deliver.

“We’re finding post-COVID-19 that a lot of owners want to go exploring, and they want to do it without having to carry fuel bags,” he said.

“We’re finding that as long as they can find berthing, a catamaran can do that.”

Sunreef’s recent move to a new Dubai-based boat-making factory will benefit Australian customers who can easily visit the yard and customise their Sunreef as it is built.

“We see this as a major benefit for time-poor clients that wish to do a 24-hour round trip for build inspections and interior decor selections,” Rodwell said. Adding to the appeal will be the factory’s push to turn a factory visit into a luxury experience for those owners making the journey, striking deals with hotels and venues to provide a “five-star” experience.

Sunreef Yachts chief executive Francis Lapp said Australia was a “perfect cruising arena” for its products.

Sunreef’s model range included powered catamarans, which range from the 13.1-metre 40 Open Sunreef Power dayboat up to the flagship 49.0-metre 49M Sunreef Power superyacht, and sailing catamarans that range from the 15.2-metre Sunreef 50 to the range-topping 46.0-metre Sunreef MM 460 Cat.

Ray White Marine is already working with a number of potential Sunreef customers keen to step up their cruising experience.