New Sunreef 100 luxury sailing cat is also a floating environmental science classroom
In a naval engineering marvel that marries clean technologies of the past and future with luxurious surroundings and an unrivalled on-water experience, the Sunreef 100 Eco catamaran unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show in September delivers on and embraces the next generation of sustainable sailing.
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Wind power, electric motors, batteries, embedded solar cells
The 28.6 m / 94 ft yacht ‘Ipharra‘ sports:
- two 360 kiloWatt (1,000+ total hp) electric motors,
- a 770kWh battery bank,
- a mainsail measuring 285 m² (3,070 sq ft)
and - almost the same amount of solar cells (250m² (2,700 sq ft) embedded throughout the hull and superstructure to supply up to 49kWp of clean energy to cover all hotel loads.
This leading edge sustainability technology is combines with inspired and meticulous design features that include a generous owner’s suite on the main deck, expansive outdoor living areas, and, at the stern, a large modular onboard ‘Beach Club’ when side terraces are unfolded.
Floating platform for ocean and energy studies
The spacious open salon embodies the full character, philosophy and usage of the yacht. Its most immediately impressive features are the deep sofas, a ten-person dining table, and a dedicated coffee bar, all surrounded by windows that allow the interior to be filled with natural light.
What is less obvious is the retractable projector screen concealed within the headlining panels. It is there not only to provide entertainment, but also to help fulfill another of Ipharra’s roles.
Ipharra will host students as part of an educational program adapted specifically for onboard learning. Operating between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, the yacht will provide a platform for studying geography, history, philosophy, marine biology, and ocean conservation.
Being onboard and out on the water offers students firsthand insight into renewable energy, energy efficiency, and responsible energy management at sea through Ipharra’s electric propulsion system and integrated Solar Skin technology.
Sunreef introduced Solar Skin in 2024. It’s a game changer that can make an entire boat an electricity generating solar panel by embedding photovoltaic cells right into the composite used to build the hull. The technology in the Sunreef 100 is the third generation of the Skin, using advanced proprietary construction techniques and AI to maximize energy harvesting.
Read the full story about Sunreef’s revolutonary Solar Skin
Sunreef Yachts CTO Nicolas Lapp explains: “Using AI, machine learning algorithms and real-time data from Sunreef catamarans operating in seas around the world, we have developed a system where we are able to continuously refine panel placement and optimize energy yield. Each panel functions as a smart unit, dynamically adjusting its electrical output to mitigate shading effects from sails and superstructure, significantly boosting system efficiency, even during winter months.”
Ipharra is also an impressive bluewater sailing yacht, her towering carbon mast supporting a powerful sail plan that includes the 285 m² mainsail, a genoa (195 m² / 2,100 sq ft), staysail (100 m² / 1,100 sq ft), and 570 m² / 6,100 sq ft gennaker. In optimal winds of 15–20 knots, she comfortably achieves speeds of 8–10 knots – which enables recharging the batteries through hydrogeneration.
Luxury designed for multiple uses and users
This is actually the second Ipharra. The first was a Sunreef Double Deck 102 – purchased by the same owner back in 2010 – that was then the third biggest sloop rigged catamaran in the world.
That owner has a long-standing association with one of the world’s most prestigious boarding schools, which is why both the original Ipharra and her new incarnation incorporate the educational programming. That history came in handy when working with the Sunreef design team to ensure that the new Ipharra would be able to accommodate the multiple use cases.
To provide the best experiences for both family cruising and educational voyages, Ipharra offers five guest cabins. A single cabin adjacent to the owner’s suite is ideal for younger family members or the head of a student delegation, while four en suite guest cabins in the hulls can be configured as either doubles or twins, providing maximum flexibility for different cruising programs.
Occupying pride of place forward on the main deck is the owner’s suite. Glass privacy panels separate the sleeping area from the bathroom and shower while allowing light to flow freely throughout the space. The suite also enjoys private access to the secluded foredeck terrace.
The platform of the aft Beach Club concept connects both hulls just above the water and provides access to the fold-down side terraces to create an exceptional waterside leisure area. The garage area accommodates a pair of sailing dinghies while remaining equally suitable for jet skis, preferably electric.
“We launched the first Ipharra in 2010, and sixteen years later we have the honour of unveiling her successor – the new electric sailing Sunreef 100 Eco Ipharra,” said Sunreef founder and CEO Francis Lapp. “This project reflects a long-standing relationship built on trust and a shared vision. Designed not only for exceptional sailing but also as a platform for education, Ipharra embodies a mission that transcends the traditional role of a yacht. We are proud to have brought this unique vision to life.”
