I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for Sunreef Yachts since I first visited the shipyard in Gdansk, Poland where a hard-working entrepreneur named Francis Lapp was building large luxury catamarans. That was way back in 2010. And since his fledgling shipyard was located in the Gdansk Shipyard where Lech Walesa helped found the Solidarity trade union that played a key role in the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union, it was inspiring to see something so new and innovative emerging from such a historic place. Little did I know that he was just getting started!

Since then, Sunreef Yachts have continued to push the innovation envelope when it comes to the design and construction of fully-customized eco-responsible catamarans and multihull superyachts. Sunreef Yachts’ current range of sailing and power catamarans ranging from 50-feet to 210-feet-long! And Lapp’s company combines electric propulsion, smart energy management, ultramodern solar panels and ethically-sourced finishing materials to provide a yachting experience unlike many other yachts.

I also love how astute Lapp is when it comes to recruiting high-profile owner/ambassadors who include superstars like Rafael Nadal and Formula 1 champions Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg. Sunreef Yachts are cool and in high demand for lots of reasons.

In fact, demand has been so high, the always forward-looking Lapp wasted no time in developing a brand-new, state-of-the-art new production facility that just opened in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.

I saw it for myself last week during a break from the Dubai Boat Show last week. And I have no doubt the new facility’s modern paint shop, laminating, carpentry, upholstery and stainless-steel work will be world class.

According to Lapp, Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE was the best strategic choice for this new facility due to Ras Al Khaimah’s incentive, industry support, and easy access to key markets and transportation infrastructure.

“We can now further expand in an environment that merges perfect strategic location, skilled workforce and proactive mindset,” says Lapp. “The yachts produced in Ras Al Khaimah will elevate eco-responsible yachting to a new level and showcase industry-first technology. I would like to thank the RAK Government and RMC management for their invaluable support in making this dream possible and I look forward to building a better future for yachting here.”

“The Ras Al Khaimah shipyard that we are now developing works hand in hand with our local Dubai office, employing a team of specialists from various fields,” adds Sunreef Yachts Middle East Director Munira Lapp. “The aim is to form a yachting think tank that will not only anticipate trends, but also shape the future of yachting with creative solutions. I believe the RAK facility will be the perfect infrastructure to carry out the most advanced eco responsible yachting concepts.”

It’s obvious the new facility is an important part of Sunreef Yachts’ global expansion strategy that will not only strengthen the company’s presence in the Middle East, but also allow a stronger connection with the Asian and Australian markets. And with the company’s two existing manufacturing sites in Poland, Sunreef Yachts is most definitely going global.

Watch this space.