By: Scott Way
Another pro athlete is joining the yachties, but this time it's not your typical over-the-top megayacht. Two-time F1 champ Fernando Alonso has just commissioned a 60 foot electric catamaran from Sunreef Yachts, and the power catamaran is full of the latest sustainable tech. In fact, it's one of the more modest (at least insofar as yachts can go) and eco-friendly designs announced this year.
As for everyone else who hit the water this year, reigning SuperBowl champ Tom Brady kept it relatively modest with a new Wajer 77, and 6-time NBA champ Michael Jordon has been spending his summer marlin fishing on a custom 80' Viking sportfishing yacht. Neither of those are exactly day boats, but they're also not as gargantuan as Jeff Bezos' new world-record sailing yacht.
As for Alonso's new Sunreef Power Eco, the 60-foot catamaran is relatively small and serves as Sunreef's second smallest offering. But it's no slouch.
“I have been observing the evolution of this brand for a while, and I appreciate their commitment to push innovation forward with the Sunreef Yachts Eco range,” Alonso said in a statement after signing the contract alongside Sunreef founder and president Francis Lapp. “I’m excited to embark on this project as I know the 60 Sunreef Power Eco represents everything I am looking for: top engineering, amazing know-how and an amazing eco-friendly product.”
“We take another big step towards a more sustainable yachting experience and we are thrilled to take it together with an outstanding and inspiring ambassador on board,” said Lapp.
The Power Eco 60 boasts "complete freedom for customization," meaning that owners have nearly limitless free reign with regards to options and interior layout. In Alonso's case, his choice for electric power will use Sunreef's stellar "solar skin," which involves an advanced system of solar panels that cover almost 740 square feet of the yacht's exterior. That coverage then generates up to 13 kWh of energy that can be stored inside its ultralight battery bank for silent and vibration-free cruising. The solar panels are a marvel just on their own, as they're built right into the hull sides and superstructure of the entire yacht. The dual electric engines come in either a 2 x 300 hp configuration or a 2 x 850 hp configuration.
As for the interior, the yacht has accommodations for up to 12 guests and 4 crew with an ultra-modern and minimalist design. Interior components are derived from sustainable materials and the interior itself uses eco-tech like an energy-saving AC unit and high-efficiency electronics. Other neat features include a spa pool, automatic height-adjustable tables, a fully equipped wet bar, oversized sunpads, and full height retractable glass doors. The master suits packs a king size bed with a large TV, vanity, and walk-in dressing room, not to mention an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower. The Sunreef 60 also has room below decks for a tender, jet ski, and other water toys.
Alonso's choice for a new ride may have been inspired by fellow countrymen Rafael Nadal's recent delivery of a Sunreef 80 Power yacht. Nadal went with diesel power and dual 1200 hp engines, plus 20' feet of additional length, and he did give it the epic name of Great White. No word on what Alonso will name his, but once he retires from the world's fastest racing series to boat off into the sunset maybe Gonzo Alonso is a good fit.
You can get a look inside the Sunreef 60 in the video below:
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