Sunreef Launches The First Carbon-Fiber Catamaran

Carbon fiber was pioneered for use in Formula One racing cars, but has since found its way into all sorts of applications. Today you'll find it in automobiles, airplanes and all manner of consumer products. But it's just now beginning to dip its toes in the water, so to speak, in yachts.

Sunreef is preparing to launch what it claims is the world's first carbon-fiber sailing yacht in the Sunreef 80 Levante. The twin-hull design of the Sunreef 80 Levante is made of a composite sandwich construction that combines vinylester, PVC foam, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Combined with a mast and boom made of carbon fiber and rigging made of Kevlar, the lightweight construction helps keep the weight down to a relatively featherlike 45 tons — despite its 80-foot length and 340 square meters of sail area. The weight allows it to reach a comfortable cruise of 15 knots and top speeds in excess of 20 knots.