Passion, positivity, persistence - The Story of Francis Lapp, CEO of Sunreef Yachts

Francis Lapp © Sunreef Yachts

Henry Ford once said: "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."

On that note I would like to present a personality that fits the quote's image - Founder and President of Sunreef Yachts, Francis Lapp. CEO Lapp has recently moved to the UAE, opened a new representation office of Sunreef Yachts in the Emirate of Dubai and is building an innovative shipyard in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

Passion

Over twenty years ago, while looking to build a luxury catamaran for himself, Mr Francis Lapp realized no such product existed on the market and decided to build the world's first luxury multihull. For that reason, French entrepreneur moved to Poland and started a 'one-way street journey'. Driven by PASSION, Mr Lapp built by himself an industry very first ocean-going, equipped with a flybridge catamaran (Sunreef 74) - this event set out on a journey to change the multihull market forever, proving that catamarans make outstanding luxury crafts.

Today, Francis Lapp's shipyard attracts famous names such as Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso or Nico Rosberg, among a vast clientele of owners worldwide. Starting from a single garage of Polish shipyard in Gdansk (known for the 'Solidarity' movement) and struggling with the new order that Poland was facing in the early 1990 (fall of the communism regime) Mr Lapp without a doubt faced a 'good' challenge. By creating beginners' luck for himself, strong-willed Mr Lapp has now two shipyards in Poland and he is completing a new manufacturing facility in the United Arab Emirates.

Persistence

Moving to a new country is never easy. It is exciting but brings challenges we have to face not even knowing they are waiting for us hidden just around the unknow corner. We can though face those challenges we can identify and no doubt 'the luck' will meets us halfway. Over 20 years ago, Mr Lapp identified Poland as an industry potential in the skilled workforce, ideal for the company start-up and subsequent growth. Having said that he did not speak the local language. Having the PERSISTANCE in achieving the goal, in his late 20-ties Mr Lapp took on board Polish language lessons and is now fluent in the 5th most difficult language in the word (as classified amongst Mandarin, Arabic, Telugu and Japanese). Impossible is nothing.

When receiving from the hands of the President of the Republic of Poland the Silver Cross of Merit and the Economic Award, Mr Lapp made his acceptance speech in the Polish language.

Positivity

In 2012 Sunreef Yachts factory in Gdansk caught fire. Overnight the production line was completely ruined and several yachts in construction were amongst the great damage. Mr Lapp was devasted when hearing the news (then away from Poland on business). He was on the edge of the decision on finishing the Sunreef Yachts journey. Deciding to stick to POSITIVE attitude, he came to a swift conclusion that he must not only rebuild the shipyard but furthermore create a new beginning chapter for the company. Since then, the shipyard invested in green technologies and environment friendly solutions. As such, Mr Francis Lapp built his own sustainable & electric sail catamaran, which he named Marie-Joseph (as a tribute to his parents). Marie-Joseph is permanently based in Dubai and she sets out on a mission to promote a healthier and cleaner cruising experience. All of this in an effort to give green yachting a push.

Starting solo in a foreign country 20 years ago, Mr Francis Lapp now employs over 2500 of workforce in two countries: Poland & the United Arab Emirates. He is constantly setting new goals and dreams wishing that all of them come true..... always except from one - so he is always trying to achieve something.

Francis Joseph Lapp - Founder and President of Sunreef Yachts

Francis Joseph Lapp (born 1958) is the Founder and President of Sunreef Yachts. Over twenty years ago, while looking to build a luxury catamaran for himself, he realized no such product existed on the market and decided to build the world's first luxury multihull. Ocean-going and equipped with a flybridge (an industry-first at the time) the first Sunreef 74 set out on a journey to change the multihull market forever, proving that catamarans make outstanding luxury crafts.

Today, Francis Lapp's shipyard attracts famous names such as Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso or Nico Rosberg, among a vast clientele of owners worldwide. At the helm of Sunreef Yachts for now more than two decades, he is the visionary behind the company's success and leadership in eco-responsible yachting. He is the initiator and driving force for the shipyard's Eco range of sustainable solar catamarans.

Inspired by Lapp's vision, the Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans have sparked a positive change in the yachting industry, proving that luxury can rely on the power drawn from the sun, water and wind. The Sunreef Yachts Eco use electric propulsion, hydro-generation and an industry-first "solar skin" consisting of solar cells integrated in the yacht's entire bodywork, generating unprecedented amounts of clean energy. With energy-saving air conditioning, custom-engineered battery banks, the Eco catamarans keep a universal approach to green boating with recycled and sustainably-sourced finishing materials and non-toxic bottom paints.

In order to spread the positive message that Sunreef Yachts Eco represents, Francis Lapp has built his own electric sail catamaran, which he named Marie-Joseph (as a tribute to his parents). From her launch, the Marie-Joseph set out on a mission to promote a healthier and cleaner cruising experience, taking part in many marine exhibitions, lifestyle events and private viewings. All of this in an effort to give green yachting a push. This revolution in the yachting philosophy is now also clearly visible in the superyacht sector, where again, Francis Lapp plays a pioneering role. By the end of 2022, his shipyard was commissioned to build two 43-m electric sail catamarans, that will not only be a clean and sustainable alternative to superyachts, but also a sign that it is time to for the entire sector to progress.

Francis Lapp created a whole new market - the one of luxury catamarans. Today, he leads a true revolution in responsible boating. On his journey to leadership he demonstrated both willpower and creativity, overcoming many obstacles, like the 2012 fire completely destroying the shipyard with several yachts in construction. Born and raised in a modest environment and away from the sea, he owes his success to hard work and resilience.