A teak-free horizon: Nicolas Lapp on Sunreef Yachts' sustainable vision
by Sunreef Yachts 3 Oct 03:02 PDT
A teak-free horizon: Nicolas Lapp on Sunreef Yachts' sustainable vision © Sunreef Yachts
Nicolas Lapp, Chief Technical Officer and co-founder of Sunreef Yachts, shares insights on the shipyard's bold transition away from traditional teak decking toward a more sustainable future in yacht building.
Sunreef Yachts recently announced its transition away from traditional teak decking. What led to this decision?
Nicolas Lapp: As a shipyard, we've reached a point where continuing with teak no longer aligns with our values or vision. We've decided to move forward with more sustainable, yet still natural, alternatives. Our goal is to provide yacht owners with materials that look and feel just as luxurious, while significantly reducing the environmental toll. It's a direction we believe the entire industry should begin to take seriously.
What kind of materials have you chosen as replacements for teak, and how do they perform?
We've conducted extensive R&D work, testing eight different alternatives to traditional teak. Ultimately, we've selected two wood-based and one non-wood solution that now form part of our portfolio. These options not only match the visual appeal of teak but, in some cases, surpass it in performance. For example, one thermally modified wood we use reduces surface heat by 16% and offers over 25% better thermal insulation. This contributes directly to energy efficiency by reducing the need for cooling in cabins.
There's still a strong association between teak and luxury. How do clients respond to these alternatives?
Perception does still play a big role—especially when it comes to exterior decks, which are seen as luxury focal points. But the good news is that our clients are incredibly open-minded. They're curious, design-conscious, and increasingly eco-aware. Once we present them with high-quality alternatives that meet both aesthetic and environmental standards, the transition is usually quite seamless. In fact, we've had overwhelmingly positive feedback from both sailing and motor yacht owners.
Let's talk about maintenance. Is ease of care also part of the equation?
Absolutely. One of the pain points of traditional teak is maintenance—its oily surface makes it especially vulnerable to stains from things like sunscreen, coffee, or wine. The new materials we use are far more durable and easier to clean. We've even developed specialized maintenance protocols that make our new decks almost stain-proof, which has been a real game-changer for crews.
What about sportier models like the ULTIMA 55? Does the same approach apply there?
For the ULTIMA 55, which is a high-performance hybrid catamaran, we made an exception. In this case, aesthetics and weight were key priorities, so we opted for a premium synthetic solution. But even here, sustainability was still part of the conversation—just balanced with other performance factors.