Sunreef Wing: Sailing, reinvented
by Sunreef Yachts 11 Nov 15:05 UTC
Sunreef Yachts introduces wing-sail technology designed to make life under sail simpler, safer and more efficient, and to shape the next generation of its sailing catamarans.
Sailing is the most natural way to move across the sea. It runs on an unlimited, renewable resource: the wind. Yet traditional sailing still asks a lot of owners and crews, through complex procedures, constant adjustment and gear that needs regular maintenance. With the Sunreef Wing, Sunreef Yachts sets out to change that. The aim is to make sailing easier, more intuitive and more efficient, and to open it up to more owners and crews.
Shaped by the wind
At the heart of the technology is a self-supported, rotating wing that can turn through a full 360 degrees. It doesn't rely on conventional sail handling. Instead, it positions itself to suit changing wind conditions, and adaptive camber control reshapes its profile in real time for the best aerodynamic efficiency. The Wing can even be raised at anchor with the wind coming from behind.
Effortless
Hoisting and lowering are fully hands-free. This greatly reduces the number of operations traditionally needed to manage sails, which makes sailing simpler and safer and means less work for the crew. With fewer moving parts and less gear than a classic rig, the Wing also needs less maintenance.
More lift, more drive
The Sunreef Wing generates 50% more lift and 40% more propulsive force than a conventional sail of the same area, in optimal apparent wind conditions. It also delivers clearly better upwind performance than a classic sail set-up.
Intelligence on board
The system is assisted by AI. It continuously analyses sailing conditions and optimizes performance, coordinating the Wing, the rudders and the propulsion so the yacht runs at peak efficiency with minimal crew input. The controls are designed to be intuitive. They include voice commands, which the system carries out immediately and precisely. Integrated safety systems run continuously in the background, keeping those on board informed and in control while lightening their workload.
Beyond sailing
The Sunreef Wing is part of a wider approach to energy on board. Even while the yacht is motoring, the Wing can produce clean power by harnessing apparent wind. An AI-based energy-management system brings together the engines, the Wing, hydrogeneration and solar power, and balances the flow of energy between these sources across the yacht. The goal is continuous efficiency in every condition.
Next gen sailing
The Sunreef Wing marks the start of a new chapter for the shipyard's sailing catamarans. Sunreef's next generation of sailing yachts will bring together the Sunreef Wing, hydrogeneration and Sunreef's Solar Skin, its solar panels built into the yacht's composite structure. Together, they will form one intelligent energy ecosystem. Sunreef plans to bring the technology to its whole sailing range. Further details on its rollout across specific models will be announced in the near future.