A Legacy of Adventure on Board the First Sunreef 50
In a landmark voyage for Sunreef Yachts, the Altantic crossing of Sunreef 50 PAZ marked the very first time a luxury sailing catamaran of its series crossed the vast Atlantic Ocean. From her construction in Gdańsk to cruising iconic European and Caribbean waters, this epic journey—navigated by her owner Christian Braun—combined cutting-edge yacht design, high-seas adventure, and moments of unexpected challenge. Following this historic crossing, PAZ proudly took part in the Miami International Boat Show 2020, showcasing the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and timeless elegance that defines the Sunreef 50 series. This is her story—told through the eyes of the man at the helm.
A Catamaran Breakaway From Tradition
The Sunreef 50 PAZ was designed to fulfill a specific vision — a luxury yacht that could offer the comfort of home, the capability for long-distance voyages, and be manageable without a large crew. As the first Sunreef 50 ever launched, she delivered superyacht-like living space in a nimble and compact format, breaking away from the conventions of small cruising catamarans.
Her generous teak decking, solid bulwarks, and graceful lines struck a balance between timeless elegance and modern utility — features that have since become hallmarks of the Sunreef brand.
From Gdańsk to Glory: The Journey Begins
Christian and his family’s journey began in the Baltic Sea, sailing north through Denmark and into the majestic fjords of Norway.
“As you know, our first trip with PAZ went north from the shipyard in Gdansk, via Denmark to Norway and into the fjords. The most northern port we visited was Bergen.”
After reaching Bergen, Christian entrusted PAZ to a delivery crew, who sailed her to Ibiza — just in time for her grand debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
“From there, Paz went to Ibiza with a delivery crew as to be on time to make her world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. After that, we enjoyed the best of the south of France onboard Paz, and went back to Ibiza, our home port, to finish the last details for our first Atlantic crossing.”
Eco-Chic Meets Oceanic Adventure
Although Sunreef 50 PAZ predates Sunreef’s official Eco Line, her design echoed many of its values: energy efficiency, smart power management, and silent cruising. The Atlantic crossing of Sunreef 50 PAZ carried the seeds of Sunreef’s sustainability-forward vision—one that is now fully realized in today’s solar-powered Sunreef Eco catamarans.
By blending luxury with efficiency, PAZ helped shape the early path of Sunreef’s responsible yachting philosophy, even before solar panels became an integrated standard.
The Atlantic Crossing of Sunreef 50: A 4,289-Nautical Mile Adventure
In November, Christian and his crew set sail from Ibiza on a bold 4,289-nautical-mile transatlantic route. The voyage took them first to the Canary Islands, then to Cape Verde, before finally embarking on the oceanic stretch toward the Caribbean.
“We started the 4289 nm trip from Ibiza to the Caribbean via the Canary Islands and Cape Verde all the way to St Lucia. Paz behaved super well. We had an average speed of 6.5 knots, and the max SOG under sail was 16.3 knots.”
This Atlantic crossing of Sunreef 50 tested both preparation and seamanship. Yet Sunreef 50 PAZ held her own, cruising with confidence and grace.
Mid-Atlantic Challenge: The Spinnaker Setback
But no great voyage is without its hurdles. Midway through the Atlantic crossing, an unexpected incident challenged both the crew and the vessel:
“Unfortunately, halfway over the Atlantic Ocean, the spinnaker halyard rope broke. We could recuperate our Parasailor, which we love very much, but it had taken small damages, and we consequently could not use it for the other half of the trip. Regardless, we made great time on the crossing. If this accident had not happened, we could have made it in 10 or 11 days. Without it, we made it in 14 days.”
Despite the setback, PAZ’s balance and resilience were evident. Her design made for smooth sailing, even without the Parasailor, turning what could have been a challenge into a story of strength and resolve.
Luxury in Motion: Designed for Ocean Crossings
While PAZ was built for performance, she never compromised on comfort. From her panoramic saloon and bespoke interior layout to the spacious lounging areas and teak-lined decks, she was as much a floating home as she was an ocean-going vessel.
Throughout the crossing, and in the months that followed, she proved herself capable of long-range travel in complete comfort—offering a seamless blend of elegance and utility rarely found in yachts of her size.
Atlantic Triumph to Miami Boat Show Spotlight
After arriving in St. Lucia, PAZ continued cruising through the Caribbean, eventually reaching the U.S. in time to take part in the Miami International Boat Show 2020. Displayed alongside other Sunreef models, she became a highlight of the event, drawing attention not just for her style but for the bold journey that had brought her there.
This moment marked not just a public unveiling but a statement: The Sunreef 50 was ready to lead a new generation of luxury catamarans into open waters.
Looking Ahead: The Sunreef Legacy Continues
Now based in Curaçao, PAZ continues her worldwide journey with Christian and his family. What began as a singular voyage now inspires a new generation of sailors to pursue freedom, sustainability, and oceanic excellence.
This transatlantic catamaran ocean crossing was more than a nautical milestone — it was a personal achievement, a test of seamanship, and a celebration of design. Her journey proved that true luxury lies not only in handcrafted interiors or sleek exteriors, but in the freedom to cross oceans and collect memories.
