For someone who is used to the breakneck speed and fierce competition of Formula 1, choosing a more relaxing catamaran to disconnect from the frenzy of the racetrack is an unusual twist in their lifestyle. Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion Spanish pilot, has surprised many by opting for a calmer and more sustainable approach to his free time by purchasing a boat designed from an ecological perspective.
The owner of one of the wheels of the Aston Martin team commissioned the Polish shipyard Sunreef Yachts to build an 18-meter-long catamaran equipped with solar panels and electric motors. The boat chosen by Alonso is a 60 Sunreef Eco model, smaller in size than the 80 Sunreef Eco, with which he appears in the promotional video published by the same company that built Rafael Nadal's boat.
Fernando Alonso explains in the video that the catamaran he has chosen to enjoy his leisure moments is a counterpoint to a world - his own - made up of "passion, speed and power." However, the Asturian pilot recognizes that “when the clock stops, the world looks different and all he feels is freedom.” Hence, he has opted for a sustainable and ecological boat to relax on the high seas.
The 60 Sunreef Eco provides the Asturian athlete with a refuge of tranquility and sustainability in the midst of the hectic universe of Formula 1. The design of the catamaran stands out for having a series of solar panels attached to the sides of the hull, the superstructure and some curved areas. The ship also has wind generators.
The solar panels, which cover 68.6 square meters, can generate a power of up to 13kWp to power the two batteries, 180 kWh and 390 kWh, that equip the boat. When the batteries are fully charged, the catamaran can sail for six hours in 100% electric mode.
As for the engines, 80 kW (108 HP) or 180 kW (245 HP), depending on the client's order, they are completely electric and, according to the shipyard itself, are powered by a “battery bank.” ultralight” specially designed to provide a “silent and vibration-free” cruise.
To solve any contingency that may arise, the ship has two 100 kW generators associated with two fuel tanks with a capacity of 1,500 to 3,000 liters.
Fernando Alonso's boat has capacity for 12 people and needs a crew of four other people to carry out the nautical tasks. She has six cabins distributed in the two hulls and in the upper part are the living areas, the dining room and the kitchen. It also has a pool-jacuzzi as one of the most spectacular elements.
The catamaran has large panoramic windows to take advantage of natural sunlight throughout the day. Both the bow and the stern and the upper deck have several outdoor areas that provide a greater feeling of freedom and allow sailors to connect with nature at all times.
It should be noted that both the furniture and the fabrics used on the boat have been carefully selected and made from recycled materials, which highlights the Polish shipyard's commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.
