The global elite of professional sports are increasingly looking toward the Baltic coast for their most extravagant luxury purchases. Even as many athletes traditionally favor Italian or Dutch shipyards, a growing trend of high-profile icons is shifting their gaze to Gdańsk, Poland, specifically to the bespoke creations of Sunreef Yachts.
This trend reached a fever pitch when it became known that tennis legend Rafael Nadal spent approximately 20 million PLN in Poland to secure a floating sanctuary. The purchase was more than just a transaction; it served as a high-visibility endorsement of Polish maritime engineering, signaling to other global stars that the highest standards of luxury and customization are now being met in the shipyards of Gdańsk.
For Nadal, the investment was about creating a space of absolute privacy and recovery. He opted for the 80 Sunreef Power, a massive catamaran that he took delivery of in 2020. According to various media reports, the vessel cost the Spaniard roughly 5 million euros, which translates to over 21 million PLN at current exchange rates.
The 80 Sunreef Power is a powerhouse of engineering, equipped with two engines delivering 1,200 horsepower each. The interior is designed for both high-capacity entertaining and deep seclusion, featuring a main salon with direct access to the front terrace and a master cabin that boasts a unique side-opening balcony. To ensure the athlete can remain connected to the sporting world while drifting in the Mediterranean, the yacht is fitted with high-end television systems throughout.
The Spanish Wave: From Formula 1 to the Next Generation
Nadal was not the only Spanish icon to invest in Polish shipbuilding. Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 World Champion and a long-time ambassador for Sunreef Yachts, took a different approach by prioritizing sustainability. In 2021, Alonso ordered the 60 Sunreef Power Eco, an electric-powered unit that reflects the racing driver’s interest in cutting-edge, efficient technology.
Alonso’s move toward ownership was sparked by a change in scenery. In a May 2023 interview with BOAT International, he explained that after moving to Monaco, the daily view of the harbor from his window transformed a casual interest in renting boats into a desire for ownership. He specifically chose a catamaran over a traditional monohull for the significantly larger interior living space.
The trend has now extended to the youngest generation of tennis stars. Carlos Alcaraz, the rising phenom of the ATP tour, has also placed an order with the Gdańsk shipyard. Alcaraz opted for the Sunreef Ultima 88, a vessel nearly 27 meters in length. This model represents the vanguard of the industry, utilizing hybrid propulsion technology and an integrated solar system to reduce its environmental footprint.
While the exact price of Alcaraz’s specific build remains private, current shipyard listings for 2026 Ultima 88 models are priced at over 30 million PLN. For Alcaraz, the yacht is a tool for mental health. He previously told BOAT that the privacy of a yacht allows him to stop thinking like a tennis player and simply be with his family, away from the thousands of eyes that follow him on land.
A Local Icon Joins the Fleet
The appeal of Sunreef Yachts has also hit home for Poland’s most famous sporting export. In January, Robert Lewandowski joined the shipyard’s roster of ambassadors and placed an order for the 80 Sunreef Power NEXT. This model is an evolution of the power catamaran, blending extreme luxury with updated functional innovations.
Lewandowski’s vessel is a massive floating estate, measuring nearly 24 meters in length with a living area exceeding 360 square meters. The “Lewy” edition is being fully personalized to include an “Ocean Lounge”—a multi-functional relaxation zone that mimics a private beach club—as well as a flybridge and a dedicated garage for jet skis.
The striker, currently playing for FC Barcelona, described the purchase as part of a long-term lifestyle plan to spend more time on the water, noting that after extensive research, the Polish shipyard provided the ideal solution for his dream.
Comparison of Star-Powered Sunreef Models
| Athlete | Model | Key Feature | Estimated Value/Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Nadal | 80 Sunreef Power | 1,200hp Twin Engines | ~21 million PLN |
| Fernando Alonso | 60 Sunreef Power Eco | Electric Propulsion | Bespoke |
| Carlos Alcaraz | Ultima 88 | Hybrid & Solar Tech | 30+ million PLN |
| Robert Lewandowski | 80 Sunreef Power NEXT | 360 sqm Living Space | Bespoke |
The Global Perspective: Investment vs. Lifestyle
The shift toward Polish shipyards occurs within a broader culture of superyacht ownership among the world’s highest earners. While the Sunreef stars emphasize space and sustainability, others have historically looked to Italian heritage. Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance, famously purchased an Azimut Grande from the Azimut Benetti shipyard in Viareggio, Italy. Reports suggest the Portuguese star spent approximately 5.5 million GBP on the 27-meter vessel, which features five luxury cabins and six bathrooms.
Yet, the philosophy behind these purchases varies. Zlatan Ibrahimović, who also owns a Benetti (the Oasis 34M), takes a more pragmatic, if eccentric, view of yachting. In his book “Adrenalina,” Ibrahimović revealed that he named his boats “Unknown” to create a contrast between the anonymity of the vessel and his own global fame.
More importantly, Ibrahimović offers a sobering financial perspective on the industry. He explicitly stated that a boat is not an investment, but a cost. According to the former Swedish striker, money is not only for multiplication but for enjoying life, and the sea provides a level of satisfaction that outweighs the depreciation of the asset.
As the industry evolves, the success of the Gdańsk shipyards suggests that the “cost” of luxury is increasingly being tied to innovation and sustainable engineering. With more athletes like Alcaraz and Lewandowski opting for hybrid and electric systems, the Polish maritime sector is positioning itself not just as a builder of boats, but as a leader in the transition toward greener luxury.
The next major milestone for the shipyard will be the delivery of the 2026 model year vessels, including the hybrid units ordered by the new wave of sporting ambassadors.
Do you think sustainable luxury is the future of the superyacht industry, or is traditional opulence still king? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
