Game, set and match.
The 33-year-old tennis superstar just received his fully custom 80 Sunreef Power catamaran scheduled for delivery in 2020 and it is everything you would hope it to be. When we think mega-stars of sports we throw names like Lebron James, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The somewhat humble Spaniard rarely offers a glimpse into his personal life like the other names mentioned. this time Rafa speaks with Yacht enthusiast Bill Springer for Forbes.
The pair conduct an interview on Rafa’s new toy, his 80 Sunreef Power catamaran. The 19 Grand Slam winner talks about unwinding on his yacht, and the importance of having a place to escape the pressures of living a high-profile life. Everything on the catamaran is custom built. Even the doors feature a mirrored glass chosen custom by the world number two.
When speaking about the living space onboard the 80 Sunreef catamaran, he stated, “living spaces helps you enjoy the sea from all perspectives. Also, under way, you can be on the front terrace, or if you want to hide from the wind, you go to the stern cockpit and relax. On the flybridge, you have 360 views… the yacht is 12m wide, it gives plenty of possibilities: you can have a jet-ski on board, a big tender, toys…”
His new custom-built Sunreef 80 is a place he can do just that, chill and soak up everything the ocean has to offer, and he does it in style. When speaking about his love of boats, Rafa had this to say, “you know what, I want to spend the day out there on the boat”. I can get away from the stress that way. To me it’s important, it helps me restore positive energy. That’s something that helps me move forward with my tennis career, it’s one of the things I really appreciate in boating. Of course, to go for ownership is a tough decision, because it’s expensive, but it’s just good for my personal life.”
Rafa’s new vessel is a multihull yacht built in composite and designed for long trips experienced in full comfort. When speaking a matter of power, the vessel boasts two 1,200 hp engines. While speed isn’t a primary need for the vessel, it’s customised nature is made brilliant by a clever personal-watercraft garage and a 39-foot beam that makes for large fully customisable living spaces. This includes a superyacht-style flybridge large enough for a hot tub and wet bar.
The latest addition to Sunreef’s power-cat fleet offers open main deck layouts, different dining options and seating arrangements. This has allowed Rafa to choose every design tailored to what the world number two desires.
When asked why he chose a catamaran Rafa stated, “My experiences with catamarans are associated with chartering them. I chartered catamarans couple of times and those were very satisfying journeys. That is why I wanted to have a multihull of my own. I have always owned only monohulls and on a catamaran I was captivated by the huge amount of space. Honestly, to be clear in my small port [in Mallorca], the 80 Sunreef Power is the biggest boat that can dock there. It’s great for me that I can have the new 80 Power here in Porto Cristo, in the place which is located in front of my house.”
He also added, “I am going to use the boat most of the time in the Balearic Islands. Mainly because I don’t have a lot of time these days to go very far. I have to keep training and keep my focus on tennis. Hopefully in the near future I will have the chance to take the boat to other places and discover the world.”
