A Champion Who Loves the Sea
Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987, Lionel Messi spent most of his career at FC Barcelona, where he won four Champions League titles, among numerous other trophies, before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and Inter Miami in 2023. With eight Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, the Argentine forward boasts one of the most impressive records in soccer history.
But Messi also enjoys spending vacations at sea, particularly with his family. So he turned to Sunreef Yachts to order his new powercat. “My family and I have always loved spending time at sea whenever we get the chance,” explains the player, who is already looking forward to discovering his Ultima 88.
A Powercat for the Balearic Islands
Founded in 2002 by Francis Lapp, Sunreef Yachts has made a name for itself building large luxury catamarans, both sail and power. With its Ultima range, however, the Polish builder is exploring a different approach from its traditional multiyachts: narrower models designed to combine sporty styling, performance, comfort and generous living spaces.
Messi's chosen model, the Ultima 88, measures approximately 89 feet (27 m) in length. Construction is underway in the United Arab Emirates, where Sunreef now has a production facility. The press release provides no details of the selected engines or any special interior arrangements requested by the soccer star.
The new powercat is destined to join MIM Ocean, a fleet based in the Balearic Islands offering high-end experiences at sea. This multiyacht will therefore divide its time between private use by the Messi family and luxury charter operations within the fleet.
One thing is certain: with a signing like this, Sunreef Yachts has scored a great goal on the publicity front!
Sunreef Ultima 88: Orders Are Pouring In!
Built at Sunreef Yachts' new shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, the Ultima 88 is positioned as an alternative to large monohull yachts, promising to combine speed, stability and generous living spaces in a relatively compact package. With its decidedly contemporary design, this multiyacht focuses on high performance and shallow draft. It follows the styling cues of the Ultima range: a sporty silhouette, sharply reverse-raked bows and discreet superstructures, with forward glazing that also slopes backward.
Sunreef claims to combine the agility of a monohull with the comfort and space of a multihull. Customization also plays an important role, with each yacht offering extensive possibilities to suit its Owner's requirements. Among the most spectacular features is the Ocean Lounge: thanks to large fold-down bulwarks and a spacious aft garage, the swim platform extends into a genuine waterside terrace.
The builder also reports strong international interest in the Ultima 88. At the Cannes Yachting Festival, Francis Lapp mentioned several dozen orders in total for the Ultima 55 and 88.
Technical Specifications
Builder: Sunreef Yachts
Construction: Composite
Length: 87'11" (26.80 m)
Beam: 30'6" (9.30 m)
Engines: 2 × 800 HP or hybrid propulsion
