Art on board. Sunreef Yachts introduces art advisory model, redefining luxury yachting

The luxury yachting sector is entering a new phase-one in which design and engineering are no longer the sole drivers of value. Increasingly, culture, investment strategy, and social impact are shaping the identity of high-end vessels. Sunreef Yachts has taken a significant step in this direction, announcing its first-ever curatorial partnership and introducing an art advisory model for its global clientele.

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20 april 2026   |   16:20   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Oskar Wojciechowski   |   Print

fot. Alex Dolny

The collaboration with Omenaa Mensah, alongside OmenaArt Foundation and Phenomenaa Gallery, marks a structural shift in how art is integrated into yacht design. Within this framework, art moves beyond decoration to become a managed asset-capable of contributing to both the financial and symbolic value of a vessel.

This concept has been realized in the launch of Art Cat ASANTE, a Sunreef 80 catamaran unveiled in Gdańsk. The vessel represents the shipyard’s first fully developed "floating art gallery" with a philanthropic dimension, positioning itself at the intersection of luxury, collecting, and impact-driven investment. The project reflects a broader shift in the ultra-high-net-worth segment, where ownership is increasingly complemented by purpose and narrative.

A central component of this transformation is the introduction of dedicated art advisory services. In her role, Omenaa Mensah is responsible for developing curatorial concepts and overseeing the selection of artworks for Sunreef clients worldwide. The process is conducted in collaboration with Phenomenaa Gallery, which focuses on artists from Africa and the global diaspora, bringing new narratives into the luxury space.

The integration of art into yacht design at this level reflects a shift toward asset-conscious collecting. Drawing on expertise developed through engagement with institutions such as Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Tate, the initiative positions artworks onboard as elements of a broader investment strategy, with potential implications for long-term asset appreciation.

Art Cat ASANTE serves as the first practical application of this model. The yacht features a curated collection developed in partnership with OmenaArt Foundation and Phenomenaa Gallery, with part of the proceeds from both the vessel and the artworks allocated to charitable causes.

- I am proud to see this project come to life and confident that it will significantly support the budgets of charitable initiatives. We estimate that over one million PLN can be raised through the sale of this unique object. Much depends on who becomes its owner - I believe it will be someone with a strong sense of purpose, who will not treat it as an ordinary possession. This could ultimately increase the final contribution. The artworks created with my artistic team are a natural extension of the TOP CHARITY Art exhibition and reflect my curatorial approach, where art is meant to reach the farthest corners of the world and have a real impact on people’s lives, says Omenaa Mensah.

The name ASANTE references the cultural heritage of Ghana and the Akan people, while also evoking the concept of gratitude - "asante" meaning "thank you" in Swahili—underscoring the project’s intercultural dimension.

The onboard collection features artists from Africa, South America, and Asia, working across a range of media including textiles, collage, sculpture, and installation. Among them are Kwaku Yaro, known for his multidimensional portraits created from reclaimed materials; Ernestina Mansa Doku, whose practice explores adaptive systems in nature; and Julius Katende, whose interdisciplinary work investigates the relationship between humans, environment, and spirituality.

The initiative is also linked to the broader art market ecosystem through its connection to the TOP CHARITY Art exhibition at Wilanów Palace, where established names such as Amoako Boafo and Ewa Juszkiewicz have been presented, reinforcing the project’s positioning within both emerging and blue-chip segments of the market.

From an industry perspective, Art Cat ASANTE signals the emergence of a new category: the yacht as a cultural, investment, and philanthropic platform. The integration of art into the structural value proposition of a vessel aligns with broader shifts in the luxury sector, where personalization, storytelling, and social responsibility are becoming key differentiators.

- Art onboard a yacht can complement the space—or define its entire character. Art Cat ASANTE is an aesthetic journey into regions close to my heart, and a preview of an inspiring collaboration, says Francis Lapp.

For Sunreef Yachts, founded over two decades ago in Gdańsk, the project represents another step in redefining the boundaries of luxury yachting. Serving a global clientele that includes figures such as Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Fernando Alonso, the company continues to position Poland as a key hub in the high-end yacht manufacturing sector.

More broadly, Art Cat ASANTE reflects an evolving paradigm in which luxury assets are expected to generate not only financial value, but also cultural relevance and measurable social impact.

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Sunreef Yachts luksusowe katamarany sztuka w yachtingu Omenaa Mensah przemysł jachtowy

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