History of Sunbeam Yachts

With a history spanning over 180 years, Sunbeam Yachts, formerly known as Schöchl Werft, stands as a testament to tradition, innovation, and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship. Established by the Schöchl family in 1838, their humble carpentry workshop laid the cornerstone for a shipyard that would later evolve into Sunbeam Yachts. Remarkably, the company remains under the stewardship of the founders’ descendants up to this day.

In the early years, Sunbeam Yachts crafted sailing boats from wood, a traditional material of that era. However, their commitment to progress led to a pivotal shift in 1958 when they adopted cutting-edge techniques, introducing yachts constructed from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) through vacuum lamination. By 1961, Sunbeam Yachts emerged as pioneers, being among the first shipyards to incorporate epoxy in their production processes.

The accolades speak volumes about the quality and innovation inherent in Sunbeam Yachts. In 2019, the Sunbeam 46.1 garnered the prestigious “European Yacht of the Year” Award, a testament to their commitment to excellence.

In 2021, Andreas Schöchl took the helm in the third generation, establishing Sunbeam Watersports GmbH, heralding a new era of leadership. The Sunbeam 32.1, under his guidance, earned recognition as Yacht of the Year, solidifying its reputation.

Current status

Today, Sunbeam Yachts is one of Europe’s most reputable shipyards, even though the company comes from Austria — a country that is neither a yacht nor a sea country. Sunbeam Yachts’ relentless pursuit of improvement and innovation has transcended borders, expanding its presence beyond Austria. Today, they have a strong presence with representatives and offices in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.

Production of Sunbeam Yachts

Since 1975, the shipyard with a total production area of over 5,500 square metres has been located near Salzburg. Despite the introduction of modern technology, many processes are carried out manually, which ensures Sunbeam sailboats’ high quality and control.

Two renowned studios, Nissen and J & J Design, have been designing yachts for about a quarter of a century. The cooperation with the last one after 14 years has been renewed in 2012.

Model range

The shipyard’s product range is represented by boats with hull lengths from 7 to 10 metres. Among Sunbeam’s boats, the vast majority are cruising yachts with a Mediterranean cockpit, followed by models with a central or protected cockpit. The shipyard also offers sport cruising yachts suitable for family holidays and competitions. 

Features

Sunbeam boats are designed for small crews and can be used even for single crossings. Stability and good sailing characteristics are achieved thanks to the well-calculated ballast and hull shape.