From Prototype to Pioneering: Sebastian’s Journey with HopYacht’s First All-Electric Catamaran

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3T9ZqS4Hgs

When we started HopYacht in 2021, our objective was to create a way for couples (or families with small children) to make life onboard really easy, blending simplicity, sustainability, and pure enjoyment on the water, with comfort as a top priority. 

The very first HopYacht built found the perfect owner in Sebastian Kummer. From day one, Sebastian believed in the HopYacht concept and took a leap of faith in purchasing our prototype, aptly named “Hop”,

Over the past three months, he and his wife have been sailing in the Ionian Sea and, in doing so, have helped shape what e-sailing truly means.

Without any prompting from us, Sebastian generously recorded his journey, in a series of thoughtful videos. 

This latest video describes how he learned to optimise power settings while motoring and discovering the sweet spot in combining sail power with minimal input from the twin electric motors. Traditionally this is referred to as “motor sailing” — however Sebastian has fittingly adopted the term “e-sailing” to describe his eco-friendly approach.

In 2023, Sebastian joined HopYacht co-founder Paul Tomes for part of the delivery voyage of ‘Hop' from Athens to Preveza, via the Corinth Canal. Together, they recorded daily conditions, tracked battery consumption and range, and experimented with subtle use of the motors to extend sailing performance, range and ultimately freedom. You can watch the video Paul created on this trip at this link https://youtu.be/z2aIQwH8k_Q

Like any prototype, “Hop” had its fair share of first-build challenges. But with Sebastian’s collaborative spirit, patience, and feedback, we were able to refine and optimise the yacht, ensuring it set the tone for all future HopYachts. His open-minded approach made him the ideal pioneer!

Taking an extended summer break, Sebastian and his wife have explored much of the Ionian Islands, documenting their adventures on his YouTube channel. Having previously purchased a Lagoon 42 (which Sebastian sailed from France to Turkey during covid) he knows the joys and demands of sailing life. For their next chapter, they want to return to sailing with family and friends in their Lagoon still based in Turkey and have made the difficult decision to pass “Hop” on to a new owner — one who will continue her story in the Ionian.

We owe Sebastian a huge vote of thanks for his trust, support, and enthusiasm in being the very first HopYacht owner. You can watch an edited version of Sebastian’s latest video below and hear his perspective of life aboard an all-electric HopYacht. 

Sebastian's Youtube channel can be found at this link. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sebastian+kummer

Test Sail our HopYacht 30 – and fall in love with the lifestyle.

Image Credit: Mandie Hamlin

We invite you to explore La Ràpita, Spain, and take advantage of our exclusive Try & Buy offer on our new HopYacht 30 all-electric catamaran. Discover firsthand why this distinctive design provides a more serene, relaxed and whisper-quiet sailing experience.

As a thank you for traveling to La Ràpita, here’s what you’ll enjoy:

1. An extended test sail on the latest HopYacht 30, with our partners at Tarraco Yachts.

2. An overnight stay aboard the HopYacht 30, docked in the scenic Sant Carles Marina, with all onboard amenities.

3. Full access to marina facilities, including a luxurious infinity pool, showers, and the marina's own restaurant and bar.

4. Dock next to a unique offshore seafood restaurant, nestled among traditional mussel farms in the bay, or an alternative lunch venue in the bay.

5. The option to extend your stay for a second day of sailing and on anchor in one of the serene bays formed by the La Banya Peninsula. https://turismelarapita.cat/en/interes/els-alfacs-bay/

This try and buy offer is available at a special rate of just €320 per night (travel and meals not included) – fully refundable if you decide to purchase your own HopYacht 30.

Image credit: Muscalarium

Low impact rental model The HopYacht 30 can be delivered anywhere in the world. However, we think you might fall in love with La Ràpita – and we can offer a hassle-free ownership package right here!

Managed locally by Tarraco Yachts, you can generate income to offset your cost of ownership through our special low impact rental model. A gentler alternative to traditional chartering, with better flexibility for your own use.

Want to extend your stay? This region is so special, you may want to extend your visit to enjoy walking, hiking, cycling, bird watching, or kayaking through the stunning Ebro Delta nature reserve, just moments away. Learn more about the Ebro Delta at this link: https://deltadelebreecoturisme.com/en/ebro-delta-national-park/

Dunes at the Fangar Lighthouse / Agustí Descarrega, CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia common

How to get here: La Ràpita is ideally situated between Barcelona and Valencia, with Reus airport also nearby.

Click below to connect with us and book dates for this exclusive Try & Buy offer, and take your first step toward owning a HopYacht 30.

Connect to try and buy offer

Change the way you sail.

Get to know Tarraco Yachts, HopYacht's exclusive dealer for Spain.

Pierre Bonel (left) - Omar Santonja (right)

Based in La Ràpita, at the prestigious Sant Carles Marina, Tarraco Yachts is ideally placed to introduce the unique HopYacht lifestyle to one of Europe’s most beautiful and unspoilt sailing regions.

Tarraco Yachts is led by co-founders Omar Santonja and Pierre Bonel, who bring a perfect blend of hands-on sailing experience and international business expertise.

Omar, a seasoned sailor and former professional skipper, honed his skills in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. His passion lies in helping clients find the yacht of their dreams, and his deep understanding of sailing and customer needs ensures a personal, thoughtful approach.

Pierre, born on the Baltic coast of Stockholm and educated as a shipbroker, spent his career in global shipping and logistics, rising to senior strategic and business development roles. In 2023, he decided to pivot toward projects closer to his heart, founding Tarraco Yachts as a way to combine his professional expertise with his lifelong love of the ocean.

The idea for the partnership was sparked when HopYacht co-founders Paul and Mary-Clare Tomes met Pierre at the Miami Boat Show. Pierre instantly saw the HopYacht 30 as the perfect vessel for relaxed sailing holidays in the calm, sheltered waters around La Ràpita. This vision became reality in June 2025, with the launch of the first HopYacht in the region.

In partnership with HopYacht, Tarraco Yachts will also offer a special yacht ownership programme designed to significantly reduce the cost of owning a yacht — making this unique lifestyle more accessible than ever.

The location is just as exceptional as the team. Nestled between stunning natural parks and the traditional Spanish seaside town of La Ràpita, Sant Carles Marina is a hidden gem. With world-class facilities including an infinity swimming pool, library, and a fantastic restaurant and bar, it offers the ideal setting for both adventure and relaxation.With shared values of passion for the sea, honesty, curiosity, and a client-first approach, we are delighted to have Tarraco Yachts represent HopYacht in Spain .

Bons vents, Tarraco!