The nautical industry is accustomed to terms like sailboat, yacht, catamaran, and so on. However, a true designer is someone who rebels and challenges the norms and stereotypes to create something new and unique, which can create significant waves in the industry. Designer Christian Grande’s Rebel 50 G Maxi RIB unfurls a new chapter, seamlessly blending innovation with elegance to create a vessel that transcends the boundaries of traditional open boats and RIBs. “This model, as the name implies, rebels against the classic ideas that want inflatable boats and open boats as entities with distinct souls,” explains Christian Grande.
The Rebel 50G is a maxi rib, a rigid inflatable boat that blurs the lines between high-performance speedsters and opulent yachts, seamlessly navigating the open waters with the grace of a thoroughbred and the style of a luxury cruiser. Its revolutionary design positions itself between the classic rib and open boat markets with tapered foam profiles and emphasized side hull glazing. “The identity of the rib remains, but on board, we have recreated the large spaces typical of boats. To do this, I worked on the volumes, ‘playing’ with key elements such as the generous tube, which allowed us to raise the topsides stretching the overall mass, thus generating an unusual habitability on a 50-footer, while maintaining the safety features in maneuvering and mooring that the tube ensures.”, continues Mr. Grande.
The designer has added a distinctive feature that transcends the ordinary – the special hull window. It’s not merely a glass panel; it’s a design element meticulously crafted to illuminate the interiors uniquely and unexpectedly. Suspended seemingly deliberately, it hints at an enthralling floating sensation, setting the Rebel 50 G apart from the moment you lay eyes on it. “The Rebel 50 G is a revolutionary model, where the revolution also lies in the interpretation of the needs of a very demanding owner,” remarks Christian Grande. This unique glass panel, forming the letter “G” with its closed, powerful, yet softly curved shape, creates an enclosed and protected space, redefining the very essence of comfort and luxury in maritime design. This innovative design also allows the Rebel 50 G to offer the usability of an open space with the advantages of a cruising boat, providing comfort during sailing and protection in adverse weather conditions.
The walkaround configuration ensures security while moving on board, and the large stern and bow sundecks enhance the friendly nature of the design. The bow, with its expansive sundeck, becomes an area with a romantic soul, featuring a chaise lounge ideal for admiring the breathtaking views. This model offers two configurations: the master cabin in the bow and the VIP cabin amidships in the first configuration provide generous space and privacy. The second, named Living, offers a single large cabin amidships, with the bow transformed into a comfortable living room featuring long sofas, a table, and a bar cabinet. The bathrooms in both configurations remain typically the same. Ceppo di Gre’ marble furnishings, a porous natural stone with a refined grey-blue hue, lend an elegant yet unostentatious atmosphere. This choice of material underscores Christian Grande’s commitment to creating an environment characterized by natural, tactile materials, enhancing the overall sense of comfort. The vessel remains devoid of aggressive colors and stands out with its brand-new color, Stingray, vibrating between grey and powdery tones.
“The Rebel 50 G is aware of its own being and expressiveness, with an almost zoomorphic body,” says Christian Grande. “Sculpted geometries that must be an expression of power and endurance.” The Rebel 50 G is not just a vessel; it’s a work of art, a testament to Christian Grande’s vision to create a yacht that is aware of its own presence and possesses the grace to stand out without relying on aggressive colors or excessive embellishments.
