The latest 50-footer designed by Christian Grande breaks the mould, positioning itself between the classic rib market and the open boat market. With its characterising tapered foam profiles, the design is emphasised by side hull glazing, which gives it a distinctive and contemporary touch.

To rebel against the rules to create something that is unique and innovative - from this desire stems Rebel 50 G, the latest design by Christian Grande for the Italian shipyard Sacs Tecnorib.

“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 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 manoeuvring and mooring that the tube ensures.”

Christian Grande created a special hull window, designed to light the interiors in a unique and unexpected way and make the Rebel 50 G different from the very first time you look at it. “It is a portion of glass that seems deliberately suspended, hinting at an enthralling floating sensation,” says Christian Grande. 

The glass panel, which creates an enclosed and protected space, is what distinguishes this model from all others in the same range: the letter “G”, with its closed, collected, powerful yet softly curved shape, refers to the possibility of creating an enclosed space in perfect continuity with the outside environment. In addition to the two side windows, a sliding rear window can also be added to completely separate the interior from the exterior and combine the usability of an open space with the main advantages of a cruising boat, offering comfortable settings when sailing and protection in bad weather.

“The Rebel 50 G is a revolutionary model, where the revolution also lies in the interpretation of the needs of a very demanding owner. An owner who wants to stand out, but at the same time wants to enjoy ample space on board and comfortable solutions,” continues Christian Grande. “This is why all the furniture elements, even on the deck, have the proportions of home design items. The cockpit sofas, for example, have seats as deep as 60 centimetres, just like you might find in your living room at home or on a maxi yacht.”

The walkaround configuration, which also provides great security when walking on board, and the large stern and bow sundecks further enhance the very convivial nature of this design. The bow offers a large sundeck and is characterised as the boat area with the most romantic soul, thanks to a corner with a chaise longue, ideal for admiring the view. “This area is meant to be an invitation to perceive sailing as a relaxed flight over water,” comments Christian Grande.

Relaxation and conviviality, always in areas with a design that aims to enhance the concept of comfort, is what we also find below deck, where ceiling heights exceed two metres. Christian Grande conceived two possible layouts, both with ample storage space, generous volumes and great privacy. The first configuration has two cabins: a master cabin in the bow (with a double bed) and a VIP cabin amidships, where two 90-centimetre wide beds can electrically slide and be joined if necessary. The second layout, called Living, offers a single large cabin amidships, while the bow is furnished as a comfortable and cosy living room with long sofas, a table and a bar cabinet. In both configurations, the dimensions of the bathroom, typical of much larger vessels, are a distinguishing feature.

The furnishings are made with Ceppo di Gre' marble, a porous natural stone with a refined grey-blue hue that is unusual on a 50-footer. With this marble it was possible to create an elegant, unostentatious atmosphere, characterised by natural and not excessively shiny materials, with a strong physical presence that invites touching. 

“The Rebel 50 G is aware of its own being and expressiveness, with an almost zoomorphic body, with features that create muscular-looking surfaces and immediately give off a feeling of power,” concludes the Italian designer. “Sculpted geometries that must be an expression of power and endurance. If I had opted for a more minimalist design, I would not have been able to communicate all this. But, at the same time, it is a graceful model that does not need aggressive colours to give itself character. It is no coincidence that the first model has a brand new colour, called Stingray, which vibrates between grey and powdery tones.”