Christian Grande has been busy of late. The designer’s fingerprints were all over the stylish Invictus TT420 Vogue White Edition that made its debut at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival—the same boat show where the SACS Tecnorib Rebel 50 G that Grande designed also made its premiere.
SACS Tecnorib is the official licensee of Pirelli inflatable boats (Pirelli Design is involved with everything from boats and watches to high-end audio systems and luggage). SACS Tecnorib offers two lines: the Strider, whose models can be open or have a hardtop, and Rebel, which the builder calls a blend of classic RIBs and open boats. The Rebel line includes 40-, 47- and 55-footers in addition to the new Rebel 50 G.
The “G” in the moniker Rebel 50 G stands for nothing more than the letter “G.” The idea is that it’s a “closed, collected and powerful shape with soft curves,” which the builder compares to having a closed space on board that’s in “total continuity with the external environment.” The boat has a window that Grande says “seems deliberately suspended to suggest an enthralling sensation of floating,” with the closed space distinguishing this model from other Rebel designs.
In addition to the two side windows that come standard, owners can add a sliding rear window that separates the interior and exterior. When it’s open, the boat feels like an open boat; with it closed, everyone on board is protected from bad weather.
Creature comforts include a TV abaft the helm, a fridge and ice maker, and an L-shaped sofa with a high-low table that can be used for dining if chairs are added. More shade is possible with an extendable electric-roller blind, or owners can insert carbon poles around the beach area to create a space that’s sheltered from the sun. A roof is optional.
Forward, the bow has a corner chaise that the builder describes as “romantic” for sunset views. Grande says: “This area is intended to be an invitation to see motoring as a relaxed flight over water.”
The stern platform can handle an 8-foot tender, with the aft space available in four layouts. The one called Garage Sunpad has a long sofa for relaxation. The Forward Lounge version comes with a C-shaped sofa and extendable table for dining or for conversion as a sun bed. Stern Lounge has opposing sofas that can join together with a table for dining. Free Standing has three armchairs and two small tables for informal conversation.
Interiors are finished with Ceppo di Gre marble, which has a gray-blue hue that the builder says creates an ambience of “unostentatious elegance.”
Let’s talk power: Hull No. 1 of the SACS Tecnorib Rebel 50 G has a pair of 950-horsepower Volvo Penta IPS power plants with a reported top speed of 36 knots, and a cruising speed of 28 knots.
Take the next step: go to sacsrebel.com
