Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, the makers of Sunbrella brand performance fabrics, has joined a massive yacht makeover project that will be unveiled during IBEX in Miami this October. A 110-foot Broward yacht that is undergoing a total retrofit will feature Sunbrella fabrics from stem to stern and from decks and sun pads to state rooms and crew quarters.
The yacht "Envision" is owned by RGF Environmental of West Palm Beach, which is using the vessel as a demonstration project for creating an environmentally-friendly mega-yacht. The yacht will feature more than 40 RGF products, including state-of-the-art air and water filtration systems that are being installed as part of the overhaul process taking place at Riviera Yacht Center in Riviera Beach, Fla.
Sunbrella brand fabrics were selected for the project because of their proven fade resistance, durability and ease of cleaning, along with a broad array of colors and styles, including a growing line of fabrics designed for marine interiors.
"Sunbrella fabrics are well known for use above deck, but what is not as well known is how they can be used to transform the interior of a boat and how fabrics can be used to create a cohesive style for a yacht, inside and out," said Paige Mullis, a marine specialist for Glen Raven. "When used for interiors, Sunbrella fabrics offer all of their legendary performance characteristics, plus allow you to create a comfortable, stylish décor."
Mullis describes the look being created for Envision as tropically inspired, but also including colors not typically associated with the marine environment, such as Tuscan, a warm terracotta, and Spa, a cool blue-green. Canvas Designers, Inc. of Riviera Beach, is responsible for the fabrication project, which is featuring fabrics available through leading Sunbrella distributors The Astrup Company and John Boyle & Co., Inc.
"Visitors to Envision will see Sunbrella in applications they have never seen before," Mullis said. "We hope this project will inspire the marine industry to begin thinking of marine fabrics as an opportunity to create boats that are even more appealing for their customers."
Envision will be available for viewing at the Miami Beach Marina on October 19 during IBEX as part of a special invitation-only showing sponsored by Glen Raven for its customers and members of the news media.
