It wasn’t an easy sailing trip when Bernd Kussmaul GmbH received the request for the 32.5m sports sailing yacht Ribelle.
The requirements were comparable to the conditions in the seas: Challenging and tricky but nevertheless extremely attractive. The challenge: Coating all metallic parts of the yacht in a mirrored copper surface and finishing it with a gloss. Moreover, it was necessary to find a coating that would highlight the value of the unique surface but also protect it from the conditions of the water. In detail, find a paint that has UV and salt water resistance.
The design aspects specified by interior designer Rémi Tessier also played an important role in the project. The highlights: An unusual, more curved, organic design language with a elaborate material ensemble of matt and high-gloss teak. With the right angle of incoming light, the composition of brown wood tones in combination with the light cushion surfaces and glossy copper surfaces create a unique mixture of colors. Something you have never seen before!
In cooperation with List GC, who were responsible for the complete interior for the 128m² in total, the Kussmaul crew submitted a sample ready for approval within the shortest possible time, which was very well received by all those involved. After that, the implementation was straight away, because the schedule was tight.
In total, more than 500 different trim parts – from small handrails and sinks to three-meter-long revetments for the cover of the main salon – were polished by hand and then galvanized to get the perfect gloss. After electroplating, the components had to go straight on to clear lacquering, as copper immediately reacts with oxygen and oxidizes. In the final manual paint finish, the focus was on sanding the paint in the best way that the components were not destroyed.
“Sail away” – Kussmaul performed with excellent teamwork and provided the trim parts in the shortest of time. Due to that excellence performance the entire project was finalized in time with no delay at all. The outstanding work was once again greatly confirmed in the last two years. The design for the Ribelle was twice awarded:
2018 – Best Exterior Design Award & Finest New Superyacht
2019 – Boat International Design & Innovation Award
Bernd Kußmaul GmbH looks back on the project with pride and thanks both List GC and designer Rémi Tessier for the great cooperation.
