Ran II

Launched early in 2009 and constructed by Green Marine in the UK using top-spec materials and the latest control systems, RAN II is an out-and-out raceboat. Despite the excitement of her exterior, down below she sports a unique interior characterised by outrageous colour and seductive organic shapes.

This brief was a challenging one. Not only did the interior have to be functional for racing and weigh the absolute minimum to keep the boat competitive, but at the same time it also had to look state-of-the-art. Her owner had seen what had been accomplished on boats like the Reichel / Pugh Alfa Romeo and wanted to go one better.  This meant that nothing could be added that did not contribute to the race optimisation of the boat, leaving Design Unlimited with only the basic components with which to work. Their goal was to make these look like nothing anyone had ever seen before without compromising the functionality.

However, the Design Unlimited team did have some additional room in which to exercise their creativity, as the racing rules allow for a slight improvement in handicap in return for the installation of a minimal interior.

With this in mind the owner decided to add a number of facilities to RAN 2 that would aid the performance of her crew on offshore races on the understanding that the weight gain would be more than offset by the improvement in her rating. These included pipe-berths, a galley, a head with a sink and closable door, a navigation station, and crew and sail storage. The owner also stipulated that the interior was to have a colour other than the black of raw carbon, at least in the saloon, and that the lower berths in the saloon should be fixed or at least comfortable to sit on.

The overall result is highly dramatic; with the black of the carbon offset by expanses of white to bring contrast and light to the enclosed spaces, together with the large splashes of red from the seating which add colour and warmth to the saloon. Right angles have been all but eliminated, replaced by curves that are both pleasing to the eye and an important contributor to safety in heavy seas.

The Design Unlimited team was also responsible for creating the distinctive graphics of the name that are prominently displayed on her stern and crew clothing.