Glen Raven completes sailboat makeover project, schedules online documentary

Webisodes detail project from beginning to end

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 8/22/2011 2:52:54 PM

Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, makers of Sunbrella fabrics, has completed a sailboat makeover project of a 43-ft. Hans Christian, Galatea, in Olympia, Wash., and is launching four webisodes that document the entire makeover process.

Debuting on the Galatea blog on Tuesday, Aug. 23, the webisodes profile the boat's owner, Steve Mason, and fabricators Jason Iverson and Pam Tregoning, and show the many ways that Sunbrella fabrics can be used in the update of a classic boat.

"This project was rewarding in so many ways," said Gina Wicker, design and creative director for Sunbrella fabrics. "From the actual makeover of the boat to the relationships we formed with the fabricators, this project provided us with great insight into the fabric needs of boat owners and the loyalty they have for the Sunbrella brand."

The makeover project included interior and exterior fabric applications. Jason Iverson of Iverson's Designs developed new designs for the boat's bimini, dodger and enclosure using Sunbrella awning and marine fabric Silica Sesame. The fabric is a textured solid that highlights the teak and brass hardware of Galatea. Iverson also used Sunbrella View for the enclosure, bringing a larger feel to the cockpit and creating privacy in the space.

Pam Tregoning of Portage Canvas & Upholstery tackled the interior project, creating cushions in Linen Sesame, a fabric that creates a seamless transition to the boat's exterior. Tregoning also created decorative pillows in a warm yellow and taupe colorway, including fabrics Bailey Daffodil, Dupione Cornsilk, Pango Cream and Spectrum Coffee. Sunbrella Renaissance rugs from cmi and Sunbrella throws from Textillery add the finishing details to the boat's interior.

The Galatea makeover has been documented on the progressive blog, showing video shorts, photography and featured entries from Mason and each of the fabricators. The blog also focused on life in the Pacific Northwest, often documenting inclement weather delays, the beautiful scenery of the area and even favorite recipes from each person involved in the project.

The first of four webisodes documenting the project begins with background on the boat, the project and each of those involved in the makeover. Subsequent episodes will feature the fabric selection process and fabrication of interior and exterior fabric applications. The final webisode shows Galatea, makeover complete, and scenes from a waterside celebration in Olympia.

"We hope people will watch the webisodes not only for the sailboat-specific content and makeover ideas, but also for the amazing Pacific Northwest scenery and to learn more about the people we worked with on this project," Wicker said. "This was a project that will help people think of Sunbrella fabrics in an entirely new way."

The webisodes are scheduled to air Aug. 23, 29 and Sept. 6 and 12.