ICE Yachts have launched one of their most exciting and innovative designs stemming from a partnership between the Lombardy-based shipyard and the team from Felci Yacht Design: the new ICE 53 Sport Turismo. The vessel, a two-in-one, meaning that the same boat can be used for both racing (in Race set-up) and cruising (with Cruise specific interiors), was created to further improve the already high performance of the ICE 52RS and become one of the most beautiful and fastest boats in the 50-foot performance-cruising category.

Compared to the standard RS version, the ST weighs over two tonnes less, with a dry weight of approximately 10 tonnes, and a sail plan for both upwind and downwind. The hull is laminated with epoxy resin, using quadraxial and single direction carbon fibre infusion with localised strengthening. A 3-step epoxy infusion process is used to laminate the skin of the hull, while the nucleus is closed cell PVC, glued under pressure.

These choices, in addition to reducing weight, give the boat a solidness and robustness that perfectly supports the repeated solicitations and heavy loads faced during some of the hardest races. The keel is a new custom design, made using Weldox700 steel with high end mechanical properties and a final draught of 3.4 metres, while the fin keel is in CNC processed using innovative CFD studies and weights 3,700kg to be added to the 600 of the blade.

The helm with its blade and axis in carbon fibre, has been completely redesigned and is longer with a reduced lateral surface area, guaranteeing excellent control, even when the vessel is tilted or heavily laden. Safety is always at the heart of both the design and construction. The equipment on deck is in line with the owner’s requests and the mast, in high carbon fibre, was studied and created together with the Axxon’s Racing Department.

The interior is a balanced mix between varnished white surfaces and and panels with a light finish, reducing weight significantly compared to traditional decor, without, however, renouncing on handmade quality. There are also a number of accessories on board including electric toilets and a desalinator.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ICE 53 ST

Overall length: 16.18 metres

Waterline Length: 14.84 metres

Width: 4.66 metres

Draught: 3.4 metres

Displacement: 10 tonnes

Ballast: 3.8-4.0 tonnes

Engines: Volvo D2 CV 75 – Sail Drive

Water: 600 litres

Fuel: 250 litres

Gennaker: 360 square metres