ICE Yachts have officially presented their new ICE 66 RS, the model of the series created in partnership with Farr Yacht Design, who curated the hull and naval architecture, and Micheletti + Partners, who curated the interior and exterior styling. The first model will be ready for launch in May and another two units are under construction The shipyard’s slogan for this range is “Nothing less than the best”.

“We wanted to work with the best designers on the market – explains Marco Malgara, CEO for ICE Yachts – to create a light, fast and competitive boat which is also comfortable. The top of the market to bring the shipyard’s Italian craftsmanship to the world. This range is not replacing a current product, but will go alongside it, created for a public who appreciates the solidity and performance of ICE Yachts, but is looking for a more futuristic design.”

THE EXTERIOR OF THE ICE 66 RS

The construction of the ICE 66 RS is made by infused hybrid carbon sandwich for the hull and full carbon for the deck; this solution mixes the rigidity that comes from the carbon with the natural dampening properties of the glass fibre. In addition, a full carbon fibre model is already being studied for speed enthusiasts. The mast, in carbon fibre, will have a generous sail plan, while the Weldox centreboard and lead sheet fin keel guarantees solidity and robustness needed to support the load of the large sail plan.

The 7-bar pressure forged carbon fibre wheelhouse, created and designed using the latest technology, allows for impressive control, even when the vessel is tilted or undergoing strong aerodynamic loads, keeping safety first and foremost, both in design and construction. While the waterline has been designed for the best performance and sailing, the race-inspired hull, with a slightly reversed bow is still very much the shipyard’s.

The maximum beam has been moved further aft, the powerful hull and stability allow this boat to compete alongside pure racers, without taking in to account that the 3.35 metre draught has been considered to be the best compromise between performance and access to the main Mediterranean ports. Lastly, the ample garage, a record breaker for this category and nearly the size of that for an 80-footer, can hold a tender of up to 3 metres.

“ICE’s brief – notes Farr Yacht Design – was welcomed with enthusiasm by our studio, and working with Lucio Micheletti again was a true pleasure. The most interesting aspect was the freedom we were able to express in designing the hull, the appendages and sail plan, which are the utmost expression of all our years of experience. Our aim for maximum performance was united to that of easy sailing. A modern and very fast boat that is also stable and precise. This boat will provide fast cruises, but will also perform well in races.”

The cockpit is in the classic Mediterranean style, with ample seating and a layout for enjoying life outside. The deckhouse has an automotive inspired design, with ample coaming, hiding the edges of the sheets, and comfortable to use for even just one person thanks to the 4 electric winches. The large front window allows for a full view of the deck from the dinette, zeroing the separation from interior to exterior.

INTERIORS

The interior of the ICE 66 RS is yet another showpiece. The spacious dinette is extremely bright thanks to the generous size of the windows, while the open space kitchen, with central island, has the latest equipment, large workspaces in Corian, plenty of storage and even a wine cabinet. In addition, its modern and functional design integrates harmoniously with the other spaces, which are also covered in light coloured leather to contrast with the dark walnut wood.

There are 8 sleeping spaces divided between the owner’s cabin with bathroom, 3 double cabins (each with en suite bathroom), and a further sleeping space for the crew. Lastly, a characteristic of this range is that it is customisable: the ICE Yachts technical department and Micheletti + Partners studio will work together to create the perfect boat for each owner.

“We thought – concludes Lucio Micheletti, founder – it would be nice to do a new project together, a concept where lightness and design play with new forms. We thought ICE would be the perfect place to experiment. It was a challenge because boats between 16 and 24 metres are the hardest. They are big, but not that big. You have to combine efficiency, comfort and practicality into spaces that leave little extra room. And, naturally, like all boats, they need to be beautiful. I tried to keep it clean, without adding anything that wasn’t useful or functional on the exterior and to enhance to feeling of space and light on the interior, which is also practical. The result is innovative but not gratuitous. I am happy with what we achieved inside and out.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – ICE 66 RS

Overall length: 19.90 m

Waterline Length: 18.50 m

Maximum Beam: 5.70 m

Draught: 3.35 m

Displacement: 26000 kg

Mainsail: 152 m3

Jib: 124 m3

Gennaker: 454 m3