There is still a lot of movement in the maxi market. Italian shipyards in particular are significantly expanding their portfolio upwards. Comar Yachts has presented plans for the Comet Maxi in 80 and 100 feet, and both Grand Soleil and Nautor Swan are working on 80-foot models. Ice Yachts is now also involved in this highly exciting segment. The shipyard from Lombardy has already built a single 80-footer. The Ice 80 Blue Water Sport is being built in Salvirola, less than 60 kilometres east of Milan.
Striking ice design by Umberto Felci
As for the Ice 62 Targa Italy once again commissioned Umberto Felci to work on the lines and construction. Felci, who has been working with Ice for ten years and is known for his adherence to the single rudder, designed construction number 1 with a double rudder system. However, Ice also builds the flagship with a single rudder on request.
The designer from Lake Garda delivered a pleasing, carefully radical crack. The bow is quite full-bodied with a kink below the bowsprit, and yet the crack aft is slightly constricting. The hull lines are strongly drawn in towards the waterline, especially at the stern. The most striking feature, however, is the transition from the deck to the ship's side, which Felci bevelled along its entire length, albeit with what appears to be a soft radius. This can be found in a similar form in the superstructure and coaming.
Ice Yachts focusses on lightweight construction and separate cockpits
The targeted displacement of 37.6 tonnes - twelve tonnes of which is ballast - indicates a high level of lightweight construction. Ice laminates the hull, deck and structural parts entirely from carbon fibre using the "one-shot" vacuum infusion process. In addition to the structural calculations, Felci and his team determined the layout and design both above and below deck. The Ice 80 Blue Water Sport is characterised by its two cockpits, which strictly separate the work and guest areas. The helmsmen almost appear to be diving into a bay, as is the case with metre yachts.
The deck has wide running decks, and a spacious bathing platform is intended to fold out from the closed stern, probably in several parts. A 3.50 metre long dinghy is parked slightly offset in the stern garage. The layout envisages a large cabin in the foredeck and a double cabin in front of and behind the saloon. Aft of the galley are two crew quarters for four people and the navigation area with a separate companionway.
The first Ice 80 Blue Water Sport is due to float in 2026.
Technical data ICE 80 Blue Water Sport
- Overall length: 24 m
- Width: 6.52 m
- Draught: 3.20 - 4.60 m (telescopic keel)
- Displacement: 37,600 kg (preliminary)
- Ballast: 12,000 kg
