Ice Yachts: sailing excellence told by Marco Malgara

Ice Yachts is one of those brands that, in the sailing world, speaks for itself. Admired and recognized worldwide for building yachts that combine elegance, comfort and uncompromising performance, the Salvirola-based shipyard owes much of its prestige to the experience and entrepreneurial vision of its founder, Marco Malgara.
At The International Yachting Media, we met him to hear the story of this 100% Italian excellence and the philosophy behind every single model signed ICE YACHTS.

Ice Yachts: the origins

The story of ICE Yachts begins in 2012, when Malgara was looking for a 60-foot used yacht. The Felci 61 seemed to be the model that best met his needs, but the eight units built by the CN Yacht 2000 shipyard in Salvirola were all jealously kept by their satisfied owners, making it virtually impossible to buy one second-hand. This led to the idea – in agreement with Umberto Felci, owner of CN Yacht 2000 – of opting for a company lease and moving forward with the construction of a yacht of his own: a Felci 61 modified by about 60% and renamed in tribute to a company previously owned by Malgara.

“What I was looking for was a boat that could offer excellent performance, but that was also easy to sail and comfortable”, says Marco Malgara. The changes included a freeboard increased by 9 centimetres and a maximum beam widened by as much as 20 centimetres. Small yet significant modifications that marked the beginning of a new adventure, one that would lead to an increasingly diverse range of yachts, culminating today in the ICE 80, the shipyard’s flagship.

Philosophy and innovation on board

The philosophy of ICE Yachts is based on a very clear principle: anyone who builds boats must know sailing not only in theory, but above all in practice. They must go to sea, live the boat, and truly understand the differences between the various layout solutions and onboard equipment. “I sail all year round, both in summer and winter, and I take part in many regattas – Malgara explains – I study and develop countless solutions for my models and I personally test every single one before putting it into series production”.

This approach has led over time to the development of concrete innovations, often born from everyday experience on board: electric systems for mainsail trimming, the use of anti-skid materials, ladders inside anchor lockers to make access and climbing out easier, lighting systems inside bow rollers to simplify mooring operations and chain handling. Details that may seem small, but which make a huge difference in terms of safety, practicality and comfort.

“Our goal is to build boats designed for easy sailing, capable of delivering top performance with the least possible effort”, Malgara adds.

As the market has evolved, ICE Yachts has had to respond to new demands: today’s clients are looking for boats that offer increasingly generous spaces and volumes on board, without giving up performance. A far from simple challenge, but one that Ice Yachts has managed to embrace and overcome successfully.

The ICE 56, designed in collaboration with Felci Yacht Design and set to be unveiled at the upcoming autumn boat shows, is a perfect example of this design philosophy. With a beam of 5.10 metres and extremely high-end finishes, this yacht is conceived to meet the demand for a boat with the space of a 60–62 footer, without the need for a permanent crew. The interiors have been optimized through smart solutions, such as structural water tanks positioned beneath the floor, freeing up valuable volume and allowing the yacht to be enjoyed in great comfort, without compromising lightness or sailing performance.

Ice Yachts: between cruising and racing

ICE Yachts also stands out for its ability to combine cruising and racing without compromise.

“I’m very proud to be able to say that our cruisers can really make a difference on the racecourse as well”, Malgara explains.

And the shipyard offers plenty of examples to prove it. Just think of the ICE 52: a 50-footer that is ideal for those looking for both comfort and competitive performance, capable of winning major races such as the Palermo–Montecarlo or the Tre Golfi. Then there are the larger models, like the ICE 66 and the ICE 80, the latter used in collaboration with the Fiamme Gialle Olympic team, which further confirm the shipyard’s strong racing DNA.

“My competitive DNA is clearly reflected in our boats – Malgara adds – Every project is born from listening to our clients, but also from my own needs as a sailor: I always put myself in the shoes of those who will step on board. My goal is to build yachts that can seamlessly combine comfort with top-level performance”.

International presence and the future of the shipyard

Today, ICE Yachts is active in the world’s leading international markets, with clients in Mexico, Brazil, Japan and Hong Kong, confirming its status as a truly global company. But the shipyard doesn’t stop there: it continues to work relentlessly in the pursuit of absolute quality, ensuring that every yacht meets the highest standards in terms of performance and comfort. This commitment is also reflected on the brokerage market, where ICE YACHTS models maintain very high values; when owners decide to sell, they often simply move up to a newer model, further confirming the brand’s strength and reliability.

At the same time, ICE Yachts is pushing ahead with the development of new products, starting with a brand-new line of high-performance sailing catamarans designed to combine speed, comfort and outstanding design. As Malgara points out, “I believe ICE Yachts currently offer the best value for money on the market.” A statement that perfectly sums up the shipyard’s philosophy: innovation, elegance and performance at the service of sailors worldwide, with the aim of strengthening its leadership and continuing to surprise in the years to come.