The Italian builder, ICE, makes boutique, semi-custom and custom boats that are as Italian as Gucci or Ferrari. They build a limited run of boats from 33 to 80 feet and treat each new vessel like a work of art, which it will be.
This year, ICE launched a new 62 Targa, which takes the proven hull concepts refined by Felci Yacht Design over the years and evolves them into something new and special. ICE reports that Felci spent 4,000 man-hours refining the design.
The net result is a hull with a slightly aft raked bow, a shape they call the scimitar. It has a three-foot carbon bow sprit for flying down wind sails. The hull has fairly low topsides and a sleek straight seer with a slight bevel at the gunnel. The cabin profile lies low on the hull and looks stealthy and trim.
Under the water the new 62 has a telescoping T-bulb keel that can be raised in shallow waters or lowered to its full dept when powering up wind. Twin rudders will give the 62 the feel at the wheel of a luxury sports car.
The Targa moniker comes from the hard top over the cockpit, based on a shape Porsche launched many years ago. Designing a shape like this to fit smoothly on a yacht that is so streamlined had to account for many of those 4,000 hours. But the effort was worth it.
The hard top not only looks like a piece of modern sculpture, it also does the prosaic work of keeping the crew dry or out of the burning sun. Even more important, the top provides a base for the raised main sheet traveler, so the crew is never in the way of this most dangerous piece of equipment on such a large and powerful sloop.
The cockpit has the twin wheels aft with their own bench seats, while the lounging half of the crew can relax at the centerline table on the bench settees. The stern folds down to make a wide swim platform and when it is down it reveals an under-the-cockpit dinghy garage.
Down below, the 62 Targa is elegance simplified. Felci has made good use of the hull’s generous volume by creating a wide open saloon with clear sight lines and plenty of direct light via the hull windows and deck hatches.
There are several configurations for the sleeping cabins and heads that will allow new owners to mix and match elements to suit their needs.
The fit and finish looks thoroughly modern in a refined way. You would feel comfortable lounging here in cutoffs and a T-shirt; but you wouldn’t be shy about inviting a countess over for campari.
ICE yachts are not well-know in the US but I think the new 62 Targa and the rest of the ICE line will appeal to sailors who want it all: style, performance and elegance.
