Asian markets are experiencing an unprecedented economic boom and an interesting approach towards the western concept of luxury and wellness, inconceivable until a few years ago. Initiatives in this respect are rapidly being developed and getting increasingly stronger.
It is in this context that one among the Italian leading manufacturers of performing sailing yachts, ICE Yachts, and the 2017 edition of the China International Boat Show, the most important eastern boat show organized in spring in Shangai, have faced new challenges.
During the event, last April 27th, the ICE 52RS yacht won the Asia Marine & Boating Awards 2017 for being the best boat in the “Sailing yachts above 45 feet” category.
For those knowing the Italian boat industry, ICE Yachts needs no introduction. Founded in 2012 after having inherited the history and know-how of the former CN Yacht 2000 shipyard, ICE Yachts constantly devotes all its attention to the use of new technologies and cutting-edge materials and makes the “Italian spirit” the crown jewel of all its production.
Every detail on its boats is entirely built in the Salvirola-based production site and the recent collaboration with Felci Studio has resulted into the building of some among the most interesting boats within the Italian boat industry landscape. Among them, undoubtedly stand out the ICE 52 RS, an “evil” performing version of the already fast ICE 52. The undeniable “made in Italy”aesthetical charm rising from her lines, a 3-metre draught together with lower weight ( – 1,600 kg compared with the ICE 52) and an extraordinary large number of carbon details for greater lightness and better mechanical performances have convinced the judges of the Chinese boat show to award the 52 RS as the best boat of her category. 
If the qualities of the Italian shipyard are well-known, maybe the importance of the Shangai event is less popular. This year, the CIBS – that’s the acronym of the event – has hosted about 40,000 visitors from 50 different countries and over 500 exhibitors from all around the world.
In addition to shipyards and boating companies, six pavilions hosted representatives from Italy, New Zealand, Korea, Taiwan, Australian and Japan, all competing to win the large number of recognitions and prices related to design and production innovation.
In a growing market such as the eastern one (between 2011 and 2015, local boat industry grew by 18.8% a year and turnover in boating sector in expected to reach up to 10 billion dollars in the next 10 years), being present with high-quality product is essential.
The award won by the Italian shipyard is therefore extremely important and a considerable source of pride for both this Italian excellence and the whole Italian boat industry. Suffice to say that last year, the winner of the same category was the Oceanis 60 built by the industrial giant Bénéteau.
