Ice 66 RS has marked a turning point in the world of sailing yacht design. The latest creation from Ice Yachts, designed by Lucio Micheletti of Micheletti + Partners for the interior and exterior styling, and by Farr Yacht Design for the hull and naval architecture, represents a significant leap forward, evident at first glance. It is a lightweight, high-performance and competitive boat, with extraordinarily comfortable below-deck spaces at the same time. Ice 66 RS is aimed at sailing enthusiasts and sea lovers looking for a racing or fast cruising yacht, who do not want to compromise on performance while opting for an all-around use of their own boat.
We have already described the features of this extraordinary boat in the article dedicated to our sea trial of the Ice 66 RS; however, to understand how this achievement was possible, we spoke with Lucio Micheletti just a few days ago at the latest Cannes Yachting Festival, where we met him on board the ICE 66 RS.
“One must think big for any project, even for the smallest ones – says the architect as he illustrates his design – But above all, one should always try to incorporate elements that are grand, even in the smallest spaces. Take, for example, the staircase that leads below deck: it’s not a feature typical of a 66-foot yacht; it’s slightly larger. This conveys a ‘growth factor,’ giving the impression of being on a more spacious vessel. If we think of a Doberman puppy, it already has very large paws, which indicate the size it will reach as an adult. This is precisely the spirit we aim for: a boat that transcends its dimensions”.
In addition to space, the Ice 66 RS also conveys a sense of speed. Lucio Micheletti explains this further: “We wanted to create a deckhouse that conveys a sense of power and speed—not animalistic, but still alive. The curve and musculature of the Ice 66 RS’s deckhouse is something we usually don’t see on sailing boats of this size. It’s as if it has been shaped by the wind”.
Inside, the space is designed like a large loft, with a courtyard from which all the cabins overlook. At the center stands the kitchen island, which, according to Lucio Micheletti, “gives a sense of verticality in a horizontal space, so that the eye stops to look at it. The horizontal conveys the fluidity of the sea, while the vertical represents the solidity of a rock. It’s very important to conceive of the boat as a spatial concept, and we have tried to do this as much as possible”. The design effort paid attention to every detail, such as the mirrors at the edges of the windows, which reflect light while creating the feeling of an even larger space. “When looking at the sea, the eye shifts and takes you outside, pulling you away”, comments the architect.
The design of the below-deck space of the Ice 66 RS is very clean, with impressive headroom and perfect lighting, making it feel as if one is inside the dinette of a 75-footer. The color combinations have also been carefully studied to enhance brightness and the sense of space. “Walls only work if light bounces off them: this is important in homes, as well as on boats – emphasizes Lucio Micheletti – Additionally, I wanted to eliminate chairs, as they limit space. For seating around the table, I preferred a foldaway bench”. Completing the design is the imposing mast behind the island, positioned to be highlighted rather than hidden. “The deckhouse is like a butterfly; if you pierce it with the mast, you kill it – states the architect –Instead, with this placement, it’s as if the butterfly has landed on a flower”.
Even when moored, the Ice 66 RS conveys a sense of great speed and space. “We worked on perception to communicate this concept – confirms Lucio Micheletti – Luxury is the perceptible. Just looking at the deckhouse from the outside makes it clear that it is the musculature of a boat with a great soul”.
