ICE Yachts: Italian Sailing Excellence as Told by Marco Malgara

From boutique shipyard to forward-looking projects: a journey through the world of ICE Yachts with its founder and CEO.

ICE Yachts is one of the most authoritative names in Italian yachting. The yard has managed to combine craftsmanship, technology, and design into a perfect blend of performance and style. At the helm is Marco Malgara, a visionary entrepreneur, passionate sailor, and CEO of the brand, who has made tailor-made quality and attention to detail the cornerstones of his production. In this exclusive interview for PressMare, Malgara offers insight into the yachts under construction, future plans, and the philosophy that drives every ICE hull.

How many boats are currently under construction and what does your order book look like?

We currently have eight boats in production. The order book is solid, although not as full as it was a few years ago when we had three consecutive years of orders. Nevertheless, we are working on very prestigious projects. Among them, I proudly mention the new ICE 80, designed by Felci, which will become the new flagship of the yard and represents the evolution of the current ICE 70, again for the same Italian owner. Then there's our first true custom yacht, the ICE 64, commissioned by a NASA engineer: a pioneering project featuring a 48-volt system, hybrid propulsion, lithium batteries, over 3 kW of solar panels, rainwater recovery from the hardtop, and even energy regeneration via propeller at speeds above 8 knots.

Were these advanced solutions born from your vision or did the owner play an active role?

MM - The concept was entirely ours. The hull lines and design were penned by Felci. The goal was to create a true Blue Water cruiser, in its most authentic sense: a boat designed to live aboard and sail independently and safely anywhere in the world. Carbon structural dodger, electrically dimmable windows, antifouling micro-vibration sensors, and a complete 48-volt onboard system – these were features, until recently, found only on superyachts over 100 feet.

What are the real advantages of 48 volts compared to the more traditional 12 or 24 volts?

The benefits are significant. The cables can be much thinner, resulting in a weight reduction: up to 350 kg can be saved just on the electrical system. Additionally, losses are reduced, and efficiency improves. Just think: BMW and Audi have already adopted 48V systems in next-generation automotive. Yachting is following the same path.

Tell us about the ICE 66 ST.

The 66 ST – Sport Touring – is the high-performance version of the ICE 66, designed by Farr and Micheletti. It features lightweight lamination, interiors optimized for weight, and a configuration dedicated to speed. At the recent Ruta del Sal, starting from Barcelona, it took the Line Honours. It’s a yacht with racing DNA, but cruising comfort.

And the new ICE 56?

MM - The first model of the ICE 56 will be launched in February 2026 – three units have already been sold. The interior layout offers volumes comparable to 62-footers from a few years ago. It’s a modern, high-performance, refined yacht with great market potential.

What other models are currently under construction?

We’re also building an ICE 70 Gran Comfort with a full-beam aft owner’s cabin, an ICE 66 RS (Raised Saloon) for a Brazilian client, and an ICE 62 Targa without a hard top. We are also working on the components for ICE 56 number 2 and 3, which I believe will be a real best-seller. And of course, we continue production of the ICE 52 ST, which has also achieved excellent results in ORC racing.

You have a very international clientele. How did you build these relationships?

MM - Absolutely. Of the eight boats under construction, only two are for Italian owners. The rest come from Japan, Germany, Brazil… It’s the result of a reputation built over time and word of mouth, which works much better than any advertising. ICE Yachts is a boutique shipyard, and owners appreciate our bespoke approach.

Speaking of which, your ICE 64 will be premiered in Cannes. Could it be followed by more?

It’s possible, although it’s so customized that it’s almost unrepeatable. But it will serve as a showcase to demonstrate what we’re capable of in terms of design, engineering, and aesthetics. Lightweight, functional, beautiful. Weighs under 22 tons fully loaded, and is fully equipped: twin watermakers, twin autopilots… a truly exceptional yacht.

What’s the profile of an ICE owner?

A demanding, wealthy client, but above all passionate and knowledgeable about sailing. Those who choose ICE do so because they recognize quality, and often become ambassadors of our brand. We build relationships, not just yachts. So much so, that if we don’t find the right chemistry with a client, we prefer to decline the order.

You mentioned a return to catamarans?

Yes. In 2026 we will inaugurate our new nautical hub in Brindisi, where we’ll relaunch production of both sail and power catamarans. We’ll start with a 52-footer offering superior performance to competitors, with a weight almost 3 tons lighter than similar models. We’ll also build power versions, ideal for comfortable and efficient cruising.

Are you also considering motor monohulls?

MM - We already have a project ready, but the motoryacht market is saturated. We’re waiting for the right time, also because we believe some competitors will soon disappear. When the time comes, we’ll be ready.

What’s the market situation as of early June 2025?

For large-production shipyards, it’s tough. RIBs are down 45%, and many motorboat builders are losing 50%. We deliver six boats a year, so we can afford to be selective – and those looking for top-end products come to us. But the overall situation is uncertain, and I foresee a concrete recovery only from spring 2026.

Problems with the supply chain?

No, because we work ahead of schedule. We have engines, accessories, interior materials… everything except resin, which we keep in limited quantities for safety reasons. If we wanted, we could start building three boats today without waiting.

Have you ever been asked to build beyond 80 feet?

Yes, several times. But I’ve decided that 80 feet will be our maximum. There’s no sense in betraying our identity. The smallest ICE is the 52, which remains my favorite. We’ve built twenty, and they get better every time.

What can you tell us about NICE, your racing flagship?

NICE is a stunning 79-footer designed by Reichel/Pugh, launched in 1995 by McConaghy. She boasts a remarkable track record as Morning Glory and later as Capricorno. We acquired her in co-ownership with an American client, refitted her, and optimized her for current rating rules. With NICE, we participate in regattas across the Mediterranean, from Portofino to the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, to the Barcolana, where in 2024 we took an outstanding third place with a crew of Fiamme Gialle champions – ahead of much larger and more powerful yachts. I believe it’s an excellent communication tool, and I’m proud that no other Italian yard has such a close relationship with the sailing sports of an armed force.

 Giuliano Luzzatto

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