TESTED – Ice 52 RS EVO, our preview test

When I agreed to go try out the new Ice 52 RS EVO, I immediately thought, “I hope I’m not too rusty. I haven’t been on a sailboat in a few months.” Then I heard on the phone from Marco Malgara, owner of the Ice Yachts shipyard, who gave me unexpected but welcome news: “Also on board with us will be Umberto Felci, who developed the boat, and Giacomo Ferrari, helmsman of the National 470 team.”

Umberto Felci needs no special introduction; his boats are known and appreciated all over the world(check out the designs here).

Giacomo Ferrari, class of 1996, is not only one of the rising stars of Italian sailing. He will be at the helm of the 470, with bowman Giulio Calabrò, at the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, or rather 2021, to represent Italy. “Well – I think – if I don’t remember something I know who to ask.”

Ice 52 RS EVO

New boats from Marco Malgara’s shipyard, the Ice Yachts, always bring with them all the knowledge gained from developing previous models. This is, perhaps, one of the secrets that has enabled the shipyard to win an international, but very demanding audience. Owners who want fast, quality boats, but also suitable for comfortable cruising. The Ice 52 RS EVO was born with a dual soul: going strong in regattas and being comfortable on board in any kind of sailing, even the most relaxed.

The boat is 15.80 meters long and the shell and deck are laminated in one step infusion from full carbon female mold and epoxy resin infusion. Carbon structures are laminated in place also infused always in epoxy resin joining with hull and deck. This makes the boat lighter (rigged it weighs about 12.6 tons), while still remaining solid and able to withstand heavy loads for long sailings.

Ice 52 vs. Ice 52 RS Evo

With a fin made of high mechanical properties Weldox steel and a numerically controlled milled lead torpedo, it comes to weigh about 250 kilograms less than a standard ICE 52. But besides weight, what, for example, is different from the Ice 52 RS, a boat that has taken a lot of satisfaction on the race courses? Let’s look at some examples:

• Increased freeboard by 6 cm to significantly increase habitability especially in the aft cabins and second bathroom

• Mast increased by 50 cm to increase power in light winds with the possibility of installing a square top mainsail with double backstay

• Increased bow dauphine for Code 0 type bow sails

• Reduced weight due to the use of Plasdeck 3.5 to cover the cockpit, which weighs 3.5 kg/sqm.

• Further optimization and lightening of the interior.

• On the hydrodynamic level, the water lines and appendages (maximum draft 2.80 meters) are designed to achieve great performance even when there is upwind wind to go upwind

• Deck equipment is increased and adapted to the increased loads expected

• Details for crew needs such as the innovative modular toe box for the clubman.

The standard Axxon carbon rig has two orders of spreaders and is optionally supplied in high modulus. The cockpit is large and allows a large crew to maneuver in comfort without hindrance. In addition, there are details such as the toe-board for the clubman designed for those who want to sail for a long time. The sail plan is characterized by a genoa with no overlap, no flying shrouds, and a mainsail attachment, made directly of carbon, placed directly on the hull.

Below deck

We said that the boat is designed for comfortable cruising. This is immediately noticeable going down below deck. Lots of volume, significant height even in the aft cabins and bathrooms, and room for stowage, combined with a brightness (thanks to the many windows on the deckhouse and in the broadside) that also makes this part of the boat livable and enjoyable. Immediately down the cockpit stairs we find a large galley on the left with a refrigerator and icemaker. In the bow is a large full-beam master cabin with private bathroom. There is no shortage of details that convey the shipyard’s attention to finish, such as the handrails placed in strategic locations throughout the dinette with the Ice Yachts logo above.

The sea trial

It is December, but Liguria in the days immediately following the “fury” of the north wind delights us with pleasant warmth. Unfortunately, the forecast gives a maximum of 5-10 knots, but there is a great desire to put the newly launched boat through its paces. We leave the port of Varazze and start with no wind. There is an opportunity to already see how she sails, motoring, as we go after gusts. The minimum displacement comes in handy when motor boating, and a first glimpse of what this hull can do I have when I see that it reaches and exceeds a cruising speed of 9 knots without special effort, propelled by a 75-horsepower engine.

After bringing some patience, the wind around 6-7 knots also arrives. The boat is controlled with the two wheels of the rudder, which, as standard, has a carbon shaft that allows the boat to be handled easily and safely at all times.

“It reminds me of my 470, it’s a great feeling”-James Ferrari tells me while at the helm of the boat. This is important feedback from someone who, at this time, is busy with a busy schedule of training and testing with the national team and thus has absolute sensitivity in his hands.

“I had very good feelings right away, so much so that I felt very confident with this Ice 52 RS as if I were on my 470. Although the conditions were extremely light wind, the boat felt snappy and responsive to every little gust, and I immediately felt very good responsiveness to mode changes.” This is Giacomo’s hot comment at the end of the test, which reflects the boat’s attitude: a mix of technology and innovation for a comfortable boat but with a sporty soul. The experience of Umberto Felci, a former 470 player, is also very much felt in this, and he also leaves his trademark on the deck, which is very clean from an aesthetic point of view, but comfortable and versatile when you need to “get your hands on it” even with a large crew.

Gregorio Ferrari

Ice 52 RS Evo data sheet

• FT LENGTH: 15.80 mt
• GALL LENGTH: 14.84 mt
• BAGGAGE MAX: 4.65 mt
• FISHING: 2.80 mt
• DISLOC: 10,900 kg approx.
• BALLAST: 4,200 kg
• ENGINE: 75 HP
• WATER TANKS: 520 LT
• FUEL: 350L

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