I've been keeping a close eye on the ice 62 targa lately, and it's honestly one of those boats that makes you stop and stare when it's sitting in the marina. It has that distinct Italian flair that Ice Yachts is famous for, but there's something about the "Targa" version specifically that feels like it's hit the sweet spot between a hardcore racer and a luxury cruiser.
If you aren't familiar with the brand, Ice Yachts basically took over the legacy of Cantiere del Pardo's performance line and then cranked everything up to eleven. They work closely with Umberto Felci, a name that pretty much guarantees the boat is going to be fast. But with the ice 62 targa, they've managed to add a layer of practicality that you don't always see in high-performance carbon-fiber hulls.
What Makes the Targa Version Special?
The first thing you'll notice—and really, the namesake of the boat—is the targa arch over the cockpit. Now, I know some purists might think an arch ruins the lines of a sleek sailing yacht, but hear me out. On this boat, it actually looks cool. It's not a clunky, aftermarket addition; it's integrated into the design.
The main benefit is pretty simple: it moves the mainsheet traveler off the cockpit floor. If you've ever spent a day dodging lines or worrying about a guest getting caught in the mainsheet during a sudden jibe, you know why this is a big deal. It keeps the cockpit clean, safe, and open for relaxing. Plus, it serves as a rock-solid mounting point for a bimini or sprayhood, which is a lifesaver when the sun is beating down or the weather turns sour.
Built for Speed Without the Stress
Don't let the comfy cockpit fool you, though. Underneath all that style, the ice 62 targa is a serious piece of engineering. They use a lot of carbon fiber in the construction—not just for the hull but also for the deck and the internal structures. This keeps the boat incredibly light for its size, which means it starts moving in the kind of light air that keeps other boats stuck at the dock.
I've talked to a few people who have sailed these, and they all say the same thing: it's insanely responsive. The twin rudders give you a lot of control, even when the boat is heeled over and you're pushing it hard. It's one of those yachts where you can feel what the water is doing through the wheel. It's not numb or heavy; it feels alive.
A Look Inside the Cabin
Stepping down into the interior of the ice 62 targa feels less like going into a boat and more like walking into a high-end apartment in Milan. It's bright, airy, and modern. They use a lot of light woods and high-quality fabrics, and because the hull is so wide, there's an incredible amount of space.
The layout is usually pretty flexible, but most of them feature a massive owner's cabin up front and a couple of guest cabins in the back. The galley is top-notch, too. You actually get enough counter space to cook a real meal, which isn't always a given on performance boats.
What I really appreciate is the attention to detail in the joinery. Everything fits perfectly. There are no weird gaps or cheap-feeling latches. You can tell the builders actually care about the finished product. It's the kind of place where you'd actually want to spend a week or two at anchor, not just a place to crash after a long day of sailing.
Performance on the Water
When the wind picks up, the ice 62 targa really shows its teeth. Because of the hull shape—which is quite wide at the back—it's very stable. It doesn't feel twitchy or nervous. You can set the sails, trim them in, and the boat just locks into a groove and goes.
One of the cool options for this boat is the lifting keel. If you're someone who likes to get into shallower anchorages or tucked-away coves, this is a game-changer. You get the deep draft you need for performance while you're sailing, but you can pull it up when you want to get closer to the beach. It's the best of both worlds, really.
Why the "Targa" Arch is a Win
I want to go back to that arch for a second because it really defines the experience of using the boat. On many performance yachts, the cockpit is a "work zone." You've got lines everywhere, winches in the way of your seating, and a general sense that you need to be on your toes.
On the ice 62 targa, the arch allows the cockpit to be a "living zone." You can have friends over for drinks or lunch, and even if you decide to pull up the anchor and head to the next bay, they don't have to move. The sailing part happens around them, not through them. For anyone who sails with family or friends who aren't "hardcore" sailors, this makes the whole experience way more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Easy Handling for Smaller Crews
Another thing that's worth mentioning is how easy this boat is to handle with just two people. Everything is led back to the winches near the helm stations. You don't have to go running up on deck to handle lines.
With the electric winches and the self-tacking jib option, you can pretty much tack the boat by yourself without breaking a sweat. It's a 62-foot boat that handles like it's much smaller, which gives you a lot of confidence if it's just you and your partner out for the weekend. You don't feel like you need a team of five people just to leave the slip.
Is It Worth It?
Look, a boat like the ice 62 targa isn't exactly cheap. You're paying for the high-tech materials, the Italian design, and the fact that it's built in a boutique shipyard rather than being pumped out of a massive factory. But you definitely get what you pay for.
It's a boat for someone who doesn't want to compromise. You get the speed of a racing yacht, the looks of a supercar, and the comfort of a luxury cruiser. Usually, you have to pick two of those things, but Ice Yachts managed to squeeze all three into one package.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the ice 62 targa represents a specific philosophy of sailing. It's about enjoying the journey as much as the destination. It's about having a boat that's fast enough to win a regatta on Saturday and comfortable enough to take the kids on a cruise on Sunday.
If you ever get a chance to see one in person, take it. The photos are great, but they don't quite capture the scale and the sheer "cool factor" of the boat. It's sleek, it's modern, and it's clearly built by people who love sailing. Whether you're crossing an ocean or just hopping between islands, it's hard to think of a better way to do it than on a boat like this.
It's just one of those designs that feels right. No gimmicks, just smart engineering and a lot of style. If I had the budget for a 60-plus foot yacht, this one would be right at the top of my list. It's just a fantastic all-rounder that doesn't feel like a compromise in any direction.