ICE KITE is a 64 metre Superyacht.
Inspired by marine life, her design reflects bright, smooth and fluid surfaces. Following the owner’s vision for her to truly belong to the sea, the exterior language was shaped around organic forms and a strong visual connection to the ocean. A glass-based architectural approach was adopted to seamlessly connect interior and exterior spaces while creating more spacious and light-filled interiors.
The owner’s fascination with shark gills became a key design influence and added a distinctive character to the project. Rather than using this motif as a superficial decorative element, a bespoke architectural solution was developed, making the superstructure the main visual element of the hull and an integral part of the glass architecture. This upper structure incorporates the fluid surfaces and gill-inspired forms of a sea creature. Particular care was taken to keep the yacht below 500 GT without compromising the design language.
ICE Kite offers a total of 475 sqm of open deck spaces. The generous beach club area located aft on the main deck features a swimming pool and a large lounge area arranged on different sunbed levels. A dining area for 12 guests and a dedicated bar enhance outdoor living and social interaction with family and friends. At the bow, a touch-and-go helipad provides fast and direct access to the yacht. On the flybridge deck, a private sundeck area out of sight from below can be transformed into a party lounge featuring a full-size bar and a barbecue area. A spacious aft jacuzzi, surrounded by large sunbeds, completes the flybridge experience.
ICE Kite is conceived as a true circumnavigation yacht incorporating advanced green technologies, excluding diesel-electric systems due to their inherent physical losses. Instead, the designer, owner and naval architect have combined kite-assisted propulsion with a low-resistance hull form and optimised diesel engine consumption. The owner plans to operate the yacht under a fractional ownership programme, aligned with a philosophy of responsible and efficient use of resources.
The hull is designed to be efficient across the entire speed range rather than within a narrow band around maximum speed. This is achieved through refined waterline entries, a high slenderness ratio and a reduced wetted surface area enabled by a round-bilge hull form. Additional benefits include improved seakeeping, reduced wave impact and enhanced onboard comfort. A well-proportioned daggerboard allows the yacht to fully exploit the kite propulsion system at closer wind angles. Ice Kite, designed together with the Red team, while I was working @redyachtdesign as the chief exterior designer.
