It appears that third time truly is the charm for ISA Yachts. The esteemed Italian shipyard, operating as one of four distinguished brands helmed by Palumbo Superyachts, has officially expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a third model to its prestigious Large Yacht Collection, which was first unveiled earlier this year. Measuring an impressive 269 feet in overall length, accompanied by a maximum beam of 42 feet and boasting an internal volume of approximately 2,250 gross tons, the newly revealed vessel, named Essence, firmly establishes its place alongside the line of expansive, highly customizable superyachts that range between 262 and 295 feet.
The newcomer is the result of a collaborative design effort, featuring striking exterior and interior architecture crafted by the Barcelona-based Igor Lobanov Studio, complemented by expert naval architecture engineered entirely by the in-house team at ISA Yachts. Beyond its considerable physical dimensions, the vessel is designed to make a profound aesthetic statement. The exterior profile is at once striking, elegant, and deliberately timeless, defined by a harmonious balance of proportions, clean and uninterrupted lines, and gracefully flowing curves that sweep from bow to stern.
Discussing the guiding philosophy behind the vessel’s design language, Igor Lobanov explained in a statement that the creative team consciously chose to avoid chasing fleeting aesthetic fads. Because stylistic trends inevitably belong to a specific, passing moment in time, the stated objective for the project was precisely the opposite: to conceive and execute a yacht capable of retaining its fresh, contemporary appeal across many years of service on the global cruising stage.
Despite sitting at 269 feet rather than the upper limit of the collection, the meticulously planned layout incorporates features, amenities, and infrastructural layouts typically reserved for much larger megayachts measuring between 295 and 328 feet. Among these standout provisions are a functional touch-and-go helipad to facilitate seamless arrivals and departures, a sophisticated multi-level internal elevator servicing the decks, and a cavernous garage compartment engineered with the capacity to securely store up to three distinct tenders for shore excursions and water sports.
The living quarters aboard Essence have similarly been drawn from the design playbooks of much larger vessels, utilizing architectural configurations specifically intended to foster a continuous, unbroken connection between the interior saloons, the exterior decks, and the surrounding marine environment. A prime example of this philosophy is found within the expansive beach club area, which is fitted with two expansive fold-down terraces that fold outward over the water to dramatically expand the available waterside real estate for lounging and entertaining. In a parallel display of thoughtful engineering, a glass-bottomed swimming pool is integrated directly into the main deck, serving a dual purpose by providing a luxurious aquatic feature while simultaneously allowing natural sunlight to filter downward to the spaces situated directly below.
In terms of accommodations, the vessel is comprehensively outfitted to host up to 12 privileged guests across a selection of seven well-appointed cabins, while dedicated quarters are provided to comfortably support a professional crew of 21 members, ensuring a high ratio of service and hospitality. The owner’s suite occupies its traditional and prestigious forward position on the upper deck, yet it features a distinctly unconventional layout. Eschewing the typical central corridor, the master quarters utilize an innovative side passage that leads directly to adjacent areas. According to the shipyard, this architectural choice guarantees a constant, uninterrupted visual connection to the open sea from within the private suite.
Essence continues its departure from maritime convention when moving up to the bridge deck. Rather than housing the traditional and expected social lounge in the aft section of this deck, the designers have designated the space as a dedicated wellness and recovery zone, complete with a fully equipped gymnasium, a relaxing sauna, and a specialized massage area designed to promote health and rejuvenation while underway.
When it comes to propulsion and operational performance, the yacht relies on a robust engineering package built around a full-displacement steel hull mated to a lightweight aluminum superstructure. Power is supplied by a pair of heavy-duty MTU engines, each rated at 2,240 kilowatts, which operate in conjunction with two pairs of advanced stabilizer fins to ensure maximum stability and comfort both while cruising and when resting at anchor. The vessel achieves a respectable maximum speed of 17 knots, settles into an efficient cruising speed of 14 knots, and boasts an impressive transatlantic range of approximately 6,200 nautical miles when throttled back to a conservative speed of 12 knots.
The debut of Essence follows closely on the heels of the shipyard’s previous announcements, arriving in the wake of the Amarcord 82 and Amarcord 86 models that were initially revealed to the maritime industry back in July.
