Italian shipyard ISA Yachts, part of Palumbo Superyachts, has unveiled Essence, the third superyacht created for its newly established ISA Large Yacht Collection. The 82-metre project follows Amarcord 82 and Amarcord 86, both designed by Nuvolari Lenard, but takes the collection in a distinctly different direction with a design by Barcelona-based Lobanov Studio.
At the heart of Essence is an ambition to move beyond the visual language of the moment. Clean lines, sculpted surfaces, balanced proportions and carefully integrated three-dimensional details create a strong identity intended to remain relevant long after current design trends have passed. “Trends inevitably belong to a particular moment in time,” said Lobanov Studio founder Igor Lobanov. “Our objective was exactly the opposite: to create a yacht capable of remaining contemporary over the years.” The result is an exterior defined by restraint and proportion, while innovation is expressed through the yacht’s surfaces, details and the way its spaces interact with the sea.
Measuring 82 metres with a 12.8-metre beam and approximately 2,250GT, Essence offers the scale and amenities normally associated with yachts approaching 90 to 100 metres. A fully operational touch and go helipad, a lift serving every deck through the sundeck and extensive tender and water-toy storage are integrated into the layout. Her garage can accommodate two 10-metre tenders, with additional space for a seven-metre crew tender. At the stern, a 144-square-metre beach club expands dramatically through two large fold-down terraces, while the main-deck swimming pool above incorporates a transparent bottom that brings natural light into the space below. The interior arrangement is equally unconventional.
The owner’s suite occupies the forward section of the upper deck for privacy and uninterrupted horizon views, but instead of a traditional central corridor, access to the surrounding spaces is provided through a side passage overlooking the exterior, creating a continuous connection with the water. The bridge deck continues this philosophy, replacing the conventional aft lounge with a dedicated wellness area featuring a gym, sauna, massage room, shower and pool. Seven cabins accommodate up to 12 guests, while quarters are provided for a crew of 21.
Power comes from twin 2,240kW MTU engines, giving Essence an anticipated top speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots, with an estimated range of approximately 6,200 nautical miles at 12 knots. Four pairs of non-retractable stabiliser fins, including zero-speed stabilisation, are designed to provide comfort both underway and at anchor. Built in steel and aluminium with naval architecture developed in-house by ISA Yachts, Essence represents a different interpretation of modern yacht design one where longevity is valued over fashion and where the experience of life at sea shapes the architecture as much as the exterior silhouette. According to BOATPro, ISA Yachts currently has 15 superyachts under construction or development, including the 79.8-metre Belita, the shipyard’s flagship, recently launched from its Ancona facilities.