Palumbo ISA Unica 40 superyacht exterior

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Credit: ISA Yachts

Design insight: how expansive interior volumes have been incorporated on board the new ISA Unica 40

7 May 2024 • Written by Hannah Rankine for ISA Yachts

According to ISA Yachts, the greatest challenge in the design process of the new ISA Unica 40 was to include “generous spaces” in a “sporty-looking yacht”. The 40-metre semi-displacement yacht, built entirely from aluminium, is the latest creation from ISA Yachts with a design by Enrico Gobbi – Team for Design. The main objective for the Unica 40 was to offer large interiors, ample space and a functional layout, all while ensuring these features do not compromise the exterior design in any way.

BOAT takes a closer look at how the ISA Unica 40 features expansive, functional onboard areas without sacrificing the vessel's striking silhouette.

Abundant deck space

The ISA Unica 40 boasts generous onboard spaces, which can be seen in the length of the exterior decks and the large windows. At the forefront of its exterior design is the foredeck area, providing ample space for sunbathing and entertainment. The sundeck is also a true highlight, stretching 16 metres in length. Here, guests can indulge in relaxation and entertainment with two sunbathing areas – one aft and one forward – alongside a lounging area complete with comfortable sofas and armchairs, a dining table for al fresco meals, a well-equipped bar with stools and a round Jacuzzi.

Credit: ISA Yachts

The beach club spans three levels that descend to the water. The lower level offers a spacious sunpad with panoramic views, while just above sits a whirlpool with a grass front. At the top level, guests can relax in a lounge area with a glass balustrade, a design choice that “opens the view completely”, according to Gobbi.

Credit: ISA Yachts

To enjoy the beach club to the full, guests can make use of the yacht’s toybox. “Unica carries the main tender amidships and a very big jet ski/sea scooter at the bow along with multiple Seabobs,” says Francesco Carbone, general manager of Palumbo Superyachts.

Connectivity and spaciousness

Gobbi's design philosophy for the ISA Unica 40 prioritises not only luxurious spaces but also a sense of visual connectivity with the surrounding environment. “We achieved this by using large and continuous glazing and ‘opening’ the hull in correspondence to the main views, such as in the main deck saloon and the owner's suite,” Gobbi says. The use of light on the exteriors of the deck ceilings “emphasise the organic shape of furniture and creates a warm chill-out atmosphere”.

Credit: ISA Yachts

The owner's suite on the main deck features an office, a lounge area with a vanity, a double walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with two sinks. A sliding door provides the option for privacy, while large siding windows flood the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of space and connection to the outdoors. Below deck, four double cabins offer accommodations for guests, with three double VIP cabins and an additional guest cabin with twin beds, all complemented by ensuite facilities. There is accommodation for up to seven crew members, plus a dedicated captain's cabin located adjacent to the bridge.

Credit: ISA Yachts

Carbone highlights the vessel's versatility, emphasising the extensive customisation options available to owners. “We have the flexibility to build custom projects. Unica is no different,” he says. “The owner will have carte blanche on all the interiors and unlimited possibilities of colours and finishes for the exterior.”

Power and performance

The ISA Unica 40 is propelled by twin MTU engines, each boasting 1432kW of power. This means the yacht can achieve a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. In terms of range, she can cruise 3,300 nautical miles at a speed of 14.5 knots.

With a draught of just 2.2 metres, the Unica 40 is perfectly suited for cruising the shallow waters of regions like the Caribbean and the Bahamas. “We have seen an increase in demand for this type of yacht particularly from the American market,” Carbone notes.

Credit: ISA Yachts

According to the shipyard, ISA Yachts currently has four vessels under construction. Firstly, an 80-metre Gran Turismo, with exterior and interior by Enrico Gobbi - Team for Design, due for delivery in 2027. Secondly, an 80-metre custom with exteriors by Espen Oino and interiors by Peter Marino International is to be delivered in 2026. There are also two 66-metres scheduled for delivery in 2026, one of which has both exterior and interior designed by the Nuvolari Lenard, while the other features exterior design by Vallicelli and interior design by Enrico Gobbi – Team for Design.

To find out more information on the new ISA Unica 40, contact the team at ISA Yachts today.

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