ISA Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Superyachts, has announced the launch of its new 79.8-metre flagship superyacht, Belita, from its facilities in Ancona, Italy.
The custom new build now becomes the yard's largest project to date in both length and volume – the latter of which stands at a mammoth 2,220GT – while also marking its first collaboration with Espen Øino, who is responsible for the exterior design. The yacht’s naval engineering is a joint effort between Palumbo Superyachts and Italian studio Hydro Tec, while Peter Marino Architect is responsible for the interior design.
The yacht was last seen in April 2024, when ISA shared the first in-build images of the project as a bare hull. According to BOATPro, the yacht was sold in 2022 to a client introduced by Parsifal Yachting and began construction in January the following year.
A clean and "rigorous" architecture defines the new flagship, showcased via slender lines, long expanses of dark glazing and a visually compact superstructure. The volumes on board descend towards the stern, with the aft architecture opening progressively towards the water through expansive terraces and a "striking" aft pool area.
The yacht's interiors are yet to be unveiled, though the yard has hinted that they were developed as a fully bespoke project, conceived around the owner’s vision. Living spaces are highly personalised and have been tailored to "complement the construction quality of the entire yacht".
"A launch is always a special moment, but seeing Belita in the water today holds particular significance for us," said Giuseppe Palumbo, sole director of Palumbo Superyachts. "Behind a yacht of this scale are years of work, thousands of decisions and the contribution of hundreds of people, all united by a single objective: to achieve the highest possible standard at every stage of construction. This 80-metre yacht fully embodies our approach to construction: rigour, attention to detail and a pursuit of quality that allows no shortcuts."
Belita stands as the second 80-metre yacht built by Palumbo, following the Columbus Classic 80-metre Dragon, launched in 2019. According to the yard, the new project consolidates the shipyard's expertise and portfolio of large superyacht builds, adding to its newly unveiled ISA Large Yacht Collection.
Palumbo added: "ISA Custom 80m is the second yacht of this size built by Palumbo Superyachts after Dragon, and for us this has a precise meaning: what once represented a major accomplishment is now part of our shipbuilding heritage. It is the quality of this heritage, even before the size of our yachts, against which we intend to continue measuring ourselves."
Twin MTU engines, each delivering 2,240 kW, are expected to deliver Belita with a top speed of 18 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of approximately 7,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Key specs include a beam of 12.5 metres and a full-load draught of 3.4 metres.
BOATPro notes that delivery for the new build is slated for December this year. The yacht marks the latest launch from the Italian shipyard, which currently has 15 yachts under development, including a 100-metre (yet to enter construction) which is slated for delivery in 2029. ISA recently celebrated the delivery of the first superyacht from its new ISA Gran Turismo 67M model, Sea Raider X.
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