Yachting Art Magazine

The Italian builder ISA Yachts has unveiled a new 70-metre superyacht concept, named Blade, marking the start of a collaboration with Lobanov Design. This project is part of a drive to strengthen the Palumbo Superyachts group’s presence in the large sports yacht segment, focusing on a distinctive design and a strong visual identity.

ISA Yachts, a brand of the Palumbo Superyachts group, has gradually established itself as a recognised player in the construction of bespoke and semi-custom superyachts. Founded in Italy and integrated into the Palumbo group in 2016, the brand benefits from an international industrial network and a positioning focused on high-end vessels, characterised by a strong emphasis on design and the quality of materials. The Palumbo Group, which is also active in ship repair and port infrastructure, is pursuing a strategy of diversification within the yachting sector, supported by several complementary brands.

The 70-metre Blade marks the start of a collaboration with Lobanov Design, a studio led by designer Igor Lobanov, known for his distinctive aesthetic vision in the yachting world. This partnership reflects a desire to explore new design approaches, moving away from the sector’s traditional conventions.

According to the information provided, this partnership is not limited to a single project. Further developments are already being considered, particularly for larger vessels, suggesting a long-term strategic focus on this collaboration.

In a market where differentiation increasingly hinges on design, this type of partnership between a shipyard and a design studio serves as a lever to capture the attention of an international clientele seeking unique products.

The Blade 70-metre falls into the category of large sports yachts, characterised by dynamic lines and high performance. The project stands out for its distinctive formal approach, inspired in particular by early 20th-century vessels.

The bow, slightly inverted and with a concave profile, is a central element of this identity. It incorporates stainless steel details and discreet technical solutions, such as the integration of the anchor locker, contributing to a refined aesthetic.

The entire yacht is designed as a continuous volume, with fluid lines connecting the bow to the stern. The graphic elements are deliberately integrated into the volumes, minimising visual breaks. The treatment of the glazing, with film effects and contrasting inserts, contributes to the design’s uniqueness.

The project places great emphasis on outdoor spaces, in line with current yachting trends. The aft beach club incorporates modular features, notably a transformable door that can be converted into a relaxation area overlooking the sea.

Elements such as the terraces, teak inserts and outdoor layout solutions demonstrate a commitment to optimising the on-board experience by fostering interaction between the interior and exterior.

This approach responds to changing owner expectations, for whom outdoor living spaces play a central role in the yacht’s use.

The interior layout of the 70-metre Blade reflects evolving usage patterns, with particular attention paid to the owner’s privacy. The master suite is situated at the stern of the upper deck, offering direct access to a private terrace and unobstructed sea views.

This configuration, still relatively new in the segment, reflects a desire for differentiation in the layout of spaces. It is part of a trend aimed at offering personalised experiences, tailored to the specific expectations of owners.

The other spaces on board, although less detailed at this stage, are expected to follow this logic of optimising space and comfort.

Technically, the 70-metre Blade features specifications in line with the segment’s standards. With a gross tonnage of 1,300 GT, a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure, it follows the classic configurations of superyachts of this size.

Propulsion is provided by two MTU 12V4000 engines, enabling a maximum speed of 17.5 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots. The advertised range of 5,000 nautical miles at cruising speed positions the yacht for long-distance cruising.

These performance figures meet market expectations, where the balance between speed, range and comfort remains a key criterion.

The launch of the Blade 70-metre comes against a backdrop of fierce competition in the large sports superyacht segment. European shipyards, particularly Italian, Dutch and German ones, are ramping up projects to meet demanding international demand.

In this context, differentiation depends as much on performance as on design and the onboard experience offered. The 70-metre Blade fits into this approach, highlighting a distinctive visual identity and innovative layout solutions.