VESSEL REVIEW | Belita – Italian builder debuts long-range displacement yacht

Italian builder ISA Yachts, a brand under Palumbo Superyachts, launched its new flagship, the 79.82-metre (261.9-foot) custom motor yacht Belita, in Ancona on September 15, 2026.

Construction of the Marshall Islands-flagged yacht began in January 2023 and delivery is scheduled for December 2026.

The vessel was sold as a fully custom project on August 31, 2022, with the client introduced by Nicholas Hidiroglou of Parsifal Yachting. She entered the interior outfitting phase in April 2024.

Exterior designer Espen Øino said at the time of the sale that the owners are, “experienced and have a keen eye for aesthetics and a background in naval architecture."

Bespoke, durable construction

Naval architecture is by Hydro Tec, which shared naval engineering work with Palumbo Superyachts' technical staff. Espen Øino International handled the yacht’s exterior, while Peter Marino Architect developed the bespoke interior spaces.

Belita is a displacement yacht with a steel hull, an aluminium superstructure, and teak decks. She has a maximum beam of 12.5 metres (41 feet), a draught of 3.4 metres (11 feet) at full load, and a gross tonnage of 2,220.

Propulsion comes from two MTU 16V4000M65L diesel engines, each rated 2,240 kW (3,000 hp) at 1,800 rpm.

Proven diesel propulsion for economical cruising

ISA Yachts anticipates that Belita will attain a top speed of 18 knots and cruise at 14 knots. The builder estimates her range at approximately 7,000 nautical miles when cruising at 10 knots.

Belita is notable for carrying the same output per engine on a near-identical length as Palumbo Superyachts’ earlier Hydro Tec-designed Dragon (since renamed My Dragon) but with a top speed 1.5 knots higher.

ISA Yachts has described the vessel’s exterior as a compact superstructure with long horizontal stretches of dark glazing and deck volumes that step down towards the stern. Aft, terraces, and a pool area open progressively towards the water.