ISA 156'

Stairway to Heaven...

International Shipyards Ancona & Rodriguez Group have created a signature line of yachts with the ISA 156' and soon to be launched ISA 120'. The following is a photo documentary tour of a yacht so distinct, the thought of climbing stairs will put a smile on your face.

This side shot illustrates the "sportyacht" image ISA has captured with the integrated radar arch, which is remeniscent of an offshore performance boat...

The expedition style bow on the ISA 156' not only provides enhanced interior volume, but incorporates significant storage on the front deck as well.

This is the ISA's exercise gym.

The preverbial "stairway to heaven" has become one of the most recognized design elements in the yachting community, but these stairs play a more important role than aesthetic appeal, they allow quick access to each of the aft decks and the stern.

THIS is the real gym. Notice the absence of a "Stairmaster". The position of the treadmill allows viewing outside the vessel while underway. This is probably as close as one might come to "walking on water".

The main deck salon offers a panoramic view aft, port and starboard. The only distraction to the outside scenery are the entertainment centers (or corners in this case) which integrate flat panel elevated televisions. This allows viewing by the entire salon audience and multiple programs to watched at the same time. Notice the recessed lighting around the perimeters of the headliner, which enhances the theatrical experience.

The recessed lighting flows into the dining area, just forward of the main salon, where direct overhead lights compliment the shape of the dining room table. Custom made, integrated wood cabinets and countertops abound. The finish and joinery is absolute artwork!

The woodwork and theme is carried below to the master stateroom, which runs the full length of the beam, providing an external view on each side of the yacht.
There are no sharp edges to be found on any of the woodwork, it simply flows throughout the entire yacht, much like water passing around a displacement hull.

The master is flanked by a bath that is oppulence defined. It's amazing how two dissimilar materials (marble & wood) can work so harmoniously together.

The shower in the master rivals most luxury homes.

This is the guest bath. If I didn't tell you, you might have guessed this was the master bath.

No photo-documentary tour of a yacht would be complete without... the Command and Control Center.

This bridge looks like it was lifted right off the production set for the Star Trek Enterprise. Several flat panel displays project systems status, while integrated keyboards and trackballs await human error. A closer look reveals "T" handle throttles and a joystick that controls the world's best video game!

Due to the mind altering G-Forces encountered at 15 knots, the seats could best be described as the offspring of a Recaro and Lazy-Boy marriage. The helm even has stainless foot rests to further enhance seating comfort. However, to keep the captain on his feet, a leaning post is provided between these sport sofas.

There are small touches throughout the wheelhouse that reflect planning and forethought, the least of which is a chart table with recessed lighting. This allows chart viewing without creating interior reflections during night time navigation. The recessed lighting theme continues though out the bridge, both in the headliner and floor.

That concludes YachtForum's presentation of the ISA 156'. Hope you enjoyed it! If anybody needs me, I'll be hard at work, saving my money... to buy the ultimate stairmaster.

ISA 156' Specifications:

Overall Length..............155’8” (47.50m)
Beam.............................29’2” (8.90m)
Draft..............................8’8” (2.70m)
Materials.......................Steel & Aluminum
Displacement................498 tons
Furl Capacity.................17, 437 gals (66,000 liters)
Maximum Speed............17 knots
Cruising Speed..............15 knots
Range............................(11 knots)4000 nm
Engines.........................2 x 2350 hp 12v4000’s
Builder...........................International Shipyards Ancona
Designer........................Walter Franchini

For more information, contact:

ISA Yachts
Via E. Mattei 14-18/A
60125 Ancona, Italy
http://www.isayachts.com