Blending impeccable interiors with superb Dutch craftsmanship, the editorial team at YachtCharterFleet were lucky enough to step on board Heesen’s 51m/167ft motor yacht IRISHA at the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show.
Subject to much reverence ahead of her debut, IRISHA had attracted a cluster of show-goers eager to get on board when the editorial team arrived for their tour in Port Hercules.
While inconspicuously docked next to luxury yachts of a similar size, IRISHA’s sleek and predatory profile coupled with her dark, iridescent finish evidently demands attention.
Heesen has Harrison Eidsgaard to thank for her exterior design, as well as her award-winning interiors which bagged her a top prize at the World Yacht Trophies. As such, the editorial team were keen to get on board and discover just what makes this superyacht so special - and we weren’t disappointed.
Creating ample space for dining and entertaining was something that IRISHA’s experienced owners specified in their brief. Food-lovers with a busy social calendar, they wanted somewhere to host long lunches and evening dinner parties in a relaxed and convivial setting.
As a result, the yacht is modelled off a Mediterranean dayboat, with an emphasis on fusing indoor and outdoor living. This is instantly reflected in the main deck aft, where the tour begins with the yacht’s innovative winter garden-style salon
IRISHA’s sleek and predatory profile coupled with her dark, iridescent finish evidently demands attention.
The unique feature was the subject of much acclaim in Monaco, as it boasts sliding glass panels which can be opened to create an al fresco environment fit for all social occasions or closed off to serve as an extension of the dining area in the main salon.
The adjoining dining area is another carefully designed space, with a meticulously-crafted table running down the centre of the room. It can extend to host up to 22 guests at a time, making it ideal for those who plan on undertaking event charters or corporate functions.
A corridor lined with thick carpet leads from the main salon to the owner’s suite, past a central staircase which immediately draws attention. Its elegantly sweeping shape was carved out of a single piece of material, meaning its structure feels completely in harmony with the rest of the yacht.
From discrete, glowing panels in the steps and disc-shaped light fixtures overhead, the stairwell exudes warm, honey-filtered light- a fitting finish for the feature that sits at the very heart of the superyacht.
Arriving at the master suite, the space is decadently finished with masculine touches balanced by soft accents. In keeping with an overarching theme of understated luxury, Harrison Eidsgaard has employed a variety of rich textures in the main suite, from the headboard swathed in silk to a faux-fur throw draped over the bed.
But the feature that instantly catches the eye is the balcony starboard. Immediately, it invites you to step outside, slide the glass doors shut, and savour a moment of serenity and privacy unwinding on the sun beds.
Creating ample space for dining and entertaining was something that IRISHA’s experienced owners specified in their brief.
Designed to be used at anchor or while in motion, it provides the perfect spot to lie back and feel totally at one with the surrounds, either alone or with a loved one.
Matching the master cabin, the en suite has a refined energy, with a lacquered wood bathtub backed by polished marble walls which gleam in the light. Dedicated his and hers sections flank the room, affording the principal guests their own bathroom spaces.
In keeping with an overarching theme of understated luxury, Harrison Eidsgaard has played with a variety of rich textures in the main suite.
Embodying similar themes of fluidity and making maximum use out of spaces, the configuration of the guest cabins is incredibly flexible. All four feature sliding walls that allow the suites to be extended or minimised according to the charter party.
As a final touch, each suite is adorned with precious gemstone panelling that adds a level of bespoke opulence to the space. Overall, including the principal charterers, IRISHA can accommodate 10.
On the upper deck, the skylounge is the perfect example of Harrison Eidsgaard’s commitment to ensuring the communal spaces are well-used and well-lived in.
The decor is contemporary, but the energy is comfortable and welcoming, enticing guests to take a seat on one of the plush sofas and sip a drink from the nearby bar. Reclaimed wood composing the bar and the coffee-table subtly contrast the velvety fabrics of the floor and upholstery.
The decor is contemporary, but the energy is comfortable and welcoming, enticing guests to take a seat on one of the plush sofas and sip a drink from the nearby bar.
Mirroring the same design of the master suite, a big sofa is seamlessly moulded into the port side of the wall, offering an additional spot to recline and gaze out at the views. This area will no doubt be in-demand when cosy evenings watching movies are on the cards, as the skylounge has the capacity to double as a home cinema.
Outside, we find a portion of space devoted to dining, with sofa-style seating adjacent where guests can enjoy post-supper cocktails below a setting sun. The dining table is intimate, compared with the dining set-up on the main deck, but is still primed for formal meals.
Crowning IRISHA, an expansive sun deck enjoys an additional dining area, well-suited to light bites or afternoon games. Optional Bimini shading is available over the jacuzzi, which benefits from a half-ring of sunpads where members of the charter party can stretch out and bask in the sunshine.
A sleek wet bar is also well-positioned in this space, which is sure to enliven the atmosphere and add a level of convenience during the day.
The decor follows similar patterns here, with subtle elegance and sophistication extending to the seating area and its stylish chairs.
From the sun deck, the wheelhouse can be easily accessed. Encompassing a split-level design, the two are seamlessly connected with a fluidity of movement that is emphasised by two sailing yacht-style hatches forward on the sun deck, which lead directly back to the wheelhouse, creating a continuous connection.
This innovative feature is perfect for charterers looking to join the captain at the helm, and get involved with the behind-the-scenes action.
Encompassing a split-level design, the sun deck and wheelhouse are seamlessly connected with a fluidity of movement allowing the two to be easily accessed.
Although it can't be fully appreciated from inside, the curved glass-clad wheelhouse is by far the most distinctive feature of the superyacht from an exterior perspective. It is this striking design choice that lends IRISHA her resemblance to a fighter jet plane, something which sets the superyacht apart from any other on the charter market.
The wheelhouse provides an excellent vantage point over the ocean. Should guests want to step out onto the foredeck, they will find a tucked-away seating arrangement complete with a table and sumptuous sofa.
Just further forward, an enclosed portion of foredeck serves as the perfect spot for a morning yoga session. But for guests in the mood for more substantial relaxation, the lower deck beach club houses dedicated spa and wellness facilities.
Here, the adjoining swim platform is another pioneering design from Heesen. It has the capacity to extend considerably, allowing a small table to be set up for guests to share meals with their toes dipped in the water. A shower is also situated here, along with steps leading into the sea.
IRISHA is sure to be one of the most in-demand superyachts when she bursts onto the charter scene in time for the summer 2019 season.
With a home berth in Sardinia, IRISHA is sure to be one of the most in-demand superyachts in the region when she bursts onto the charter scene in time for the summer 2019 season.
In order to find out more about chartering M/Y IRISHA, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.
Charter Specification
Length51m / 167'4 |
Beam9m / 29'6 |
Draft2.5m / 8'2 |
Gross Tonnage496 GT |
Built2018 |
Hull MaterialAluminium |
SuperstructureAluminium |
ClassificationABS |
Charter Guests10 |
Cabins5 |
Crew9 |
Max Speed25 knots |
Cruising Speed15 knots |
Range 2,425 nm |
Range at 11 Knots |