The idiom “to sail the sea” evokes endless adventure, and Parlay, a thirty-year-old Irwin yacht, carries a storied history of exploration. Having spent years sailing across America, Asia, and more recently the waters of Queensland, the vessel was beloved but in need of rejuvenation. Its electrics were outdated, its joinery tired, and its upholstery worn, calling for an interior transformation that honored its heritage while elevating its functionality.
The redesign aimed to restore Parlay’s identity as both a capable passage-making yacht and a comfortable retreat for family weekends. The process began with stripping away non-original finishes to reveal the potential beneath. Cream vinyl lining hugging the salon’s joinery was removed, exposing a delicate timber veneer that became the foundation for the new aesthetic. Repairs and re-oiling of the timber brought a renewed warmth, setting the stage for a dramatic, moody palette inspired by the deep greens of Tasmania and the inky blues of Bass Strait.
Each cabin was reimagined with a sense of depth and calm, using dark green and navy fabrics layered with linens that create quiet, cocoon-like spaces. The cabins, aptly named Midnight and Ocean, now exude a serene elegance that complements the natural movement of the sea.
The interior balances practicality and beauty, offering generous spaces for family and friends to gather. The seating, which doubles as extra sleeping quarters, and the robust galley joinery embody functionality to withstand the rigors of a marine environment. The original salon mirrors and bar have been lovingly retained, adding charm and authenticity to the refreshed spaces, while the pilot house provides a perfect vantage point for socialising or watching the penguins in St Kilda.
The yacht’s interior incorporates marine antiquities, framed watercolors, and oils, drawing the eye to intimate corners and inviting curiosity. Artifacts and textures weave a narrative of adventure, while the finishes retain a relaxed, unfussy elegance suited to life at sea. Ceiling hatches invite the outside in, offering sky views from the cabins and welcoming sea breezes that animate the interiors.
Parlay is now more than just a vessel—it’s a floating sanctuary, where timeless design and functional beauty intersect, creating a space for adventure, connection, and memory-making.
