Reborn without losing sight of who you are, KOS. Almost twenty years after its launch, the The Benetti Classic 120 from 2009 returns to the sea after a refit that is not merely routine maintenance, but a true reinterpretation. Lusben, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026, has chosen to enhance this 37-meter yacht without altering its essence. The goal of the project remains “to improve its operational efficiency and update the onboard experience, thereby extending the vessel’s lifespan.”
The project will begin in August 2025, immediately following the acquisition by the new owner, and will be completed in approximately six months. This is a surprisingly short timeframe given the complexity of the work involved: structures, equipment, onboard systems, interiors, and outdoor areas. All of this will be coordinated by the Lusben team together to interior designer Laura Rossi, who has created the new look for the spaces.
KOS: The main deck—the heart of the refit
The focus of the refit is on the main deck, This is where the most striking transformation takes place: a floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the living room, installed following meticulous engineering, radically alters the perception of space. This project required extensive structural analysis, as it involved integrating a new element into a building designed nearly twenty years ago. The same complexity applies to the reconfiguration of the stairwell area between the main and upper decks, a project that Lusben describes as an example of its ability to manage “complex structural modifications, integrating design, engineering, and construction into a single operational process.”
Interiors They follow a consistent philosophy: more light, more fluidity, more naturalness. The staircase’s transparent balustrade acts as a conduit for light between the levels, while the new backlit bar cabinet redefines the living room without making it feel cluttered. In the hallways, matte surfaces give way to satin-finished glass panels; in the cabins, fabrics and materials selected for durability and comfort are used; in the galley, the focus is on ergonomics, without altering the original layout. Laura Rossi sums it up this way: “KOS does not deny its past… it remains, at its core, a Benetti Classic, but today it embodies a new concept of comfort.”
A new language that remains true to its roots
At the same time, the construction team is carrying out extensive work on the technical aspects. Engines, generators, air conditioning, refrigeration, hydraulics, water treatment systems, monitoring: a comprehensive package of major maintenance and preventive replacements designed to enhance reliability and operational continuity. All lighting is converted to LED, with a new interior and exterior lighting design; the dashboard and electronics are updated to improve safety and usability.
The exteriors are getting a makeover, too. I teak decks are restored, while the old hot tub is removed from the sun deck, creating more versatile spaces that better meet the owner’s needs. But the most challenging part of the project is the Complete painting of the hull and superstructure, carried out in a fully controlled environment equipped with air and dust control systems. The result achieves “gloss levels approaching 98 gloss,” values comparable to those of a new vehicle, as Lusben points out. To complete the picture, Red accents introduce a new visual identity, a unifying thread between the exterior and interior.
The refit of KOS thus becomes a manifesto of the Lusben philosophy: combining engineering, design, and manufacturing expertise in a process that does more than simply renovate—it enhances. It is a way of viewing refit as a natural extension of a yacht’s life. And in this sense, KOS is proof of how a well-conceived project can stand the test of time, evolve, and continue to tell its story with a a new language that remains true to its roots.
