In Livorno, the historic Perini Navi sailing yacht returns to the sea, symbolising heritage and renewed evolution. The launch ceremony of Belle Brise took place this morning at Lusben’s Livorno shipyard. The 48-metre sailing yacht, originally built by Perini Navi in 1993, has undergone an extensive and comprehensive rebuild carried out by Lusben in collaboration with Seamotion, which supported the Owner in selecting Lusben for the execution of this ambitious project.
A key role in the execution of the works was played by Lusben’s keel pit, inaugurated at the Livorno yard in 2024 to allow the complete refit of sailing yacht keels. In order to carry out the activities and successfully complete the project, the entire intervention was meticulously planned, ensuring optimal operational conditions, maximum safety and compliance with the scheduled timeline.
This moment carries strong symbolic value in a special year for the shipyard: in 2026 Lusben celebrates its 70th anniversary (1956–2026), a journey built on the ability to evolve over time while tackling increasingly complex projects in full respect of Italy’s great shipbuilding tradition. The return of Belle Brise to the sea perfectly embodies this philosophy: preserving historical value while elevating it to contemporary standards.
Previously known as Corelia, Belle Brise is among the first units of the renowned Perini Navi 48-metre series. At the time of her construction, she already stood out for innovative design solutions, including a redesigned stern featuring a comfortable and liveable lazarette and a side hatch providing direct access to the sea. Now, more than thirty years after her original launch, this sailing icon returns to navigation thanks to an intervention that has preserved her original identity while integrating the latest technological and functional upgrades. The comprehensive rebuild, strongly desired by the Owner, was aimed at obtaining the Restricted Commercial Notation under the Maltese flag and enabling future charter operations.
“The ceremony today represents a moment of great pride for our entire team. Working on a sailing icon such as Belle Brise means taking on an important responsibility: respecting her soul, enhancing her history and at the same time elevating her technical and operational standards. This project perfectly embodies our vision of refit and rebuild — a balance between engineering expertise, nautical culture and craftsmanship” – commented Ferdinando Pilli, General Manager of Lusben.
The rebuild involved all functional areas of the yacht, with an extremely rigorous approach in terms of quality, safety and performance. From the installation of new MAN engines equipped with a UREA tank and new Caterpillar generators to the complete renewal of onboard systems, instrumentation and technical equipment, as well as structural revisions and the enhancement of the yacht’s classic interiors, every phase was managed with meticulous care. Many components were selected in line with the original Maker List, reflecting the desire to preserve the authentic Perini Navi identity.
The Lusben team in Livorno played a leading role in the project, coordinating the complex intervention under the supervision of ABS class and flag authorities, working in close synergy with Seamotion as Owner’s representative and project manager, and with the yacht’s crew.
Susanna Corsagni, Founder of Seamotion stated: “Belle Brise carries within her DNA the ‘blue blood’ of Perini Navi — the same heritage that lives on in the experience, design culture and craftsmanship of many of the professionals who contributed to her rebirth. A unique body of expertise that made it possible to restore this historic 48-metre yacht to her original identity.”
Today Belle Brise returns to the sea with the timeless elegance that made her famous, now complemented by renewed technical efficiency and versatility designed for the contemporary market. After decades of sailing through the islands and waters of the Aegean, she is ready to write a new and fascinating chapter of her story.
