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A Sailing Icon Reborn: The Story of BELLE BRISE's Return to the Sea
Some yachts carry more than passengers, they carry history. BELLE BRISE, the 48 metre Perini Navi sailing yacht originally launched in 1993 under the name CORELIA, returned to the water this month at Lusben's Livorno shipyard following a complete rebuild that has taken one of the earliest examples of the renowned Perini Navi 48 metre series and elevated her to meet the demands of the contemporary charter market.
The project, coordinated by Seamotion as Owner's representative and project manager, was comprehensive in every sense. New engines, new Caterpillar generators, a complete renewal of onboard systems, instrumentation and technical equipment, structural revisions and the careful enhancement of her classic interiors. Where possible, components were selected in line with the original Maker List, a deliberate decision to honour the authentic Perini Navi identity rather than simply modernise over it. The result is a yacht that feels entirely current without having forgotten what she is.
Central to the project was Lusben's keel pit, inaugurated at the Livorno yard in 2024 specifically to enable the complete refit of sailing yacht keels, and without which a rebuild of this ambition would not have been possible.
Ferdinando Pilli, General Manager of Lusben, reflected on what the project represented for his 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.'
Susanna Corsagni, Founder of Seamotion, added: '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.'
The timing of the launch carries its own significance. 2026 marks Lusben's 70th anniversary, and the return of BELLE BRISE to the sea after more than thirty years feels like an appropriate way to mark it. A shipyard that has built its reputation on the ability to tackle increasingly complex projects while remaining faithful to Italy's shipbuilding tradition, delivering a yacht whose own story mirrors that philosophy exactly.
BELLE BRISE is ready for charter. After decades sailing the islands and waters of the Aegean, she is poised to begin an entirely new chapter.
"Working on a sailing icon such as Belle Brise means taking on an important responsibility"
"Working on a sailing icon such as Belle Brise means taking on an important responsibility"
Ferdinando Pilli, General Manager, Lusben