Lusben launches Olympia, ex State of Grace, after refit

Lusben launched Olympia at its Viareggio yard on 5 October 2026. The 40-metre sailing yacht was built by Perini Navi in 2013 and previously sailed as State of Grace. The launch completes a refit covering the whole yacht, including a rebuild of the engine room, work on propulsion and onboard systems, sails and deck equipment, a full repaint and the renewal of the comfort systems.

Lusben, the refit division of the Azimut|Benetti Group, has facilities in Viareggio, Livorno and Varazze. The yard carried out most of the work directly and coordinated the specialist suppliers, working closely with Susanna Corsagni, founder of Seamotion, who acted as owner's representative.

The main Caterpillar engine was removed from the yacht and fully overhauled, with the engine block replaced. New generators were installed, the Selmar system was changed and the exhaust system was redesigned. The main engine room components were dismantled and then overhauled or replaced.

The movable keel system was also fully overhauled; on the centreboard, the piston was serviced and the rod replaced. The programme took in the sails, deck equipment and sail handling systems, new navigation electronics and a new external helm console. The repaint covered the hull, superstructure and underwater hull, as well as the mast and boom.

"The refit of Olympia was a complex project, in which the team was able to bring different skills together and adapt the programme to the needs that came up along the way," said Paolo Simoncini, Site Director of Lusben Viareggio.

According to Lusben, its project managers Nicola Romani and Carlo Cinquini played a decisive role. Both spent many years at Perini Navi, and the yard says their knowledge of the original construction solutions made it possible to plan targeted work, including on the additional jobs that emerged during the refit and were added as it progressed, in coordination with Seamotion and the suppliers.

"Working so extensively on a Perini Navi sailing yacht requires specific skills and an overall vision, able to combine technical renewal with respect for the yacht's identity," said Ferdinando Pilli, General Manager of Lusben.

With Olympia back in the water, the next steps are re-stepping the carbon mast and the final phases of fine-tuning and testing.

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