Azimut-Benetti refit and repair arm, Lusben, has welcomed a new inspection pit for canting keel sailing yachts of up to 70 metres at its facility in Livorno, Italy.
Measuring 8.5 metres deep and 3.5 metres wide, the new workspace is the largest of its kind in the Mediterranean, requiring a total investment of €500,000.
The space allows for all forms of maintenance operations to be performed on sailing yachts, such as painting or keel work. Alternatively, two concrete slabs can be placed on top of the pit so the area can be used to perform work on motor yachts.
According to Lusben commercial director Gianni Paladino, the yard has already secured several maintenance bookings for the upcoming fall season.
"This major investment in the Livorno site, following others completed in recent years, confirms the Group’s intention to expand the Lusben division and, in the coming years, consolidate its position as a benchmark for refit work in the Mediterranean," said Paladino. "Now we have the space, the technology and the people to achieve this important objective."
Alessio Centelli, the Livorno site manager, added: "It’s a remarkable project that confirms [Lusben's] credentials as a centre specialising in the world of sailing yachts as well.”
The addition of the inspection pit comes as part of Lusben's three-year "refit area upgrade programme", announced in 2023.
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