Every month, superyacht owners share where they are and where they’re heading. After years sitting unused, the 26-metre B.LEX has been brought back to life in an extensive eight-month refit. Owner Benedetta Iovane explains how she transformed the 1987 steel yacht, from overhauling her machinery and adding acoustic insulation to redesigning the stern for life at anchor...
Benedetta Iovane
Yacht: B.LEX
Length: 26m
Year: 1987
Location: Cala Galera, Argentario, Italy
What led you to buy B.LEX?
We have a soft spot for classic steel boats with Navetta-style lines that can carry tenders and toys for the whole family. We also tow a larger fast RIB; we spend a great deal of time at anchor, so that matters to us.
How did the refit go?
It was a major job on a 1987 boat that had sat unused for years. It was done at Cantiere Azzurra, over about eight months. We overhauled much of the original engines and the two generators and added a third, replaced all the batteries and chargers and fitted two powerful inverters.
We added acoustic insulation to the engine room and latest-generation blowers – she’s now extremely quiet. We also redesigned the stern. I told Tommaso Spadolini I wanted to open it and have a sunpad aft, as on our previous boat, and from there came his idea of lowering the bulwarks aft, giving an even better sea view and a more elegant line.
Did the SEA Index help you improve the environmental impact?
I value this initiative greatly; it’s a transparent, impartial tool that expresses impact in grams of CO2 per gross tonne per hour, using IMO-derived methodology. During the refit, I found it a useful benchmark to steer choices towards greater efficiency. B.LEX achieved an outstanding five stars, helped by very efficient propulsion, with two engines of just under 200 horsepower each.
Have you had a chance to enjoy her yet?
She was only recently re-launched; so far I’ve enjoyed her over a few weekends around the Argentario. This summer, as always, we’ll head to Sardinia, cruising mainly between Tavolara and southern Corsica via the Costa Smeralda.
How does your work overlap with being an owner?
I hold a degree in civil engineering with a maritime specialisation, and after a period at RINA, I moved into the yachting sector, which I fell in love with. I have over 10 years of experience in yacht management and recruitment, so I know the issues involved in running a yacht very well.
The sea has always been part of me: I grew up sailing and raced extensively – today on a Farr 30, which I race under Offshore Racing Congress. During Covid-19 I created my own personal brand, The Luxury Yacht Lady. In addition to consulting for charter organisations and advising owners, over the last five years I have specialised in helping shipyards develop new products. My latest project is TYKUN, a chase-boat brand that embodies my ideal superyacht tender.
First published in the September 2026 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.