Riva Yachts are a symbol of status, prestige and a rich lifestyle. The world-famous yacht company has celebrity customers from around the globe and each vessel represents affluence, fame, and luxury. A yacht is just a boat unless it is a Riva Yacht.
The company’s vessels are more than just a vehicle for cutting through ocean waves. Riva’s customers include kings, sultans, actors, and entrepreneurs, and each has enjoyed the exclusivity of being a Riva Yacht owner.
Classic Riva Yacht
Riva Yachts History
Today, Riva represents opulence, but the company had a very humble beginning. Pietro Riva founded the yacht company in 1842. Riva began repairing local fishing boats in Sarnico, a commune in the province of Bergamo. The boats were damaged by a fierce sudden storm over Lake Iseo. Riva undertook the job of fixing the vessels.
Riva was a hardworking shipwright. He quickly got the damaged fishing boats back to full health and out on the water, enabling the local fishermen to return to work. Riva’s craftmanship didn’t go unnoticed. The local population took note of the young shipwright’s skills, earning him respect. The Riva Yacht story unfolded from there. The entrepreneur turned an opportunity to work and rebuild damaged fishing boats into a worldwide phenomenon, producing highly sought-after yachts.
It wasn’t until the 1920s and 1930s that Riva focused on racing boats. Until that time, the company’s attention was on cargo vessels. Pietro’s grandson, Serafino took charge of the company during these years and even raced the boats that were built. Serafino’s son, Pietro’s great-grandson, Carlo Riva, saw a new path for the company. In the 1950s, he shifted the Riva brand to luxury leisure vessels. It was Carlo’s passion and vision that transformed Riva into the brand it is today. Carlo Riva’s 1962 design, the Aquarama is the quintessential yacht. It is the design many people conjure in their minds when they think of the word ‘yacht’. Since then, more designs have hit the market.
Riva Yachts became leisure icons for celebrities from the 1960s onward. Following the Aquarama’s release, major celebrities had to have the latest Riva yacht to spend their time sunning in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. The sexy, seductive nature of the yachts have the ability to turn anyone into James Bond or the latest secretive sex symbol.
The Riva family sold the business in 1988. Today, it is owned by the Ferretti Group, who remain true to the Riva family’s legacy while developing cutting-edge yachts.
Why are Riva Yachts sought after by the rich and famous?
Riva Yachts aren’t just cool to look at. There is much more to the vessels produced by the legendary company than mere looks. Owners can depend on the yachts. The engines in each vessel are top-of-the-line, making it dependable on the open water.
Riva Superyacht
Boaters can enjoy cruising on the waters at various speeds. The exclusive style of each yacht is just as important. Owners can purchase a Riva Yacht knowing only a limited number of designs will reach the market.
Unlike other boat builders, Riva Yachts focuses on using fine wood in its designs. Since the company’s formation, it has been dedicated to using sleek, elegant wood for its diverse range of vessels. Owners will find elegant streaks of mahogany throughout the yachts. The panelling inside each vessel reinforces that Riva’s yachts are more than just boats. They are five-star accommodations on the water.
Riva Yachts models
Riva keeps its product line short and simple. There is an emphasis on not overreaching when producing yachts. This emphasis has led the company to design just three models: The Flybridge, Sportfly, and Open.
- Flybridge: The Flybridge model has three versions, the 90’Argo, 100′ Corsaro, and 110’Dolce Vita. The line is noted for its sporty design. Attention was paid to the interior and exterior of each yacht, delivering a classic stunning look. People wanting to cruise the open waters and party will find the Flybridge line ideal.
- Sportfly: The Sportfly line consists of the 66′ Ribelle and 76′ Perseo. Owners will find an extensive range of features on board. Sailors seeking to explore the open waters will love the Sportfly.
- Open: The Open comes packed with cutting-edge technology on board. The vessels are sleek and full of style. The elegant woodwork is eye-catching, making the Open as beautiful as it is strong in the water.
In addition to the three lines produced by Riva, there is also a Super Yachts Division. These are floating palaces perfect for the super-rich. The 130’ Bellissima is the first vessel in the Super Yachts Division.
Where are Riva Yachts manufactured?
Riva has three shipyards for the manufacturing of its yachts. Each shipyard focuses on building different elements of the business. Sarnico is still home to the Riva brand. Many of the company’s top sellers are still produced in the shipyard.
As the traditional home of Riva Yachts, potential buyers can visit the factory to explore the company’s range of vessels. Milan-Bergamo Airport is the closest major airport to Sarnico. Potential buyers can take a private jet charter to the airport before making a short drive to Sarnico to explore the yachts.
Riva’s La Spezia shipyard was built in 2004. It is found on the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas, providing technical, logistical, and commercial elements to the company. Ancona is the home of the Super Yachts Division. Its size makes it one of Europe’s largest shipyards.
Buying a Riva Yacht
There are a few things a person will need to consider before buying a Riva. The process of purchasing a vessel is easy, however. The most difficult aspect may be flying on a private jet charter to the location of the yacht to inspect it. Some buyers may be willing to purchase their Riva sight unseen.
Find a broker
Using the assistance of a broker may be the easiest way to purchase a Riva. A broker will help their client find the right options. They will have insider knowledge of the yachts and can find the vessel that suits the client’s needs. A broker is ideal for anyone seeking a yacht that is hard to find or extremely expensive. In addition, a broker could help a client find a older Riva that is exclusive or is owned by a specific person.
Old or New
Regardless of how much money an individual possesses, they may want to buy an old Riva Yacht. An older Riva Yacht can be an investment. The exclusive, luxurious vessels increase in value over time, much like fine wine. Some people will use the Riva as an investment they can enjoy but will sell off someday. Older versions can be cheaper than more modern Rivas. The newer Riva releases will come with more modern-day technology. Although the tech can increase the sales price, it can be a turn-off for some sailors.
Pick a Riva Yacht
Once a broker is secured and the decision to buy old or new is settled, a potential buyer can focus on which Riva Yacht they want to purchase. The brand has three lines, and each has multiple options. Buyers need to consider the reasons they want to own a Riva before making the purchase. A broker can help potential buyers decide which vessel fits their lifestyle.
Riva Yachts are exclusive floating palaces. Since 1842, Riva has been synonymous with craftsmanship. The company remains on the cutting edge of yacht building thanks to its incredible products. A range of wealthy individuals, including kings, actors, entrepreneurs, and influencers have all owned Riva Yachts. It is the ideal addition to a portfolio of luxury.
