Riva: A Legacy of Excellence

A Legacy of Excellence

The story of Riva is one of enduring elegance and innovation, dating back to 1842. The shipyard gained international fame under Carlo Riva, transforming it into a beacon of la dolce vita with its iconic wooden runabouts. Acquired by the Ferretti Group in 2000, Riva has continued to evolve, and its modern facility in La Spezia is a testament to this progress. The state-of-the-art shipyard, which was completely refurbished and relaunched in May 2024, is where Riva's larger yachts, larger composite ranging from 76 to 130 feet, are brought to life.

The La Spezia shipyard is a technological and artistic marvel, equipped with modern production sheds, advanced painting systems, and lounges designed for the comfort of owners, captains, and crew. It is the birthplace of spectacular vessels such as the 76' Perseo Super, the 90' Argo, 112 Dolcevita Super and the flagship 130' Bellissima.

It was one of the team members Benjamin Croucher who works closely with Archie Cooke, from the U.S. office, a veteran of the industry with deep ties to the Riva brand. For six years, Croucher ran Riva's Americas operations, a period defined by record-breaking sales and market growth which was due to him working closely with the Riva team to design vessels for more demanding market, who would only expect the very best. His success was largely attributed to him genuinely caring about customers and a sincere commitment to clients ultimate satisfaction.

With the larger Riva models such as the Riva 54 Metri and the New 70 Metri are brought to life in Ancona on the Southeast side of Italy

A rich history of elegance and innovation

The legacy of Riva stretches back to 1842 when Pietro Riva began building and repairing boats in Sarnico on Italy's Lake Iseo. In the post-war era, his great-grandson Carlo Riva propelled the brand to global fame by focusing on luxury wooden "gentlemen's boats" that became symbols of la dolce vita, favored by aristocrats and film stars. While the company later transitioned to fiberglass hulls, its signature elegance and cutting-edge design have remained at the core of its identity.

In 2000, the Ferretti Group acquired Riva, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation. Today, Riva operates from multiple locations, including its original Sarnico site and the modern La Spezia facility. The shipyard in La Spezia, which was officially relaunched in May 2024 after a complete refurbishment, is dedicated to the production of Riva's larger yachts, ranging from 76 to 130 feet.

A close look at La Spezia's state-of-the-art facility

The tour provided the Ahoy Club team with a detailed look at the new La Spezia shipyard, highlighting its blend of high-tech production and traditional artistry. Key features of the 64,000-square-meter site, as reported during its grand opening, include:

• Modern production sheds: Four industrial sheds with 21 production stations.

• Advanced painting systems: Two of Europe's largest, most advanced painting systems.

• Owner-focused hospitality: Refurbished lounge areas for owners, captains, and crew.

This facility is where the magic happens for some of Riva's most spectacular models. The La Spezia shipyard is responsible for building yachts in the 76 foot- to 130-foot range, including:

The visit allowed the Ahoy Club team to appreciate the painstaking process and meticulous attention to detail required for each yacht, from the laying of the hull to the final finish.

With the larger Riva models such as the Riva 54 Metri and the New 70 Metri are brought to life in Ancona on the Southeast side of Italy

Riva 54 Metri

Launched in 2025, the Riva 54 Metri (177 feet) was, for a time, the largest Riva ever built. The all-aluminum, four-deck superyacht combines the classic Riva aesthetic with modern amenities and cutting-edge technology. 

Key features include:

• Accommodations: Five cabins can host up to 10 guests, with additional crew quarters for 11.

• Innovative design: Its sleek, sporty exterior is painted in a sophisticated combination of Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black.

• Luxurious amenities: The yacht boasts a large beach club with a 16-foot swimming pool and fold-down terraces at the stern.

• Superior comfort: Acoustic insulation and stabilizers were prioritized to ensure a quiet and comfortable experience. 

Riva 70 Metri

Announced in 2024, the Riva 70 Metri (230 feet) is poised to become Riva's new flagship, surpassing the 54 Metri as the largest vessel in the brand's history. This project signals Riva's commitment to pushing the boundaries of size, luxury, and technology. 

Highlights of this new model include:

• Hybrid propulsion: This vessel will incorporate a hybrid propulsion system, showcasing Riva's focus on environmental sustainability.

• Construction: It features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, a departure from the smaller fiberglass models.

• Customization: The design, a collaboration between Officina Italiana Design and the Ferretti Group's engineering team, was influenced by its owner, a loyal Riva enthusiast. 

The enduring legacy of the Riva brand, established over 180 years ago, is a testament to generations of dedicated craftsmen and their unwavering pride. This continuous growth beautifully reflects the essence of Italian culture, where unparalleled handcrafted products truly embody exquisite artistry and timeless elegance.