Riva's Legacy on the Shores of Lake Iseo

Ahoy Club's US Team Connects with Riva's Legacy on the Shores of Lake Iseo

SARNICO, ITALY

– In a move that deepens the connection between modern luxury yachting and time-honored heritage, a delegation from the US-based Ahoy Club recently concluded an exclusive visit to the historic Riva shipyard on Lake Iseo. The trip offered the team an immersive education into the brand's legendary craftsmanship, from the meticulously handcrafted build process to the delicate art of restoring wooden classics at the renowned RAM workshop.

Ahoy Club's the visit was more than a factory tour; it was a pilgrimage into the heart of Italian maritime excellence. "Riva's heritage and commitment to excellence resonate deeply with our brand's ethos. "Seeing firsthand how every detail is crafted with passion and precision gives our US team an unparalleled understanding of the legacy behind every Riva we manage and charter."

A Legacy Forged on Lake Iseo

The experience began at the historic Sarnico shipyard, established by Pietro Riva in 1842. The Ahoy Club team was guided through the facilities where the magic of Riva is brought to life. In stark contrast to automated mass production, the tour highlighted the dedication of master craftspeople who carry forward generations of boatbuilding knowledge. They witnessed the assembly process of a modern composite hull, observing the meticulous attention to detail at every stage, from the initial lay-up to the final finishing.

The team was particularly impressed by the varnishing process—a signature of classic Riva boats that is still painstakingly followed today for wooden elements. The original method, pioneered by Carlo Riva, involves applying up to 24 coats of varnish by hand to achieve the iconic, mirror-like finish that protects the wood and adds depth to its grain. "You can feel the history in the air here," commented one team member. "It's not just a product; it's a piece of art."

The Soul of Riva: The RAM Workshop

The journey continued with a visit to the adjacent RAM (Revisione Assistenza Motoscafi) facility, the restoration workshop founded by Carlo Riva in 1957 to preserve

the brand's vintage wooden jewels. Here, the team witnessed the painstaking, forensic process of restoring wooden Rivas to their former glory.

Artisans demonstrated how they carefully analyze a boat's structure, engines, and finishes before beginning work. The Ahoy Club team watched as damaged mahogany hulls were repaired with incredible precision, and original electrical systems were painstakingly brought back to life. This deep dive into the restoration process provided a powerful understanding of why vintage Rivas maintain such extraordinary value and allure.

A Bridge Between Past and Future

For Ahoy Club, a company known for its modern, approach to superyacht charters, the visit served as a reminder that the soul of yachting lies in its craftsmanship and heritage. The experience underscores the company's commitment to respecting and promoting the legacy brands it represents, ensuring that clients receive not just a vessel, but a piece of history.

"We came to learn about the boats, but we left with a profound appreciation for the passion and tradition that define the Riva name," said Benjamin Croucher. "This knowledge will be invaluable for our team as we share the unique story of Riva with our clients in the Americas."

The trip reinforced that while the materials may evolve, the spirit of Italian luxury and craftsmanship remains timeless. By connecting with this rich heritage, Ahoy Club is better equipped to guide its clients into the world of yachting, offering an experience that is both modern and deeply rooted in a glorious past.

Following their pilgrimage to the historic Riva factory on Lake Iseo, the American delegation from Ahoy Club continued their journey of Italian discovery with a visit to the captivating shores of Lake Como. The drive from the industrial heartland to the Alpine-fed waters of Como offered a dramatic shift in perspective, and provided the team with a profound appreciation for the nation's rich and beautiful yachting culture. Something that we encourage all our dear clients to experience.