Builder Riva Yachts

Italy

Via Predore, 30, 24067

The brand Riva Yachts produces minimalist yachts, open yachts and is also active in the superyacht market. There are 19 models currently in production ranging from 8 to 54 meters. The current model range includes 4 lines: Flybridge, Open, Sportfly and Superyachts. We invite you to explore all current and older models from Riva Yachts and contact us for sales and pricing information.

Riva Yachts Model Range

Superyachts

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About

The Riva History

The illustrious Riva story began in 1842, when a young shipwright, Pietro Riva, reconstructed a fishing fleet ravaged by a storm on Lake Iseo. This marked the inception of the Riva legend and the birth of its unique savoir-faire. Pietro established a shipyard in Sarnico, where he launched Riva's first creations, which were already characterized by a unique class and personality. The company's reputation grew quickly, and under the leadership of Pietro's son Ernesto, the focus shifted to boats powered by internal combustion engines, catering to both passengers and cargo.

Following World War I, Serafino Riva transformed the company, turning it into a renowned brand that would define yachting history. The production evolved from transport vessels to motorboats, a nascent market at the time. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Riva's racing yachts dominated national and international competitions, breaking many records and earning victories. The 1950s witnessed Carlo Riva's rise to prominence, as his passion and talent turned the brand into an icon of design and lifestyle. In the midst of the Italian industrial revolution, Carlo, known as "L'Ingegnere," leveraged the prevailing emphasis on speed to create dynamic wooden designs. His collaboration with designer and architect Giorgio Barilani began in 1956, culminating in the launch of the legendary Aquarama in November 1962. This iconic vessel, equipped with two Chris-Craft 185 hp engines giving speeds up to 40 knots became an instant classic and symbolized the essence of Riva.

In 1969, the company started producing fiberglass vessels, with the first two models being the Bahia Mar 20' day cruiser and the Sport Fisherman 25' cabin cruiser. Throughout the next three decades, additional models emerged, including the St. Tropez and the Superamerica. Although fiberglass boats gained popularity, Riva continued manufacturing wooden runabouts until 1996, when the last Aquarama Special, no. 784, was built. Disappointed with industrial unrest, Carlo Riva sold the company to the US-based Whittaker in September 1969. He remained as Chairman and General Manager until July 1971, when he handed over the leadership to his brother-in-law Gino Gervasoni, who had been his partner since 1950. The Riva family era came to an end in 1989, when the British group Vickers acquired the company. In 1991, the Riva brand unveiled the 58' Bahamas, the first yacht designed by Mauro Micheli.

Riva joined the Ferretti Group in May 2000, which revitalized the brand as a symbol of exquisite Italian yachting craftsmanship. The group's Engineering department and designer Mauro Micheli, co-founder of Officina Italiana Design with Sergio Beretta, were instrumental in this resurgence. The same year, Riva launched Aquariva, a 33-foot vessel that encapsulated the brand's DNA and set the stage for future innovations.

In 2012, the Ferretti Group announced Shandong Heavy Industry Group (Weichai Group) of China as its new majority shareholder. Weichai's strategic vision and financial strength allowed Riva to continue flourishing, with resources and projects secured for the long term. In 2014, the Riva Superyachts division was established, signifying the brand's return to the megayacht sector. This dream of creating Riva steel and aluminum displacement superyachts was heavily influenced by Carlo Riva's ambition and innovative spirit, which drove him to explore new horizons with the famed Caravelle and Atlantic series megayachts in the 1960s and 1970s.

Riva is a true boating legend and a synonym for style in yachting and is on such a level that even the hard core sailing public, who disdain motor yachts of any kind, can appreciate the lines of Riva's classic boats. This is now mainly true of the traditional «old Riva» mahogany runabouts, the rarest of which have become auction jewels. Although tradition and heritage are treated with great care at Riva,  there is still a clear distinction between the boats produced by the original Riva and the modern models produced by Ferretti Riva.

Production Facilities

The historical Riva production yard, situated in Sarnico near Bergamo, was established in 1842 on Lake Iseo and remains the epicenter of the brand's story. This site has been the birthplace of Riva's legendary wooden hulls and modern 27- to 66-foot yachts. The facility, known as La Plancia, was personally designed by Carlo Riva, Visible even from the opposite side of the lake, this architectural marvel is a listed building and protected as an environmental heritage treasure. The 36,000 sqm shipyard, including 17,000 sqm of indoor space, is equipped with 10 moorings, 2 jib cranes, 4 painting cabins, and a 50-ton trolley for transporting completed yachts to the jetty and handling large items.

The La Spezia production facility, established in 2004, serves as a critical strategic and industrial hub for Riva, expanding the brand's range and production capacity. Now the group's center of excellence for technical, logistical, and commercial operations in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas, it boasts 13,000 sqm of indoor facilities. Designed to implement cutting-edge production techniques and construct the largest models from 76 to 110 feet, it is the Ferretti Group's premier center for yacht testing, launching, and delivery.

The Ancona yard, encompassing nearly 80,000 sqm, ranks among Europe's largest shipbuilding facilities. It houses the Riva Superyachts division's engineering and design team, who collaborate closely with designer Mauro Micheli and Officina Italiana Design. The yard is responsible for constructing the steel and aluminum Riva 50m which is the recipient of many accolades including for "Outstanding Exterior Motor Yacht" at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2020.

Riva Yacht Sales

A motor yacht is a significant investment and finding the right partner when looking to buy is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. The itBoat team of yacht experts has years of experience in the yachting industry and can help you find the perfect motor yacht that fits your needs and budget. We can provide you with professional advice, guidance and support from an initial consultation through to the final delivery of your dream yacht. We invite you to contact us today for a no obligation chat to learn more.

Discontinued Models

Videos

Browse video tours of the shipbuilding area and facilities at the Riva Yachts shipyard including open house day reports, dealer meeting reviews and behind the scene highlights of what makes Riva Yachts unique.

Riva Yacht 06.09.2016
Riva Yacht 18.05.2015
Riva Yacht 18.01.2013
Riva Yacht 17.01.2013
Riva Yacht 17.01.2013
Riva Yacht 17.01.2013
Riva boats for sale
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