RIVA BOATS
UNIQUE & INIMITABLE, SINCE 1842
Riva journey start in 1842 when a young shipbuilder was restoring and repairing boats after a sudden storm had devastated most of the fishing fleet on Lake Iseo. Pietro Riva earned the respect and admiration of the local people and through his dedication to boat building the Riva shipyard was born in the small town of Sarnico.
The yard was later passed on to Pietro’s son Ernesto Riva who introduced boats powered by internal combustion engine. The yard continued to expand and gained an excellent reputation with locals and soon international.
Riva Shipyard first productions were large boats for transporting passengers and goods on the lake.
After the First World War, Serafino Riva took the reigns and transformed the yard by shifted from transport vessels to motorboats. Riva’s racing yachts were extremely popular during the late 20s and early 30s and won multiple competitions at national and international level.
In 1962, the famous boat “Aquarama” was developed and is a classic icon of the Riva brand. The boast is recognised for her magical lines and classic allure. The Aquarama has also been featured in many iconic films such as Goldeneye, cementing its status as a cultural and cinematic legend.
In 2000, Riva became part of the Ferretti Group and restored the brand to its humble beginnings.
The Riva yard in Ancona the home of the new Riva Superyachts division
The Ancona yard is one of the largest shipbuilding facilities anywhere in Europe, spanning almost 80,000 sqm. This is the hub of the engineers and designers of the Riva superyachts division. Today, steel and aluminium yachts that span over 50 meters are built.
Riva Classiche
Since we are speaking of classic boats, we would also like to point out the activity of Riva Classiche, the Ferretti Group company dedicated to restoring and maintaining vintage Riva powerboats. Alongside repairs, the company offers storage, mooring, evaluations, surveys, and brokerage services. Riva Classiche is also the only operator authorized to certify a Riva boat’s authenticity, thanks to exclusive access to the historical archives. These certificates ensure the boats maintain their original construction and style standards, preserving their value and heritage.
Riva Yachts Racers from 1920s and 1930s
In the 1920s the Riva Boatyard stopped producing large vessels and focused exclusively on racing boats. Serafino quickly became the benchmark for all the top powerboat racers of the period, building customised boats for them with extraordinary commitment and attention to detail. It wasn’t long before he began working with Ole Evinrude, the creator of small, light, low-cost outboard engines, to build his first racing boat, which he himself drove to victory in numerous races.
Riva Aquarama - a view from the sky
The Riva Aquarama is a legendary runabout, celebrated as one of the most iconic boats in the world. Introduced in 1962, it became a symbol of luxury and elegance, renowned for its stunning mahogany construction, impeccable craftsmanship, and powerful performance. With production ceasing in 1996, these boats are rare treasures, highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts for their timeless design and historical significance.
Riva Rivarama
The Riva Rivarama, launched in the 2000s, is a modern masterpiece of luxury and performance. Often referred to as the “Rolls Royce of the sea,” it combines the brand’s timeless aesthetic with cutting-edge technology and opulent features. Its sleek design, advanced navigation systems, and lavish amenities make it a favorite among discerning yacht enthusiasts. Well-maintained pre-owned models remain highly sought after, underscoring its enduring appeal.
Riva Ariston
The Riva Ariston, produced from the early 1950s to 1974, is one of Carlo Riva’s most beloved creations. Known for its sleek, classic lines and flawless build quality, the Ariston epitomizes mid-20th-century luxury boating. Its long production run is a testament to its popularity, and it remains a prized possession for collectors seeking an enduring piece of nautical history.
Special thanks to Ferretti Group & Noesis Group for their assitance and collaborations.
To learn more about Riva: A new Journey with my Riva – Riva Yacht
To learn more about Ferretti Group: Luxury Yachts by Ferretti Group: Leading Luxury Yachting Worldwide
Riva Classiche: Riva Classiche – The division dedicated to Riva’s iconic boats
Photographs on this article are from: © Riva and Ferretti Group (Do not use without their permissions).