In the serene twilight of Lake Iseo, elegance took centre stage as Riva hosted a Private World Première that will long echo through the annals of maritime prestige. Under a velvet sky and surrounded by the historic charm of the Sarnico shipyard, four remarkable vessels made their glittering debut, each one a testament to the enduring legacy and forward-thinking spirit of the Riva name. The evening began with the unveiling of the Iseo Super, a 27-foot runabout embodying the refined aesthetic and progressive soul of Riva’s design tradition. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed El Iseo, Riva’s first fully electric craft, introduced in 2024, the Iseo Super offered a modern reinterpretation of the timeless lake boat. With its sleek silhouette and cutting-edge features, it glided across the moonlit waters like a whisper from the future.
Close behind was the reborn Aquariva Special, the only vessel to be granted ‘Special’ status since the legendary Aquarama. After 24 years in production, this icon has been graced with a subtle restyling by Officina Italiana Design, the studio that has shaped Riva’s aesthetic language for over three decades. The result is a vessel that wears its heritage with pride, yet feels completely in step with the modern world, a balance few brands can achieve. The third debutant, the Riva Cento, was presented as a tribute to the 100th hull of the celebrated Rivamare 38’. Conceived in limited edition, the Cento reimagines its lineage with exquisite leather-coloured upholstery, a chaise longue-draped beach area, and a cleverly integrated retractable gangway. It is both a celebration of a milestone and a carefully honed piece of functional beauty.
Rounding out this quartet of excellence was the Riva 58’ Capri, heralding a new generation of sport open yachts. Sculpted and assertive in form, yet elegantly proportioned, this model merges high performance with supreme comfort. Its flowing lines and contemporary profile reaffirm Riva’s mastery in crafting vessels that defy time and trend. Yet this night was not confined to water alone. In a dramatic fusion of air and sea, the evening also celebrated Riva’s partnership with Flexjet. The audience was treated to the soaring presence of a Gulfstream G650 jet and a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, both bearing interiors styled by Riva. These bespoke creations, revealed days earlier at Milano Prime Linate Airport, reflect the harmony of design language between aviation and yachting, a shared pursuit of excellence, performance and style without compromise.
Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, captured the spirit of the occasion with heartfelt precision: “Four Riva in one night are an absolute delight… I can’t wait for these yachts to spark the same excitement in enthusiasts as I felt tonight.” His words resonated through a night that was less a product launch than a carefully composed symphony of Italian design and ambition. Adding to the enchantment was a live performance orchestrated by Paris-based Inspiration Music & Arts under the artistic direction of Jimmy Bitton. With the Riva shipyard transformed into an open-air theatre, and a culinary journey curated by the acclaimed Alajmo brothers, guests were invited into a world where every detail was considered, every sensation heightened. Complementing the celebration was Range Rover, the evening’s automotive partner, whose presence underscored the alignment between two icons of understated luxury and technical sophistication. The Sarnico soirée was more than a display of nautical prowess. It was a moment of affirmation, for Riva, for Italian design, and for a global audience that continues to seek refinement in every form.
Four boats, one sky, and a lake shimmering with possibility: it was a night that confirmed Riva’s position not merely as a builder of boats, but as the architect of dreams on water.
Article edited by Stefania Abbruzzo
