Unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, the Riva Aquariva Special marks the rebirth of a legend that has defined timeless Italian elegance on water. Successor to the celebrated Aquarama, this new interpretation of Riva’s most enduring model celebrates over two decades of heritage with a refined contemporary soul, bridging the brand’s glorious past with its modern design philosophy. Retaining the perfect proportions that made the Aquariva a symbol of grace and balance, the Special edition measures 10.07 metres in length with a beam of 2.80 metres. Its silhouette, immediately recognisable yet subtly evolved, carries the signature of Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design. In collaboration with Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee, led by Piero Ferrari and the Engineering Division, the designers have reimagined the Aquariva’s essence through discreet yet meaningful touches.
Among the most notable refinements is a completely redesigned windshield, lending a sleeker and more aerodynamic profile. The extended aft platform now features a more ergonomic layout, ensuring easier access to the sea and greater comfort for guests. While the handrails and cleats nod to the Aquariva Super, the traditional mahogany side band has been replaced by fibreglass in the hull’s chosen colour, an elegant evolution that harmonises with the sun pad and air intake grilles. At the bow, the new navigation lights and light casing, shared with the limited-edition Riva Anniversario, convey a minimalist sophistication. The deck, now free of traditional skylights, embraces a purer and more contemporary aesthetic.
The cockpit resembles a refined salon on water, conceived for both relaxation and sociable moments. A U-shaped sofa upholstered in Sky fabric mirrors the hull colour, encircling a central table that can be lowered to convert the space into a generous sunbathing area. Overhead, an electro-hydraulic bimini canopy retracts seamlessly into the sofa’s backrest, providing effortless shade when desired. Forward, the helm station sits to port, opposite a service cabinet equipped with a sink, refrigerator, and countertop—perfect for preparing drinks or light refreshments. True to Riva’s heritage, the dashboard retains its analogue charm, though a digital configuration is also available, featuring up to two displays and an integrated navigation system. Owners may also opt for a joystick control for enhanced manoeuvrability.
In terms of innovation, the Aquariva Special can be equipped with the Seakeeper NG6 gyroscopic stabiliser—an impressive advancement for a craft of this size. This addition, made possible by switching from manual to vacuum-infused hull lamination, significantly reduces weight without compromising rigidity. The result is greater stability both underway and at anchor, further enhanced by Humphree interceptors replacing traditional flaps for improved trim control. Performance remains quintessentially Riva. Powered by twin YANMAR 8LV 370 hp engines with electronically managed two-speed gearboxes, the Aquariva Special reaches a top speed of 40.5 knots and cruises effortlessly at 36 knots, offering the unmistakable pleasure of Riva navigation—smooth, spirited, and unerringly poised.
Presented in a captivating Blu Petrolio livery, an emblematic hue adored by Riva owners, the Aquariva Special embodies continuity and reinvention in perfect equilibrium. It is a vessel not merely built for the sea, but for those who cherish craftsmanship, beauty, and the enduring romance of Italian design.
Article edited by Mark Webber
