riva yachts careers

• ASIA PACIFIC

Working at Ferretti Group

• Open position

LEAVE YOUR MARK ON YACHTING HISTORY.

Working at Ferretti Group means more than just making boats: we create masterpieces of innovation that have propelled our shipyards to the top of the global yachting industry.

At Ferretti Group, achieving excellence is about drawing on and adding to our heritage, an enormous wealth of experience and know-how. Day after day, our experts add new pages to the history of luxury yachting, bringing supreme Italian style and flair to a discerning world.

THE EXCITEMENT OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

We believe in talent, merit and experience, and we are looking for people who will make a difference.

In return, we offer an environment that values and rewards commitment in every member of the team, inspired by a vision of the yachting world of tomorrow that we are working to build. Sharing and teamwork are essential ingredients in our success and an investment in the future.

PASSIONATE ABOUT EXCELLENCE.

Passion and talent are the keys to your success.

Which is why we want people who are passionate about yachting, who want to pit their wits against the challenges on offer at a forward-thinking, market-leading industrial group.

LEARNING A TRADE WITH FERRETTI GROUP

A professional training course for young people looking at a career in boatbuilding.

DISCOVER MORE

COME ABOARD!

We are looking for people who will dazzle and impress us with their creativity and drive to innovate, who are ready to come on board and join our international team.

We want to share our values with you, values that have made us a beacon of excellence for luxury yachting and fine Italian design and engineering around the world.

EXPLORE OUR VANCANCIES, FIND THE ONE FOR YOU!

• Whistleblowing Reports
• Dealer's area
• Pre-owned yachts
• Media center
• ©2024 Ferretti S.P.A
• Vat number 04485970968
• Legal notice
• Accessibility

Select your region

Select your language

Ferretti S.p.A.

Tax code and VAT no. 04485970968 Registered Office Via Irma Bandiera, 62 – 47841 Cattolica (RN) Italy REA no. RN 296608 - Companies Register no. 04485970968 Share capital € 338.482.654,00 fully paid-up PEC: [email protected]

Cookies on our site

For more information

Cookie Center

This website uses technical cookies, which are necessary for you to browse it and which help us to provide the service. With your consent, we use profiling cookies to offer you an increasingly agreeable browsing experience, to facilitate interaction with our social-media features, and to enable you to receive marketing messages tailored to your browsing habits and interests. To accept all profiling cookies, click ACCEPT ; to decline, click REFUSE . For more information about the cookies we use, please see our Cookie Policy.

always active

Join the Herd

All belong here..

At RIVA, we don’t just accept our differences, we celebrate them and recognize the value our diverse background brings to our customers and employees.

We are a fast growing community across North America, with 400+ employees, in over 30 states. We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where our employees feel welcomed, heard, and valued.

View All Jobs

Work from Anywhere

There are no “return to work” calls here. RIVAFlex empowers employees to work from the environment best suited for them – remote, hybrid, or onsite. If your contract supports remote work, the choice is yours.

Embrace Work from Anywhere and follow along with #AlpacTravels as RIVA employees explore the globe.

How We Support Our RIVA Employees

Benefits and perks influenced by employee feedback to meet the needs of you and your loved ones.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Company sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance
• Company-sponsored Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid time off
• Year-end performance bonuses
• Spot bonuses throughout the year
• Employee referral and other recognition and bonus programs
• Tuition reimbursement, paid training and certifications

Family and Support

RIVA is a family-friendly workplace where leaders encourage employees to make their families a part of their workday.

Time Off and Company Holidays

In addition to competitive PTO, all Riva employees enjoy 11 paid federal holidays.

Growth and Development

RIVA Academy  provides continuous learning opportunities and access to paid certification programs, advanced training and tuition reimbursement.

RIVA Career Paths  puts you on the road to success with clearly defined career milestones and promotion criteria for every level employee.

Employee Events

We host frequent employee engagement events ranging from happy hours to team bonding outings, holiday parties, and more!

Community Focus

There is something for everyone at RIVA. As a dispersed workforce, we embrace the power of micro-communities and encourage every employee to find their fit. Join many professional development and just for fun groups as a part of the larger RIVA Community:

• Centers of Excellence where practitioners learn, share, and grow their technical abilities.
• RIVANext a professional development cohort for rising RIVA leaders of tomorrow.
• Alpaca Ambassadors invaluable liaisons between project teams and RIVA HQ who embody RIVA values.
• RIVACreatives a vibrant group of creative minded individuals.
• Women in Leadership (WiL) a community of women for women.
• Mentorship Program junior and senior staff pair together for cross departmental collaboration.

Community service and innovation are the foundations of our company culture. Learn more about our CSR Program, RIVAKarma and Innovation Solutions Center (ISC) .

Recognition & Awards

We are honored our employees and industry partners recognize RIVA as a great place to work and trusted partner to the public sector. Recognition is a result of our dedication to our people who live and breathe the missions we serve.

Recognition & Awards Image Carousel

Modal title

The Riva Group websites use analytical and technical cookies to ensure the correct functioning of the procedures and to improve the user experience of the online applications. Cookies are short text fragments that allow the web server to store information on the user's device to be reused during the same visit to the site (session cookies) or later, even after a few days (persistent cookies). This information is processed so that the Riva Group operators can have an idea of the use of their websites and improve them according to the users' needs.  View the full text of the cookie policy by clicking on the following link

Customise authorisations

These cookies are indispensable for the correct functioning of the Riva Group websites and are used to manage login and access to the site's reserved functions. The duration of the cookies is strictly limited to the work session (when the browser is closed they are deleted).

These are cookies used to collect and analyse traffic and usage of the site in an anonymous way. Although these cookies do not identify the user, they allow us, for example, to detect whether the same user returns to the site at different times. They also allow us to monitor the system and improve its performance and usability. These cookies can be deactivated without any loss of functionality.

You're not registered yet? Search open positions

Recover password

Application

Thank you for applying for

Search open positions

You can apply for one or more open positions, search the highlighted positions or use the search function. If you can't find one that suits you, you can send an unsolicited application.

Open positions in

Latest professional opportunities published, search outcome.

All Published Offers

At Riva, we get it: smart, capable, engaged people have incredibly bright career prospects. That’s why we’re grateful for the people who’ve chosen to build their careers at Riva. Thanks to them, we offer a work culture that’s diverse, supportive, and a whole lot of fun. The kind of place that gets you out of bed in the morning. Where curiosity is rewarded. And where every day offers the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the efforts of people you like, respect, and value.

Work with us.

Grow with us., achieve with us., enjoy the perks.

Competitive Pay

Company Matched Retirement Savings

Workplace Flexibility

A Team That Feels Like Family

A Commitment to Inclusion

A 1% Pledge

Dedication to Employee Well Being

Exceptional Growth and Learning Opportunities

An Award-Winning Workplace

Current Open Positions

Riva Yachts: how one Italian family created a nautical legend

By paula reynolds | May 2, 2021

Sophia Loren had one. So did Anita Eckberg and Sean Connery…as did violet-eyed Liz. Brigitte  Bardot’s had zebra print seats, and even George Bush was often spotted in his, breaking waves in the Hamptons. They’ve always been the nautical epitome of cool — and we’re not talking about the owners, but of the craft… the 100% Italian built Riva yacht .

Sleek, sexy, oh-so Italian…these streamlined vessels are known throughout the nautical world for their extraordinary quality, unforgettable design, and well…for having a suave factor that would be off the charts if suave charts existed. Even if you’re not familiar with the name, Riva yachts might hold a spot in your subconscious. Just for a second, visualize a bevy of the rich and famous motor-boating across an Italian lake, Prosecco in hand, or maybe a pulse pounding James Bond clip, our hero soaring over breaking waves as he escapes the ire of his latest nemesis. Odds are your imagination included a Riva built boat.

The Riva name is synonymous with luxury and glamour in the boat world, a brand that defies being classified as “just” a watercraft. It might even be more of a zeitgeist of ideology, of concept, of beauty,  a melding of style and function that make Riva one of the most desirable yacht names around.

It’s a remarkable story of serendipity and talent that led to the birth of Riva boats. While Carlo Riva (1922-2017) is considered the father of classic contemporary Riva watercraft, had it not been for a run of bad weather on the banks of Lake Iseo in 1842, Sophia would’ve had to settle for a much less classy ride over her Italian lakes.

Heavy rains pummeled the small lakeside town of Sarnico , forcing the River Oglio from its banks. As flooding torrents scoured the village, they carried with them the small fleet of fishing vessels, tumbled about like children’s toys. The humble boats experienced severe damage; immediate help was needed and found through the expertise of a young boatwright by the name of Pietro Riva . Newly arrived from Laglio, Riva quickly set to work repairing and refitting the vessels with skill and quality. His craftsmanship earned the village’s admiration and trust, and eventually Riva opened his own shipyard on the Sarnico shoreline. Pietro’s early production featured quality battel da pesca (fishing boats) and canotto da passeggio (pleasure craft) to suit the needs of the locals, but as his young family grew, so did his vision for his small company.

Pietro’s mastery of boatbuilding was the beginning of a legendary line of shipwrights. His son Ernesto introduced power combustion engines, a forward-thinking step that brought the latest mechanical innovations to the business. His insight introduced not only speedier transportation of goods over the lakes, but the launch of nautical tourism, as well. Ernesto’s own motorboat prototype was a success…and a lot of fun; why not offer tourists the chance to experience the wind, waves, and sights that he was enjoying?  

Riva’s visionary heritage continued when Ernesto’s son Serafino took the helm, bringing a major shift to the boatyard. It was after World War I and Italy was ready for distraction. Capitalizing on this, Serafino built and promoted high speed pleasure boats. Equipped for speed and agility, Riva power boats became the hot rod of the Italian lakes. Serafino’s designs quickly set the standard for the popular sport of speedboat racing in the 1920s and 1930s. Riva’s successful incorporation of efficient design and high-powered engines earned fame through multiple wins and titles in Italy and around the world.

“I want to build boats my own way I told my father…I started production in 1950 with six months of testing…It was the happiest day of my life.” ~ Carlo Riva

It wasn’t until Carlo Riva , son of Serafino, took the helm of Riva, however, that the seismic shift in production — and notoriety — began. With the skill, training, DNA, and drive of the Riva dynasty under his skin, Carlo revolutionized Riva design. After some serious head-butting with his father Serafino — who saw no need to change the line’s traditional success —  Carlo succeeded in forging ahead with his vision for a sleek, immaculately built boat featuring flawless functionality and glamorous visual appeal:  the nautical version of Italian flair and desirability. A new manufacturing facility was constructed in 1954 on the shores of Lake Iseo fusing state-of-the art innovation with Riva’s famed tradition for minute attention to detail and quality. Carlo’s vision set into motion Riva’s golden age of luxury watercraft; Riva yachts quickly became the coveted status symbol for those with an eye for ultimate fashion and function.  

The breakthrough, however, that imbedded the iconic Riva style in modern awareness came about in 1962 with the launch of the Acquarama. Using the design protocol of his highly popular Tritone , Carlo reimagined the boat to feature roomier passenger space, a sun deck that seemed to beg for bathing beauties, and other innovations that set precedents in the boating world. His signature feature of turquoise blue upholstery with a matching wheel was the cherry on top. Named #1 of the Top 100 Best Boats Ever by “Motorboat & Yachting Magazine” and “Most beautiful boat in the World” by the International Press, this “Ferrari of the boat world” still quickens the pulse in many whenever she shows up in movies or commercials — or lakeside if you’re lucky enough to witness one slicing through the blue.

Carlo sold his company to an American firm in 1969 yet remained active for several more years. A succession of non-Italian owners finally came full circle in 2000 when the Italian Ferretti Group purchased Riva Yachts. Active in production today, Carlo’s imprint remains strong within the company, evident through the breath-taking style, consummate quality, and suave elegance permeating every Riva boat from cruiser to mega-yacht.

Riva Yachts, a name synonymous with Italian flair and elegance, remains one of the most coveted brands today. Even if owning one is out of reach, it’s possible to get up close and personal with a visit to the Riva Yacht factory in Sarnico. Standing next to Ernesto’s first motorboat, or perhaps feeling your pulse quicken as you admire the Aquarama #784, the last classic model off the production line in 1996, can quicken the pulse of any fan of the beauty of Italian design and innovation. Carlo’s spirit is alive and well on the shores of his beloved Sarnico.

“… Designed with love, pure and strong like a pedigree horse. Unforgettable!” ~ Carlo Riva 

Sophia Loren ne aveva uno. Anche Anita Eckberg e Sean Connery… come anche Liz dagli occhi viola. Quello di Brigitte Bardot aveva sedili zebrati, e persino George Bush è stato spesso visto a bordo del suo, mentre navigava negli Hamptons. Sono sempre stati l’epitome nautica del cool – e non stiamo parlando dei proprietari, ma dell’imbarcazione… lo yacht Riva costruito al 100% in Italia. Eleganti, sexy, così italiani… queste imbarcazioni aerodinamiche sono conosciute in tutto il mondo nautico per la loro straordinaria qualità, il design indimenticabile, e beh… per avere un fattore di soavità che sarebbe fuori dalle classifiche se esistessero classifiche di soavità. Anche se il nome non vi è familiare, gli yacht Riva potrebbero avere un posto nel vostro subconscio. Solo per un secondo, visualizzate un gruppo di ricchi e famosi che navigano a motore su un lago italiano, Prosecco alla mano, o magari un filmato di James Bond, con il nostro eroe che si libra sulle onde che si infrangono mentre sfugge all’ira della sua ultima nemesi. È probabile che la vostra immaginazione includa una barca costruita da Riva. Il nome Riva è sinonimo di lusso e glamour nel mondo delle barche, un marchio che sfida la classificazione di “semplice” imbarcazione. Potrebbe anche essere più dello spirito del tempo, dell’ideologia, del concetto, della bellezza, una fusione di stile e funzione che rendono Riva uno dei nomi più desiderabili di yacht. È una straordinaria storia di serendipità e talento quella che ha portato alla nascita delle barche Riva. Mentre Carlo Riva (1922-2017) è considerato il padre dei classici motoscafi Riva contemporanei, se non fosse stato per un periodo di maltempo sulle rive del lago d’Iseo nel 1842, Sophia avrebbe dovuto accontentarsi di un giro molto meno elegante sui laghi italiani. Forti piogge colpirono la piccola città lacustre di Sarnico, facendo uscire dalle sponde il fiume Oglio. Mentre i torrenti inondavano il villaggio, portarono con sé la piccola flotta di pescherecci, trascinati come giocattoli per bambini. Le umili barche subirono gravi danni; fu necessario un aiuto immediato, che fu trovato grazie alla competenza di un giovane maestro d’ascia di nome Pietro Riva. Appena arrivato da Laglio, Riva si mise subito al lavoro per riparare e sistemare le barche con abilità e qualità. La sua abilità artigianale guadagnò l’ammirazione e la fiducia del villaggio, e alla fine Riva aprì il suo cantiere navale sulla costa di Sarnico. La produzione iniziale di Pietro comprendeva battelli da pesca e canotti da passeggio di qualità per soddisfare le esigenze della gente del posto, ma quando la sua giovane famiglia crebbe, crebbe anche la visione della sua piccola azienda. La maestria di Pietro nella costruzione di barche fu l’inizio di una linea leggendaria di maestri d’ascia. Suo figlio Ernesto introdusse i motori a combustione, un passo lungimirante che portò le ultime innovazioni meccaniche al business. La sua intuizione introdusse non solo un trasporto più veloce delle merci sui laghi, ma anche il lancio del turismo nautico. Il prototipo di motoscafo di Ernesto fu un successo… e molto divertente: perché non offrire ai turisti la possibilità di sperimentare il vento, le onde e i panorami di cui lui godeva? L’eredità visionaria di Riva continuò quando il figlio di Ernesto, Serafino, prese il timone, portando un grande cambiamento nel cantiere. Era il primo dopoguerra e l’Italia era pronta a distrarsi. Capitalizzando questo cambiamento, Serafino costruì e promosse barche da diporto ad alta velocità. Equipaggiate per la velocità e l’agilità, le barche a motore Riva divennero l’hot rod dei laghi italiani. I progetti di Serafino stabilirono rapidamente lo standard per il popolare sport delle gare di motoscafi negli anni ’20 e ’30. La riuscita incorporazione da parte di Riva di un design efficiente e di motori ad alta potenza si guadagnò la fama attraverso molteplici vittorie e titoli in Italia e nel mondo. “Voglio costruire barche a modo mio, dissi a mio padre… Ho iniziato la produzione nel 1950 con sei mesi di prove… È stato il giorno più felice della mia vita”. ~ Carlo Riva Fu solo quando Carlo Riva, figlio di Serafino, prese il timone della Riva, però, che iniziò la svolta decisiva nella produzione – e nella notorietà. Con l’abilità, la formazione, il DNA e la grinta della dinastia Riva nella pelle, Carlo rivoluzionò il design Riva. Dopo qualche scontro con il padre Serafino – che non vedeva la necessità di cambiare il tradizionale successo della linea – Carlo riuscì a portare avanti la sua visione di una barca elegante, costruita in modo impeccabile e con un appeal visivo glamour: la versione nautica del fascino italiano e della desiderabilità. Nel 1954 fu costruito un nuovo stabilimento di produzione sulle rive del lago d’Iseo, fondendo l’innovazione allo stato dell’arte con la famosa tradizione Riva di attenzione al dettaglio e alla qualità. La visione di Carlo mise in moto l’età dell’oro delle imbarcazioni di lusso Riva; gli yacht Riva divennero rapidamente l’ambito status symbol per coloro che erano attenti alla moda e alla funzionalità. La svolta, tuttavia, che incastrò l’iconico stile Riva nella consapevolezza moderna avvenne nel 1962 con il lancio dell’Acquarama. Usando il protocollo di design del suo popolarissimo Tritone, Carlo reimmaginò la barca con uno spazio più ampio per i passeggeri, un ponte sole che sembrava implorare bellezze da bagno, e altre innovazioni che stabilirono dei precedenti nel mondo della nautica. La sua firma, tappezzeria blu turchese con una ruota abbinata, fu la ciliegina sulla torta. Nominata n. 1 fra le 100 migliori barche di sempre dalla rivista “Motorboat & Yachting Magazine” e “la più bella barca del mondo” dalla stampa internazionale, questa “Ferrari del mondo delle barche” fa ancora battere forte il cuore a molti ogni volta che appare nei film o nelle pubblicità – o in riva al lago se si è abbastanza fortunati da vederne una che sfreccia nel blu. Carlo vendette la sua compagnia a un’azienda americana nel 1969, ma rimase attivo ancora per diversi anni. Una successione di proprietari non italiani ha finalmente chiuso il cerchio nel 2000, quando il Gruppo Ferretti, italiano, ha acquistato Riva Yachts. Attivo oggi nella produzione, l’impronta di Carlo rimane forte all’interno dell’azienda, evidente attraverso lo stile mozzafiato, la qualità tradizionale e la soave eleganza che permea ogni barca Riva, dal cruiser al mega-yacht. Riva Yachts, sinonimo di fascino ed eleganza italiana, rimane uno dei marchi più ambiti oggi. Anche se possederne uno non è alla portata di tutti, è possibile avvicinarsi a questo marchio con una visita alla fabbrica Riva Yachts di Sarnico. Stare accanto al primo motoscafo di Ernesto, o magari sentire le pulsazioni accelerare mentre si ammira l’Aquarama #784, l’ultimo modello classico uscito dalla linea di produzione nel 1996, può emozionare qualsiasi fan della bellezza del design e dell’innovazione italiana. Lo spirito di Carlo è vivo e vegeto sulle rive della sua amata Sarnico. “…Progettata con amore, pura e forte come un cavallo di razza. Indimenticabile!” ~ Carlo Riva

26 issues of L’Italo Americano digital edition

Support L’Italo Americano

If you’re able to, please support L’Italo Americano today from as little as $1.

Weekly Newsletter

The Riva fleet: 8 to 54 metres of pure seduction

Riva is simply the best-known nautical brand in the world. All the craft, from the 27-foot Iseo up to the imposing megayachts, are marvels of unmistakable detail. These are the fruits of well over a century of experience, where glorious Italian craft tradition meets cutting-edge technology. Riva is the emblem of a modern, sophisticated elegance expressed in an exquisite combination of ultramodern design and a judicious use of the finest woods, from mahogany to streaked, in an endless variety of colours and grains. Riva has been playing a leading role for over 60 years not only in the yachting arena but in the world of cinema too, creating stirring sensations and often stealing the show from top international stars in films too numerous to mention.

For a sublime example of this production expertise, take the painting and varnishing of the woodwork. This still follows Carlo Riva’s original method, involving 24 coats lovingly applied by hand to protect the wood from salt-water ruin and leave it with a perfect shiny finish. Likewise, the screws are still all precisely positioned in the same direction, heads painted to match the colour of the hull.

The Riva range vaunts a comprehensive array of sizes and types, with fibreglass yachts from 8 to 33 metres, including open, sportfly and flybridge models. With a dedicated team at the Superyacht Yard in Ancona, the new Riva Superyachts division designs, develops and builds displacement megayachts from 50 up to 90 metres in length.

The Riva boats: from 8 to 50 metres of seductive appeal

Riva is the best-known nautical brand in the world: when there’s a boat in a film or TV advert, it’s sure to be a Riva, whether in classic or contemporary guise. All the craft, from the 27-foot Iseo up to the light-alloy megayachts, are marvels of unmistakable detail, the fruit of well over a century of experience, where glorious Italian craft tradition meets cutting-edge technology. And they are also icons of style, with a judicious use of the finest woods from mahogany to streaked in an endless variety of colours and grains.

La gamma Riva è estremamente ampia sia per dimensione che per tipologia, con yacht in vetroresina che vanno da 8 a 33 metri, open, sportfly e flybridge. La nuova "Riva Superyachts Division", il cui team dedicato opera nella Super Yacht Yard di Ancona, progetta, sviluppa e costruisce mega yacht dislocanti, dai 50 fino a 90 metri di lunghezza.

• Press Center
• Riva anniversary
• Whistleblowing Reports

Ferretti S.p.A.

Tax code and VAT no. 04485970968 Registered Office Via Irma Bandiera, 62 – 47841 Cattolica (RN) Italy REA no. RN 296608 - Companies Register no. 04485970968 Share capital € 338.482.654,00 fully paid-up PEC: [email protected]

Cookies on our site

For more information

Cookie Center

This website uses technical cookies, which are necessary for you to browse it and which help us to provide the service. With your consent, we use profiling cookies to offer you an increasingly agreeable browsing experience, to facilitate interaction with our social-media features, and to enable you to receive marketing messages tailored to your browsing habits and interests. To accept all profiling cookies, click ACCEPT ; to decline, click REFUSE . For more information about the cookies we use, please see our Cookie Policy.

always active

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

Careers in Yachting

RIVA (Ferretti Group)

Shipyards - new build, www.riva-yacht.com/.

Riva is a brand of Ferretti Group. Thanks to Italy’s centuries-old yachting tradition, the Ferretti Group is a world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of prestigious and exclusive brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, the Ferretti Group owns and manages six shipyards located across Italy, which combine the efficiency of industrial production with typical world-class Italian craftsmanship, reaching customers in more than 70 countries across the world thanks to a direct presence in Europe, the United States of America and Asia and its network of approximately 60, carefully-selected dealers.

The Ferretti Group motor yachts, utmost expression of Made in Italy elegance and creative genius, have always stood out for their exceptional quality, cutting-edge technology, record safety and optimum performance in the sea, as well as their exclusive design and timeless appeal.

• Ancona (AN) Italy

News summary

Riva Yachts’ History

Riva Yachts’ history dates back to 1842, when young craftsman Pietro Riva arrived on the shores of Lake d’Iseo to repair fishing boats damaged in a storm. Commissions to build boats quickly followed, and the Italian boatbuilding dynasty that would become Riva Yachts was established. From that tiny shipyard in the town of Sarnico, Italy, Riva Yachts has risen to international prominence as a builder of stylish, elegant vessels that feature state-of-the-art design and advanced performance capabilities. Over the years, Riva Yachts’ exclusive customer list has included kings, sultans, emperors, entrepreneurs, and celebrities from around the world. Riva currently flourishes as part of the Ferretti Group’s portfolio of prestigious luxury motor yachts builders, specializing in open and flybridge motor yachts ranging from a 27-ft. runabout to a luxurious 122-ft. megayacht.

Ernesto Riva succeeded his father Pietro, moving the shipyard forward by introducing internal combustion engines on Riva boats. Ernesto’s son Serafino switched the company to building speedboats for the newly popular sport of motorboat racing. Serafino Riva built Riva boats’ reputation as outstanding racing boats by piloting Riva boats to success in many of the top motorboat races of the nineteen twenties and thirties. Riva boats’ reign as the most famous mahogany runabouts in the world was well-established by the mid-thirties, before the looming Second World War stopped Italian motorboat racing and slowed production of Riva’s elegant racers.

Serafino Riva’s son Carlos took over the yard in 1949, transforming the family firm into a renowned builder of exceptional luxury motor yachts. He worked tirelessly to turn the company into the beloved nautical icon it is today, becoming the unquestioned chief architect of Riva Yacht’s success by serving as chief designer, engineer, salesman, and other company roles as needed. Carlos’ uncompromising commitment to quality infused the firm as he built the Riva brand into the yacht of choice for the elite of the world, including royalty, business executives, and screen stars. Over 170 years have passed since a simple carpenter named Riva began building boats in a tiny wooden hut on the shores of Lake d’Iseo. In that time Riva Yachts has become the celebrated iconic brand of the Ferretti Group, shining as an enduring symbol of excellence that represents the best traditions of yachting.

Discover the thrill of owning the unmatchable quality of a Riva Yacht. Atlantic Yacht & Ship has several Riva Yachts from which to choose, including Ego, a 68’ preowned Riva Yacht for sale. This 2008 beauty is in excellent condition, with only 600 hours on her MANs 1550Hp motors. Featuring 3 staterooms and the classic Riva Cream Hull, this preowned Riva yacht is loaded with accessories and extras including underwater lights. An Avon 320 Tender Hydrojet is included in the sale, at the asking price of 1 650 000 € EUR. For more information, call Mark Meyer at 305-677-9137 or email him at [email protected] .

Feed your need for speed with Dana, a 68’ Riva Ego Super for sale. Launched in 2012, this vessel cuts through the waves at 35 knots, topping out at 39 knots. With a sexy profile that turns heads everywhere she goes, Dana offers all the comforts of home in her luxurious 3-stateroom layout. Bring all offers for this 2012 68’ Riva Yacht priced to sell with an asking price of 2 000 000 € EUR. Contact Joe Marino at 954-328-2059 or email him at [email protected] for more information.

If you are looking at yachts for sale , or thinking about  selling your yacht , it is always wise to have an experienced broker representing your interests throughout the deal. Contact  Atlantic Yacht & Ship  at 954.921.1500 or  click here .

Categories for this Article

• luxury yachts

Explore Articles by Category

• 42Yellowfin
• AY&S News
• Bertram Yachts
• Boat Inventory
• center consoles for sale
• Custom Motor Yacht
• Florida Motor Yachts
• Florida Sport Fishing
• Fort Lauderdale News
• Fort Lauderdale Yachts
• Leopard Yacht
• Luxury Yacht Charter
• Maritime Industry
• Miami Yacht Show
• Motor Yacht Detailing & Maintenance
• Motor Yacht for Sale
• Navigator Yacht
• Palm Beach Yacht
• Pearl Yacht
• Pre Owned Motor Yachts
• Quality Motor Yachts
• Sabre Yacht
• Sport Fishers
• sportfish for sale
• Tri Deck Motor Yacht
• Uncategorized
• Viking sport fish
• World Travel
• Yacht Shows
• Yachting News

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3592
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht
• Builder Search

Riva Yacht Charter

From the company’s first launch to its latest fleet of new and semi-custom designs, Riva offers a range of super yachts within its current portfolio.

• Popular Riva Models
• 88' Folgore
• 72 Splendida
• 76' Perseo
• 90' Argo
• 100' Corsaro
• 110 Dolcevita
• 92' Duchessa
• Opera 85' Super
• 68' Ego Super

Try Before You Buy

Contemplating a purchase? Why not charter a Riva yacht for a 'try before you buy' experience?

37 yachts found

• GBP £
• Expedition Yachts
• Open Yachts
• Sport Fishing
• Gulet Yachts
• Winter 2023/2024
• Summer 2024
• Winter 2024/2025
• Highest Price
• Lowest Price
• Shortest Length
• Longest Length
• Newest first by Year
• Oldest first by Year
• Length min length 15m 20m 30m 40m 50m 60m 75m 100m 50ft 65ft 100ft 130ft 160ft 200ft 250ft 300ft max length 20m 30m 40m 50m 60m 75m 100m+ 65ft 100ft 130ft 160ft 200ft 250ft 300ft+
• Guests & Cabins Guests: Cabins:
• Price $ USD € EUR £ GBP min price $0 $10k $100k $250k $500k $750k $1m max price $50k $100k $250k $500k $750k $1m+
• Amenities Beauty Room Gym Conference Room Helipad Deck Jacuzzi Elevator Movie Theatre Sauna Spa At-Anchor Stabilizers Swimming Pool Beach Club Steam Room Wheelchair Accessible Commercial Helipad Show all Amenities
• Toys Diving Kayaking Sailing Seabob Bicycles Wind Surf Submarine Helicopter Sport Fishing Wakeboard Inflatable Water Slide Trampoline Inflatable Waterpark Kite Surf Surfboard Floating Pool Paddleboard Amphibious Car flyboard Hoverboard Wakesurf Wakeskate golf Foilboard Show all Toys
• Mediterranean
• French Riviera
• Ligurian Riviera
• Amalfi Coast
• The Balearics
• Virgin Islands
• Saint Martin
• New England
• Indian Ocean
• South East Asia
• Philippines
• Myanmar (Burma)
• South Pacific
• French Polynesia
• New Zealand
• Central America
• South America

from $117,000 p/week ♦︎

Lady First 11 5

40m   Riva

from $300,000 p/w eek

Beyond 12 5

36m   Riva

from $85,000 p/w eek

Elysium I 11 5

34m   Riva

from $123,000 p/w eek

Figurati 10 5

from $145,000 p/w eek

Tasty Waves 11 5

from $115,000 p/w eek

Basilic 11 6

30m   Riva

from $107,000 p/w eek

Maximus 10 5

from $114,000 p/w eek

No Stress 888 10 5

from $118,000 p/w eek

Raph Seven 10 5

from $117,000 p/w eek

Yoyita II 11 5

Beyond Beyond 8 4

29m   Riva

from $75,000 p/w eek

from $91,000 p/w eek

Anything Goes IV 8 4

28m   Riva

from $52,000 p/w eek

27m   Riva

from $77,000 p/w eek

Whatever 8 4

from $56,000 p/w eek

from $69,000 p/w eek

Montenapo 8 4

Lady F1 8 4

26m   Riva

Silver Breeze 8 4

from $63,000 p/w eek

from $35,000 p/w eek

from $37,000 p/w eek

from $45,000 p/w eek

Pikes Peak 6 3

24m   Riva

from $24,000 p/w eek

Zia Canaia 9 4

from $25,000 p/w eek

Chiluce 6 3

23m   Riva

from $43,000 p/w eek

from $38,000 p/w eek

Dolce Mia 8 4

from $31,000 p/w eek

Milky Way 8 4

22m   Riva

21m   Riva

from $22,000 p/w eek

Alter Ego 6 3

from $27,000 p/w eek

Blue Shark 6 3

from $29,000 p/w eek

20m   Riva

from $30,000 p/w eek

Added to Shortlist

1 - 37 of 37 Yachts For Charter

Interested in Chartering a Riva Yacht? Speak with a Charter Expert

Our charter experts will:

• Discuss your vacation plans
• Check availability & shortlist suitable yachts
• Negotiate booking & prepare your itinerary

Enquire now for yacht availability & free consultation.

• My Yacht Shortlist
• Save My Search

* Not offered for charter to US residents while in US waters.

♦︎ Approximate price conversion

All yacht particulars are believed correct but cannot be guaranteed.

Featured Luxury Yachts for Charter

This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3592 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

446ft | Lurssen

from $4,285,000 p/week ♦︎

378ft | Lurssen

from $2,785,000 p/week ♦︎

279ft | Golden Yachts

from $960,000 p/week ♦︎

289ft | Golden Yachts

from $1,174,000 p/week ♦︎

274ft | Feadship

from $1,071,000 p/week ♦︎

305ft | Feadship

from $1,494,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon

289ft | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

400ft | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Boating Safety

Riva’s First Superyacht

• By Diane M. Byrne
• Updated: July 28, 2020

In the early 1950s, a young man enthralled with his father’s boatbuilding company took over the family business. As sometimes happens when new generations step in, he wasn’t content to do the same thing his father, or his grandfather, had done. Strong ambition persuaded him to design and build pleasure boats, as opposed to the racing and commercial boats of the shipyard’s past. What’s more, he continuously wanted to outdo himself, focusing on creating motoryachts that were more than boats, as well as status symbols.

While the young Carlo Riva succeeded in all of this after taking the helm of Riva, there’s perhaps no better example of his driving ambition than the period from the mid-1960s into the 1970s, when he launched three limited series of motoryachts.

Not only were their steel hulls a marked change from the glistening mahogany of their sisterships, they were also far larger. The Atlantic series, at 88 feet, and the Caravelle series, at 74 feet, were astoundingly large for their eras. Between their style and the fact that they were faster than many other yachts at the time, they helped Riva find several clients.

More than 50 years later, the spirit of these series lives on with the Riva 50-Meter. It’s the first model in the Riva Superyachts Division and the second Riva constructed entirely of aluminum. At 160 feet, 9 inches length overall, she’s larger than any previous launch from the boatbuilder, but she upholds many of the same principles her predecessors established.

“She is full of personality, exactly like any other Riva yacht,” says Sergio Beretta, CEO and co-founder of Officina Italiana Design, the studio responsible for every modern-era Riva. “It is essentially a true connoisseur’s boat. In a nutshell, it is chic, and that is the whole logic behind it.”

Mauro Micheli, chief designer and co-founder of Officina Italiana Design, agrees. “It is certainly a boat with a very different character to its siblings” because of the LOA and four decks, he explains, “but references to Riva’s signature styling are a constant.”

That styling is well-known and detailed. For instance, Hull No. 1, Race, shows off varnished mahogany and stainless-steel handrails, complementing the metallic painted surfaces. Even the yacht’s wing stations have these handrail details. The richness of the high-gloss wood serves as a reminder that “artisanal craftsmanship is at the very core of each project,” Micheli asserts. “The handrails are the fil rouge [French for common thread] of the yacht.”

Further to the styling’s influences, Micheli mentions the Caravelle line, conceived in 1964. Its uncluttered, simple elegance inspired the team working on the 50-Meter. Though more angular than today’s yachts, the Caravelle had long lines and a proud bow—two timeless characteristics.

“They are the kind of lines that don’t necessarily set out to dazzle but still capture attention with their sheer simplicity,” Micheli says.

For the Riva 50-Meter, the studio focused on classic yet sleek lines. “Race has a great personality,” he says. “She has three straight lines that define each level. The design is clean. We refuse overworked, elaborate and redundant lines.”

Amid these lines are some of the owner’s particular requests. “He wanted lots of light and to enjoy the external panoramas,” Micheli says. While every Riva—indeed, every large yacht—these days incorporates large glass ports, Race’s owner felt it was especially important for the 50-Meter to have them, notably along the main and upper decks. Additionally, in an interesting twist on an indoor-outdoor area, the covered alfresco dining area aft on the upper deck has slide-open glass to each side.

In terms of the open alfresco areas, meanwhile, the owner wanted a front-row seat for when he was approaching shorelines. This explains why Race has cozy seating and viewing spots at the bow and up on the sun deck. Yet another request outside, for similar reasons: a walk-around hot tub and sun pads aft on the upper deck. The owner envisioned standing back here as Race entered a marina and tied up stern-to.

Inside is a relatively customary arrangement, with accommodations for 10 to 12 guests in five staterooms: a main-deck master and four guest staterooms below. However, the owner did request that the galley go belowdecks, with a dumbwaiter connecting it to each of the upper levels. The relocation of the galley permitted more room for the master stateroom.

With Hull No. 2 in the 50-Meter series under construction, Riva is poised to make its mark in the superyacht sector. Larger models are coming too, with the biggest being the 90-Meter (295 feet).

And while Carlo Riva didn’t live to see the 50-Meter launch, having died at age 95 in 2017, there’s no doubt he’d be proud. “The first time that engineer Carlo Riva saw the renderings of the first Riva 50-Meter mega-yacht, he said, ‘I’d like to try and cruise on her,’” Micheli recalls.

Perhaps the once-determined heir to the family business is doing that in spirit.

Take the next step: riva-yacht.com

• More: Megayachts , Reviewed , Riva , Riva Yachts , Superyachts , Yacht Reviews , Yachts
• More Yachts

wallywhy150 Reviewed

Boat Propeller Repair

Five Top Yachts For 2024

Riviera 585 SUV Reviewed

For Sale: 2007 Ocean Alexander 64’ Pilothouse

Security Packages for Superyachts

Azimut Atlantis 51 For Sale

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

Reinventing Iconic: On Board the Riva 110 Dolcevita

Iconic style on a larger scale – Riva brings the feel of its famous runabouts to its 33.5-metre superyacht. Risa Merl learns how...

Since Brigitte Bardot was first spotted on board her Riva Super Florida Nounours off Saint-Tropez in the 1960s, the Riva brand has been synonymous with glamour, speed and classic good looks. It’s a heady combination that has earned the Italian builder a loyal fan base. Vintage Rivas are so legendary, in fact, they are some of the few yachts to increase in value as they age – the last wooden-hulled Aquarama to be built was sold at auction for $975,000 (£763,000) nearly 40 years after its launch.

The question was, as Riva moved into building fibreglass motor yachts in the 2000s, could the style, grace – and success – of a classic Riva ever be replicated on a larger scale? The builder’s latest fibreglass flagship, the 33.5 metre 110' Dolcevita, is specifically designed in the hopes of answering this query with a resounding yes.

“Bringing the iconic Riva styling into a larger boat was the target since the beginning of the project,” says Giordano Pellacani, head of sales and marketing at Riva, under the Ferretti Group umbrella. “If you look at the previous [large] Riva models, they were not exactly in that style.” The Dolcevita is a step up from the 29.9 metre Corsaro model that, while good-looking in its own right, did not carry forward the trademark Riva styling to the same extent that the Dolcevita aims to.

Riva embarked on a thorough review and development process, spending twice as long in the planning phase as they usually would on a project. “We interviewed many customers and found they wanted something that reminded them of smaller Rivas, with attention poured into our classic details – but on a megayacht,” Pellacani says, referring to Riva’s trademark use of mahogany wood, gleaming stainless steel and rich leathers. These features loom large on the Dolcevita, but with a modern twist. The team at Officina Italiana Design – the exclusive designer of Rivas since 1994 – was inspired by classic Rivas but was careful not to create a retro boat. The new Dolcevita had to perfectly balance modern styling with the timeless luxury that clients associate with Riva.

“Riva design centres around clean, spare lines, resulting in elegant boats,” says the CEO of Officina Italiana Design , Sergio Beretta. “The 110' Dolcevita is in the spirit of Riva tradition. The lines are clean and elegant, including throughout the model’s interior, where the style was personalised to suit the owner’s requirements.” With an integrated flybridge and a silver-grey paint job, the 110' Dolcevita has a sporty look. Gaze closer, however, and you’ll notice sinuous exterior lines that are detailed yet well-balanced, providing just enough handsome Riva styling while meeting the design team’s maxim that less is more. The black windows on the main deck form a continuous band, a feature that defines the exterior but is best appreciated from inside, where such glazing allows for 270-degree views.

“The saloon has unusual windows that run for most of the yacht’s profile, creating a sense of visual space and breadth aft because there is no structure,” says Mauro Micheli, chief designer of Officina Italiana. “From an engineering point of view, it was an interesting challenge. The idea was, how can we give something to owners that no one else has in this size range? You might see windows like this on a much larger yacht, like Vava 2 or Musashi . But how could we create this atmosphere on a smaller yacht? When we told the engineers what we wanted, they said, ‘You’re crazy’.”

To conjure up an open feeling reminiscent of a Riva runabout inside a superyacht was no small feat. Riva’s engineers devised a “spider structure” that allowed for huge windows supported by minuscule mullions. Four transversal and four longitudinal pieces of stainless steel combine to make a frame that is attached to the hull, supporting the stress of the yacht and connecting the hull and superstructure. The result is what Pellacani calls “the crystal palace” – a light-filled interior with seamless windows, remarkable indoor-outdoor continuity and panoramic views.

The abundance of glass lets in massive amounts of light to the wood-filled interior, illuminating the high-gloss joinery. “We used a lot of wood, as per Riva tradition, but in this case we went for rosewood,” Micheli says. Rosewood is similar to mahogany, but has darker veining and a dense grain that makes it very durable, and the wood takes a polish well.

For 70 per cent of its boats built these days, Riva uses pre-engineered woods to avoid mistakes, knots or misalignments showing in the veneer. “For Dolcevita, we opted to use real wood and keep the defects in, we wanted to see them, then apply our love of detailing,” Pellacani says. “We use more material this way – because sometimes you need quite a big piece for the furniture – which is reflected in the price point.”

The wood is refined by a team of in-house carpenters, the same craftsmen who work on smaller Rivas. Real wood, in all its natural glory and coated in gleaming varnish, certainly elicits the richness of a classic Riva launch. Deckheads are raised and the ceiling inset with shining rosewood, which gives a warmth to the spacious saloon.

To complement the light-reflecting rosewood, Officina Italiana Design brought in a pale-grey matte finish for the walls, which matches the light grey sofa. The interior has an understated elegance. Classic nautical materials combine with modern furnishings, such as the glass dining room table paired with leather and stainless-steel chairs. “There are a lot of details in leather and stainless steel that is the leitmotif for the interior and exterior,” Micheli says. The Riva branding is signalled in this and in more literal detailing, like the curved silver door handles imprinted with a Riva logo.

Nine Dolcevita hulls have been sold so far, heading off to locations ranging from Asia and the Middle East to Europe and the US. Half of those owners already have a smaller Riva and were looking for something to represent their love of the brand on a bigger scale. Hull five was the first to be seen by the public at the Monaco Yacht Show last September; the first four were delivered quickly and are being enjoyed by their owners. The new offering seems to appeal to both to Riva loyalists and to those looking for interesting amenities in a smaller package.

Feedback from one owner, who was looking for “big boat features but on a smaller scale” inspired Dolcevita’s unusual layout. While nearly every large yacht has the guest passageway to starboard and the crew to port, this Riva has the hallway leading to the full-beam owner’s cabin on the port side.

“We looked at our bigger 40- to 50-metre boats, and one of the things they must have is a dayhead near the main saloon, because owners throw dinner parties and do not want people in the guest cabins,” Pellacani says. “So we decided to have a very large dayhead on the left side of the main deck.” This dayhead is tucked under the port-side superstructure, set in a wide hallway just before the door to the owner’s suite.

Like the saloon, the master cabin is adorned with rosewood, grey soft goods and carpeting, and chocolate-brown leather chairs. Stainless-steel details also decorate the raised ceiling and are used for the wardrobe door handles. A smoked glass wall across from the bed adds depth and conceals a television. This recurrent theme of “Riva details”, reaffirming the yacht’s ties to its heritage, is carried through into the guest cabins as well. Four are found below, with the layout customisable. The owner of hull five opted for three VIPs and one cabin with twins and a Pullman berth. The rosewood details are even seen in the guest bathrooms.

Exterior spaces aim to recreate the feeling of flying jauntily around the harbour on a much smaller Riva. One such space is the foredeck lounge, accessed via a stairway leading forward from the starboard side. This sunpad-laden spot encapsulates the feeling of sprawling out on the back of an Aquarama, but with even more comfort. The foredeck lounge can also be customised to the owner’s wishes: this one has a rumble seat all the way forward, while another Dolcevita has a spa pool built on the bow.

The stylish helm stations bear the hallmarks of a classic Riva with more wood, leather and stainless details. A second helm is found on the sundeck, which also brings in carbon fibre detailing in the hardtop.“The Riva tradition also is for the exterior area to have a lot of details,” Pellacani says. This presented another challenge, as all the exterior elements of the yacht – from the ceiling of the flybridge to the inside of railings to the bases of (fixed) deck furniture – are painted to match the hull and perfectly polished and flawless to meet Riva’s standards. “It’s very expensive and very detailed, and to paint these items and protect them from scratching during construction is challenging.”

Intense attention to detail is what makes Riva stand out, for instance installing screws and then painting their heads in the same colour as the hull. So it makes sense when Beretta says, “We don’t think of 110' Dolcevita as a ‘superyacht’ – she is simply a yacht built in the spirit of iconic Rivas.”

Iconic is an overused word. Many claim it, yet few are truly deserving. The undoubtedly iconic Riva runabouts like Ms Bardot’s are an exception. Only time will tell if the 110' Dolcevita will reach such legendary heights. So far she is certainly making Riva fans sit up and take notice – and place their orders, too.

More about this yacht

Similar yachts for sale, more stories, most recent, from our partners, sponsored listings.

• Nautic Shows
• America’s Cup
• Classic Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Superyachts
• Yachts News
• Destinations
• Yacht Clubs
• Boat Racing
• Meta Yachts

The elegant mahogany design was an instant hit among CEOs, royalty and movie stars when it launched in 1962.

When Carlo Riva performed a Franken-boat surgery on one of his Tritone models in 1962, he had no idea that the gleaming new mahogany design would become the world’s most beloved powerboat. At the time, he was intent on reinventing the family brand,  Riva , started by his great-grandfather Pietro in 1842 on Lake Iseo in Sarnico, Italy. Over the years, the yard had introduced many successful designs but needed a forward-looking model that reflected the glamour that was consuming postwar Italy. 

Carlo originally wanted to call the new boat the Admiral but settled on a more futuristic name, Aquarama, after the trendy panoramic film technique Cinerama, which utilized three adjoining screens. The boat’s beautiful mahogany hull, with its sweeping, one-piece windshield and center sun pad, became a status symbol almost immediately after the Aquarama launched in 1962—no doubt helped by the fact that the boat was not only sexy but also fast and functional, powered by 185 hp  Chris-Craft  engines and able to hit a top speed of 45 mph. 

The first Aquaramas were an instant hit among CEOs, royalty and movie stars, even priced as much as a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the most expensive car in Italy at the time. Sophia Loren purchased hull number three, and soon Rex Harrison, King Hussein of Jordan and Brigitte Bardot and her third husband, the German baron and playboy Gunther Sachs, were all owners as well. By 1965, the Riva Aquarama was considered the world’s most desirable motorboat. 

Its unmistakable shape became a centerpiece of Monaco’s harbor. “My father [Prince Rainier III] saw Mr. Riva as quite a businessman and engineer,” says Prince Albert II of Monaco. “And the Aquarama, of course, became the mythical symbol of the Riva adventure. It was so visible in Monaco [that] it became closely linked with our maritime presence.” The  Monaco Yacht Club  even created the Riva Aquarama Lounge, the only room named after a boat in the entire Lord Norman Foster–designed facility. 

And it wasn’t just movie stars and royalty who gave the Aquarama its cachet. Carlo had accented the boat with references to the most expensive luxury cars of the day, including custom stainless-steel gauges, the steering wheel from the 1958 Chrysler 300, wicker tables that folded down behind the front seats and a nifty, spring-operated Bimini that shielded the cockpit from excessive sun and rain. 

Fittingly, the Aquarama has always drawn more comparisons to couture and high culture than other machines. Carlo referred to the chrome fittings—including the bowsprit, nicknamed the crocodile’s grin for its distinctive shape—as the boat’s “jewelry,” while Augusto Savoldi, who began his apprenticeship at age 16 on the first Aquarama, recalls the master carpenters treating the original richly grained Honduran Cedar console like “a piece of art.” Carlo’s daughter Lia, meanwhile, remembers her father saying the engines’ melodic rumbling was “not noise; it’s music.” Perhaps the best barometer of the Aquarama’s iconic status is its consistently high resale value. Prices for historically correct restorations, depending on model and series, range between $400,000 and $800,000, with the record price, for the second-to-last-built Aquarama Special, standing at $1.15 million—still, perhaps, a small price to pay for history’s purest distillation of la dolce vita. 

• Riva Aquarama

RELATED ARTICLES

Riva at the palm beach cavallino classic.

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

LATEST ARTICLES

Riccardo tosetto fourth in the global solo challenge, palmavela reaches 150 entries, unleashing potential: emirates team new zealand’s two-boat training session, nyyc american magic’s intensive training session amidst barcelona’s spring blues, editor picks, canadian beau lake introduces the tahoe ’14 and lugano ’14 electric runabouts, underwater adventure and exploration with deepflight’s super falcon 3s, driving performance on land and on water: 41′ amg carbon edition, popular posts, young designer of the year 2022: ioana valentina corcodel reveals 65m ophelia concept, mirabaud sailing video of the century: celebrating 2 decades of passion, superyacht the flying fox seized in the dominican republic, popular category.

• Regatta 811
• America's Cup 386
• Motor Yachts 263
• Boating 215
• Superyachts 183
• Sailing 178
• Yachts News 174
• Sailing Yachts 162

Best Riva Yachts for Sale

About the riva shipyard.

The renowned Italian Riva shipyard is known for the elegance and speed of their yachts. The legendary brand is synonymous with European savoir-faire and timeless design. It’s no coincidence that almost every James Bond movie features Riva yachts, probably most infamously in Casino Royale, where Daniel Craig and Eva Greene cruise into Venice onboard a Riva Spirit 54. This spirit of excellence is expressed in every Riva yacht for sale on the market today.

Are you looking for a Riva yacht for sale? Contact a broker today, or continue reading to discover why Riva boats are among the most sought-after in today’s superyacht market.

The Riva Legend: an Italian Success Story of Craftsmanship and Engineering

The history of the esteemed Italian Riva shipyard dates back to 1842, when young Pietro Riva started making a name for himself, restoring yachts damaged by a storm on Lake Iseo, Italy, like no other. He continued to open the Riva shipyard in Sarnico, where he started developing the first Riva models, earning Riva yachts an excellent reputation. His son Ernesto Riva then continued his father’s legacy by introducing the first Riva yachts powered by internal combustion engines.

Today, the Riva brand is one of the world’s most seemed and prestigious yacht builders, perfectly combining elegance and speed.

Exclusive Italian elegance and design

Since the Riva shipyard was acquired by the Ferretti Group in 2000, the brand and its reputation have only grown. Another outstanding feature of every Riva yacht for sale is expressed in the builder’s exclusive partnership with Mauro Micheli. Micheli, alongside Sergio Beretta, is the founder of Officina Italiana Design and has an exclusive design partnership with the Riva shipyard.

The Riva Yacht Range

The Riva range expresses the shipyard’s commitment to revolutionary engineering, reliability, and performance throughout all models. Currently, Riva is producing a range of 19 different yacht models.

Riva Open Model Range

The Riva Dolceriva, Riva Aquariva, Riva Bahamas Super, and Riva Rivamare are just some of the builder’s open yacht models. The open model range consists of motor yachts between 23ft and 85 ft (7-26m) and is the epitome of European sport boats.

Riva Sportfly Range

The Sportfly yacht range combines the speed of the open model range and the comfort of the flybridge range. The Riva 66 Ribelle, Riva 76 Perseo Super, and Riva 88 Folgore range from 65ft to 88ft (20 to 27m) and combine the best of both worlds.

Riva Flybridge Range

Riva’s flybridge line ranges from 82ft to 108ft (25 to 33m) and includes the iconic Riva 110 Dolce Vita model. All flybridge yachts are designed with the utmost comfort and elegance in mind while still impressing with great cruising speeds.

Riva Superyacht Range

The Riva superyacht range includes three catalog models that truly express that yacht’s commitment to elegance and forward-thinking engineering. The Riva 130 Belissima, Riva 50 Metri (264ft), and Riva 54 Metri (177ft) are the epitome of European yacht building and feature the brand’s signature design throughout.

Custom Riva Motor Yachts

In addition to their impressive model range, Riva has built numerous custom luxury yachts. Famous custom Riva yachts are 95.8ft (29.2m) Ruzarija, 85.3 (26m) BLACK PEARL AJJACIO, and 264ft (50m) RACE.

Why buy a Riva yacht for sale?

There are many reasons why you would want to buy a Riva yacht. Some of the most outstanding ones are:

Engineering & Speed

From day one onwards, all yachts from the esteemed Riva shipyard are crafted with perfect engineering in mind, reaching up to 45 knots.

Elegance & Design

A Riva’s iconic lines are recognizable from far away, and the elegance of Mauro Micheli’s design translates into the very last detail of every Riva yacht’s design.

Iconic Shipbuilding Heritage

Pietro Riva, Ernesto Riva, and most recently, Serafino Riva and Carlo Riva have truly translated their Italian heritage into the Riva brand. The long family-owned shipyard has stayed true to its roots and is the epitome of European luxury.

Wide Range of Models

The wide model range from 23ft to over 177ft (7m to over 50m) allows owners to grow with the brand and have a yacht that fits every need. While a Riva Aquariva is the perfect model to cruise into Venice like James Bond, the Riva Bellissima is the ideal yacht for a cruise along the Italian Riviera.

Buy a Riva Yacht

Looking to buy a Riva yacht? Contact Northrop & Johnson’s Riva specialists today and find the Riva model that is right for you!

Riva Yachts For Sale

Yacht brokerage news.

Building Your Dream

Our new construction experts will help you navigate the waters to build your dream yacht.

Your Next Yacht is Waiting

Our industry-leading database showcases the largest number of yachts for sale on the market.

Proud to be part of the MarineMax family

© 2024 Northrop & Johnson

Riva yachts for sale

Known for its rich Italian heritage, Riva Yacht is the shipyard behind some of the industry’s most iconic pleasure vessel series, including the Riva Aquarama and the 110′ Dolcevita. Established in 1842 by Pietro Riva, Riva first began making commercial boats before switching to pleasure boats in the 1920s.

Riva yachts: prices, specifications and more

Acquired by Ferretti Group in 2000, Riva offers a broad range of high-quality yachts, ranging in size from 8 metres to 50 metres in length. Solidifying its reputation as one of the leaders in the nautical markets, the shipyard continues to effortlessly blend its Italian craftsmanship and traditions with innovation and cutting-edge technology. With over 175 years of experience under its belt, Riva has been building larger Riva yachts for sale and superyachts for sale such as 100’ Corsaro and the Riva 50METRI featuring its unique Italian pedigree.

Riva 76 Perseo

The perfect sports flybridge pocket yacht for cruising between spectacle destinations in style, the 88′ Domino from Italian shipyard Riva is a feat of design and high performance.

Riva 88 Domino

Riva 66 Ribelle

The 66-foot Ribelle is the pinnacle of Riva’s sport flybridge range and a fitting tribute to the shipyard’s storied history. The 66-foot Ribelle yacht is distinguished by its sophisticated appearance and exhilarating combination of high performance, speed, and technical innovations.

Riva 56 Rivale

Riva’s 56-foot Rivale sporty open cruiser is a standout model since it exemplifies the brand’s signature style. She is the fruit of an ongoing partnership between the Italian design yard Officina Italian Design and the engineering division of the Ferretti Group, and she brings together the greatest features of both companies in a single, stylish package.

Riva 76 Bahamas

Riva 48 Dolceriva

Riva 110′ Dolcevita

The latest addition to Riva’s flybridge series and the yard’s flagship fibreglass model, the 110′ Dolcevita is a true masterpiece in every sense.

Riva 100′ Corsaro

A sleek and elegant flybridge, the Riva 100′ Corsaro effortlessly combines speed, high performance and comfort in one.

Riva 90 Argo

Rivarama Super

An open yacht that truly captures the Italian spirit, the Rivarama Super from the Italian shipyard Riva is the ideal motor yacht for those searching for adventure.

Riva 68′ Diable

The Riva 68′ Diable from the leading Italian shipyard, a sleek and stylish open motor yacht, sets the bar high in her class.

ALLEGRA @ FLIBS - 31.08m

10 Guests in 5 cabins

€12,150,338

GOLD BLACK - 29.85m

Taurus - 28.05m, zuma - 27.43m.

8 Guests in 4 cabins

OXIDANTE - 26.82m

Riva 76' bahamas - 23.19m, regency - 23.16m, recreational use - 23.16m.

8 Guests in 3 cabins

2013 RIVA 75 VENERE SUPER - 22.85m

75' riva 2012 - 22.85m, jacqpot - 20.72m.

6 Guests in 3 cabins

CONTACT OUR TEAM

I accept the Privacy Policy

Interview Anissa Mediouni

Find out an exclusive interview with our managing partner, Anissa Mediouni, on the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day!

MOTOR YACHT AMOHA – SOLD

We’re thrilled to announce the most recent yacht sale, motor yacht Amoha.

MOTOR YACHT ELMA – SOLD

We’re excited to announce the sale of Motor Yacht Elma.

New stunning classic vessel of our sales Fleet

We’re excited to welcome our newest motor yacht to the fleet.

New Sailing member of our sales Fleet

We’re excited to welcome our newest sailing yacht to the fleet.

Privacy Overview