classic italian motorboat

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
• Conservation and Philanthropy
• 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
• BOATPro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

6 The most classic Riva launches of all time

The roots of classic Riva yachts go right back to 1842, when a young Pietro Riva began repairing and building yachts on Lake Iseo in northern Italy. But it was his great-grandson, the legendary Carlo Riva , who had the vision to create a range of wooden-hulled speedboats that were to become the epitome of the jet-set era of the 1950s and 1960s.

Carlo Riva was inspired by the products of the American yacht builder Chris-Craft, for which he was an agent, and he used Chris-Craft and Chrysler engines in his classic Riva yachts. We trace the history of the most popular classic Rivas, and round up a few of the most memorable Rivas of all time…

The first twin-engine classic range Riva yacht was the Tritone, in build from 1950-1966. While 221 of the standard Tritone version were delivered, far fewer of the far more desired Super Tritone came into being, with only 21 hitting the water. At nearly eight metres LOA, the Super Tritone was a long, powerful version of Riva’s Tritone, its biggest thus far. The Super Tritone is valued at €200,000-€300,000.

Tritone Special

Riva owners may commonly have been rich and famous, but it was rare to get special treatment; however, Carlo Riva broke his rule in the case of the Como industrialist, champion sailor and Riva patron, Achille Roncoroni. In 1960, Roncoroni persuaded the company to build him a one-off version of the Tritone Special model classic Riva yacht. He wanted the best, fastest and largest Riva ever. What he got was an 8.3 metre wood-clad wonder powered by two high-performance, marinised Cadillac Eldorado V8 engines, each producing 325hp to push the boat to a stunning 60mph. The unique interior had red, white and blue front seats that could be laid flat to let occupants sunbathe away from prying eyes. The dashboard featured sparkling, chrome bezel instruments befitting the Cadillac-powered Special.

Roncoroni used the boat,  Ribot III , mostly on Como, and kept her until 1970 before selling her on to the second owner who has owned this classic Riva ever since. And, true to his word, Carlo Riva ensured  Ribot III  remained a one-off, even turning down a request for a similar craft from King Hussein of Jordan.

The original Riva Aquarama line was delivered from 1962 to 1972. This included first classic Riva Aquarama yacht, of which 288 were sold, and the Super Aquarama, with 203 splashing. The Aquarama Special then emerged, running from 1972 to 1996 with 278 boats built.

The most expensive classic Riva ever built was probably an Aquarama, which crossed the block at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida, back in 2011, for an impressive $975,000. Bidders from around the world competed to own the boat, which was considered extra special, because it was the last of the original, wooden-hulled Rivas to be sold to the public. Hull No 774 was completed in 1996 and delivered new to the founding family of the giant Sony Corporation on 23 December 1998.

Surely the ultimate Christmas present, it was one of six “End of the Era” commemorative editions produced. Its owners, however, clocked up fewer than 20 hours aboard her in 12 years, with their most ambitious voyage being a return trip across Lake Garda for lunch.

The Riva Junior was the late 1960s replacement for the basic Riva Florida. At 5.6 metres, the classic Riva yacht model Junior found fame as the choice of the celebrity set such as Brigitte Bardot and Peter Sellers. The Riva Junior is valued at €30,000-€40,000.

Despite the move into fibreglass — and now superyacht-size yachts even — Riva’s current owner, the Ferretti Group, is still passionate about preserving the essence of classic Riva yachts in its new runabouts. In 2001, a year after Ferretti Group purchased Riva, the Aquariva was launched. This 11-metre yacht was specifically designed as a successor to the inimitable Aquarama. Though built in GRP, her sweet exterior lines and wood detail harken back to the days of a bygone era when the first classic Rivas plied the waters.

Launched in June 2016, the Rivamare is the newest addition to the Riva collection. Despite her effortlessly classic styling, the 11.88 metre Rivamare is packed with modern technology, such as underwater lighting, air conditioning, an electro-hydraulic bimini shade and a Seakeeper NG5 stabiliser.

Sponsored listings

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Best Riva boats: 10 stunning boats from the famous Italian builder

• Top stories

No-one has ever done a better job of making timeless works of art out of mahogany. But there's more to the best Riva boats than just woodworking

Decades after Riva stopped making wooden boats, no-one has ever done a better job of making timeless works of art out of mahogany. But there always was much more to the legendary boatyard than its woodworking skills.

Power, performance and gorgeous looks have always been as crucial to the Riva boat offering as impeccably grain-matched dowels and 12 coats of varnish. And the yard has built some absolute classic motor boats in fibreglass too.

With a history that stretches back into another century, choosing just ten of the best Riva boats to write about is a tricky task but here are my personal favourites from oldest to newest.

Are Riva boats still being built?

For those with only a passing interest in motor boats the name Riva probably conjures up images of the classic Italian styled all-wood muscle boat, cruising on the waters of Lake Como.

But the desirable marque has continued to make motor yachts for many years, often at the forefront of innovation, with new sportsfly and flybridge models being built today – and a number of new more traditionally-styled open boat options too.

Recommended videos for you

Best riva boats: top 10 picks.

Ronzino. Photo: Motor Boat & Yachting

Ronzino – built 1935

If Carlo Riva gave the boatyard the iconic status that we still acknowledge today, it was his father Serafino’s passion for racing hydroplanes that set the ball rolling, back in the 1920s.

Motor boats like the victorious Ronzino, built for Count Metello Rossi, shone the limelight on the Riva brand for the very first time, and set the stage for the famous high-performance runabouts that followed.

Fifteen feet long and powered by an inboard four-cylinder, 145hp, 1.5-litre BPM petrol engine, this Riva boat was built of double-skinned aviation plywood on oak formers.

Riva Tritone. Photo: Motor Boat & Yachting

Riva Tritone – built 1950

Twin-engined and more than 26ft long, the Tritone was a muscleboat before the word had been invented.

The earliest examples sported 177hp engines and had a top speed of 45 knots but the 16-year course of its 258-unit production saw the Tritone grow slightly longer and a lot more powerful, culminating in the Cadillac model with its pair of 320hp V8s.

With a less voluptuous appearance than the fabled Aquarama, which shared its hull, this motor boat is still regarded by many aficionados as the quintessential wooden Riva – powerful, authoritative and effortlessly elegant.

Riva Bertram25 Sport Fisherman. Photo: Motor Boat & Yachting

Riva Bertram 25 Sport Fisherman – built 1970

In 1970 both Riva and Bertram found themselves owned by the Whittaker Corporation.

The synergies weren’t immediately obvious but Carlo Riva knew he had to get into fibreglass boatbuilding and Dick Bertram’s boats had an unequalled reputation for high-speed seakeeping thanks to their race-proven deep-V hulls.

Carlo’s decision to bring a 25 over to Sarnico to fit out as a Mediterranean luxury weekender, with an elevated finish, plenty of interior wood, and a more versatile cockpit design, was a great move and became an instant classic.

Article continues below…

Best Azimut yachts: 7 of the finest models from the famed Italian yard

Riva 76 Perseo Super: Full VIP tour of this stunning Italian icon

Riva 2000. Photo: Motor Boat & Yachting

Riva 2000 – built 1973

Design legend Sonny Levi was not just a superb naval architect and brilliant engineer, he also drew some of the best-looking boats of his era.

When Riva asked him to design a triple-engined sportscruiser powered by his innovative surface drive system, the result was destined to be something special.

The 37ft, two-berth Riva 2000 packed 1,050 horsepower in a 20-degree deep-V hull, and could reach 53 knots fully loaded.

It inspired boatyards on both sides of the Atlantic to up their game, and still turns heads today, 40 years later.

River Rudy. Photo: Motor Boat & Yachting

Riva Rudy – built 1972

Small, fast, fun and gorgeous to look at, the 19ft Rudy speedboat was Riva’s first in-house GRP project, its hull mould taken off a wooden Riva Junior.

With a single 190hp four-cylinder petrol engine and shaft drive, it made an ideal yacht tender, ski-boat or fun runabout, while its stylish looks, 36-knot top speed and big aft sunbed offered all the advantages of the wooden boats without the maintenance headaches.

Riva 50 Superamerica. Photo: Riva 50 SuperAmerica

Riva 50 Superamerica – built 1981

In the days when the London Boat Show was squashed into the original 1930s Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, the biggest boat on display was often the 50ft Riva Superamerica shown by Lewis Marine, behind a red rope and guarded by a uniformed commissionaire.

British boatbuilders at the time had nothing to match it, but as well as picking up some valuable marketing tips, they also saw just how cool and desirable a big flybridge yacht could be.

It took a while, but when Fairline’s 50 came out in 1986 it represented a huge step for UK boatbuilding – its two-tone gelcoat a conscious homage to its Italian inspiration.

Riva Ferrari 32 – built 1988

Early Riva boats sported engines from Chris-Craft and there was at least one Lamborghini-powered Aquarama.

The shipyard was never shy of collaborations with big brands and in the world of high-octane luxury, the Riva Ferrari is top of the list.

So although it’s a shame it didn’t have Ferrari engines, the Riva Ferrari’s twin 390hp BPM V8s with surface drives still pushed it to 53 knots, and it was designed using Ferrari’s CAD software, an idea as advanced for the time as the carbon fibre used for the radar arch.

Only 40 Riva Ferrari 32s were built.

Riva Aquariva. Photo: Motor Boat & Yachting

Riva Aquariva – built 2000

In 1998 Riva was owned by Vickers and wooden boat manufacture had been halted two years before. The yard was floundering, but Stephen Julius, a canny entrepreneur, understood the problem, and the brand.

The result was the Aquariva, 33ft of perfectly proportioned dayboat with all the quality of its predecessors, but in fibreglass.

It paved the way for Riva’s motor boat future, and when Julius sold up in 2000, Ferretti simply had to keep going on the same path.

Riva 76 Perseo. Photo: Motor Boat & Yachting

Riva 76 Perseo – built 2015

Given Riva’s indelible association with fast, open sports machines, it’s easy to forget how pioneering the yard has also been when it comes to the more sensible world of flybridge cruising boats.

And dazzled by the pure allure of the 76 Perseo you might be forgiven for not noticing that it too has an upper helm station, and seating up there for ten – not forgetting the spacious deck saloon and four sleeping cabins down below.

Sensible, however, it isn’t – the Perseo packs up to 3,600hp and can blast along at close to 40 knots.

Riva Rivamarie. Photo: Motor Boat & Yachting

Riva Rivamare – built 2016

The old Riva boat spirit is alive and well in the 39ft Rivamare, a fibreglass reimagining of the legendary Aquarama, complete with a powerful flared bow, wraparound windscreen, sculpted stern and a central walkway up through the sunbed.

Times have changed, though, so it also offers a modern medium-V hull, twin 400hp Volvos on Duoprop drives, a practical galley, air-conditioning and a gyro stabiliser.

But it remains an old-school open boat, without even a radar mast, and it goes as good as it looks.

Grand Banks 62 first look: new yacht set to launch in 2025

New boats at cannes boat show 2024: pershing gtx80, new boats at cannes boat show 2024: wilder 60, latest videos, watch: parker sorrento sea trial: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin, watch: virtue v10 sea trial: €272k weekender, how to mark your anchor chain: 6 top tips from our expert, watch: galeon 560 fly sea trial – the best galeon flybridge you can buy.

Watch CBS News

"La dolce Riva": Italy's classic wooden motorboats

August 14, 2022 / 9:26 AM EDT / CBS News

Alberto Galassi is raving about his Riva, a 1970 wooden Aquarama, formed of cedar from Lebanon and mahogany. The CEO of the Ferretti Group, which now owns the Riva boat brand , he took correspondent Seth Doane on a ride on Italy's picturesque Lake Iseo, racing past Riva's factory.

"Riva is beyond boating; Riva is a myth," Galassi said of the classic Riva speedboats, which have been in the hands of royalty, movie stars, rock stars and tycoons. "Let's be honest. I mean, when you say, 'I have a Ferrari,' you need to say you 'have a car'? Everybody knows what a Ferrari is. Riva is the same thing."

Riva's Aquarama, designed by Carlo Riva, debuted in 1962 during the glamorous la dolce vita years of Italy's post-war boom. Stars including Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor owned Rivas, and the boat itself played a supporting role in dozens of films , from "It Started in Naples" and "Oceans Twelve" to "Men in Black: International."

And talk about product placement: Riva was featured in Portofino this May, shuttling guests at the latest Kardashian wedding. "They are the new Sophia Loren," Galassi said. "They talk to the new generation. Why not? Times are changing."

And times have changed for the company. While these wooden classics may be the spirit of Riva, the real money today is in super-yachts, which Galassi says account for around 70-percent of Riva sales.

Doane asked, "But how do you keep that sense of what made you famous in that super-size?"

"That's our challenge," Galassi said. "That's in details. Details that remind you of the previous models, the style. It's bloody difficult job, I can tell you!"

Some of those original design choices are still echoed decades later in the new Anniversario model. It's a limited-edition tribute to the Aquarama, which Riva stopped producing in 1996, spawning a new business: maintenance, the costly process of keeping them up.

Richard Freebody showed Doane a 1963 Riva, drydocked for a tune-up at his boatyard on the Thames near London. 

Doane asked, "What's different about a Riva from another wooden boat?"

"That evocative feeling of the Sixties, and the glamour attached," he replied. "It is the design. They were sort of the equivalent of a lovely Cadillac on the water."

Freebody's company makes its own wooden boats, but with some updates. Electric models still have more traditional details, and extras, such as a picnic drawer, "which is becoming quite a must-have," he said.

"Everything you need for a picnic?" asked Doane.

"Even a cake knife, for those afternoon teas by the river."

"Very English!"

Back in Italy, at Riva, Doane saw some of that same attention to detail, as Fabrizio Sonzogno sanded wood for the Anniversario, which will get 20 coats of varnish. 

Doane asked, "How do you feel when working on a Riva?"

"It's beautiful, because this is the spirit of the wood – you can feel it," Sonzogno replied.

Alberto Galassi is working to keep Riva's spirit alive, though he notes they'll never make an Aquarama again, saying it would be a sin to try.

"It's a masterpiece," he told Doane. "In Italy we are obsessed, I would say, with beauty. Sometimes I say that we are condemned to beauty."

"'Condemned'?"

"Condemned! Because we live around beauty. We're surrounded by beauty. Something is not nice-looking, something is not beautiful? It gives us shock. So, we can't live without."

Sadly, most us will have to live without a Riva. One example, nearly 50 years old, has gone up in value to roughly three-quarters of a million dollars.

But for a few minutes, it was still pretty sweet to get a taste of la dolce Riva .

      For more info:

• riva-yacht.com
• Riva Boats at Antique Boat America
• Riva at Boat International
• Restoring a Riva Wooden Boat (Bellini Nautica)
• Peter Freebody & Co. (Boatbuilders of the Thames)

      Story produced by Mikaela Bufano. Editor: Karen Brenner. 

More from CBS News

"Siri, what the heck?" David Sedaris on talking to one's devices

The electric-plane future is about to take off

Saving Walden Pond: How a treasured landmark is under threat

"N/A" playwright Mario Correa on the power of removing labels from politics

BoatNews.com

Riva : A collection of the famous Italian motorboats in varnished wood to discover

Riva Yachts is famous around the world, first for its wooden motorboats and then for its luxurious yachts. To trace the history of the brand, a permanent collection at the International Museum of Vintage Boats on Lake Como allows you to discover seven iconic models.

To make discover the "Dolce Vita

The famous Italian yacht brand Riva has inaugurated in October 2021 in partnership with the Fondazione Museo Barca Lariana, a 300 m2 space dedicated to the exhibition of seven of its iconic boats from the 1930s, embodying the "dolce vita". This permanent exhibition space, designed by architect Paolo Albano, can be seen at the International Museum of Vintage Boats on Lake Como, in Pianello del Lario.

Seven iconic boat models

At the heart of the exhibition is the Aquarama, whose lines brought Italian style to the yachting world and to the collective imagination. There are also several special models such as HaLu, one of the Riva's from the 1930's designed while Serafino Riva was still at the head of the shipyard. HaLu is probably the oldest and best preserved vintage Riva in the world.

The two Riva Series R models, the first to be built on a small production line, date from a few years later, as does the very rare Guzzi-powered car. A Riva Florida with special Scottish Madras upholstery is also on display. Visitors can also admire a series of traditional molds used for the production of the hulls.

A collection of objects and a film

At the heart of the museum's bookstore is the Riva Brand Experience collection of unique clothing and accessories, design objects and original collectibles. Among the latest additions is "Riva In The Movie", a book that tells the story of more than 50 films in which the brand's famous boats appear alongside movie stars. The short film of the same name, presented at the 77th Venice International Film Festival, is also being shown at the museum .

Recall the birth of the brand

This room is a tribute to Serafino Riva, famous for his fast racing boats and to his son Carlo Riva. It also recalls the birth of the prestigious brand in 1842. Pietro Riva was born in Laglio in 1822 and, following an encounter with a fisherman whose boat he skillfully repaired during a storm , the latter asked him to go to Sarnico to repair two other boats. This is how he became known and founded the Riva shipyard in 1842.

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

• Classic Driver
• Forgot password
• Newsletters
• Language English Deutsch
• Currency Select AUD CHF CNY DKK EUR GBP HKD INR JPY NZD SEK SGD USD
• Collectibles
• Real Estate
• CD Works Agency
• For sale CD Shop Magazine Auctions Sell

Riva for sale

Choose your Riva model

Read the latest articles about riva, 3 riva for sale.

• en it 中文 es ru fr pt ja de
• discover the legend history lifestyle riva destinations Riva - The movies
• yachts Open Sportfly flybridge dealer network Preowned
• superyachts division 50 metri 54 metri project a vision come true
• news and events
• store riva boutique scale models
• discover the legend
• riva destinations
• Riva - The movies
• dealer network
• superyachts division

• riva boutique
• scale models

82' Diva New

102' Corsaro Super

110' Dolcevita

130' Bellissima New

El-Iseo New

Anniversario - Limited 1 of 18 - New

Aquariva Super

76' Bahamas Super

88' Florida

66' Ribelle

76' Perseo Super

88' Folgore

Salone Nautico di Genova 2024

Riva is pleased to welcome you to the Salone Nautico di Genova from 19 to 24 September 2024.

September 10 - 15 2024

Cannes Yachting Festival 2024

July 15 2024

"RIVA PER SEMPRE. A history of achievements and innovation”: on air from July 16 on Sky Arte.

July 11 2024

A Riva-style summer in Andalusia: the new Riva Lounge opens in Puerto Banús.  

July 10 2024

Ferretti Group at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show 2024.

• 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

One of the most beautiful motorboats ever built is for sale — for $600,000

A classic Italian motorboat — of a type widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ever built — will cross the block in May at an RM Sotheby's auction in Monaco.

The 1974 Riva Aquarama Special "Lealena," one of only 769 Aquaramas constructed, is a twin-V8 powered wooden runabout. The hull is lined in varnished mahogany, and the boat was powered by two engines from either Cadillac or Chrysler.

The name was inspired by the Cinerama, a wraparound movie theater format from which the boat takes it elegantly curved windscreen. It was an instant hit among the newly wealthy of the jet-set era.

Ferruccio Lamborghini was a customer — he had his refitted with two V12 engines from his 350 GT road car.

The auction house has not released an official sale estimate for the boat yet, but here is a list of similar Aquarama Specials on Yachtworld, all for north of $600,000.

Here's a look at the boat for sale in Monaco.

The 1974 Riva Aquarama.

The hull is lined in varnished mahogany.

Two keys for two engines. Carlo Riva was noted for an obsession with quality, which is evident in the many, many details — just look at that leather steering wheel!

The boats heavily featured bespoke chrome fittings.

At the back, a leather-lined sunning area covers twin engines — beautiful in their own right.

This example, one of 277 Aquarama Specials built, looks well taken care of.

The sale price of "Lealena" has yet to be announced by the auction house, but similar models are listed for over $600,000.

And this is certainly an excellent example of one of the most beautiful boats in the world.

• Main content

Colombo 33 Sogno, the classic Italian speedboat is back

• December 12, 2022
• No Comments

THE PERFECT GIFT!

Give or treat yourself to a subscription to Boats in Motion print + digital and for only 39 euros a year you get the magazine at home plus read it on your PC, smartphone and tablet. With a sea of advantages.

Columbus 33 Dream

Columbus 33 Dream – Blanket

Columbus 33 Dream – DMV

Data Sheet – Colombo 33 Dream

• Lenght a.o.: 9.99 m
• Beam: 3.03 m
• Decorations: teak and mahogany glossy varnished
• Construction material: fiberglass
• Dry displacement: 5,400 kg
• Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta gasoline V6 250 hp / 280 hp gasoline V8 300 hp / 350 hp / diesel D4 270 hp
• Top speed: 40 knots
• Maximum number of people On board: 10
• Maximum capacity: 1000 kg
• CE category: B
• Base price: €302,000.00 VAT not included
• Cantieri di Sarnico Srl Viale degli Abruzzi 25 25031 Capriolo (BS)
• Tel: +39 0307461165 Fax: +39 0307461704
• www.colomboboats.it
• [email protected]

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Are you already a subscriber?

• Read your magazine from your pc here! >>
• Renew your subscription >>
• Reset your account password >>

Sign up for our Newsletter

Join the Sailing Newspaper Club

Powerboats, its stories, from small open to motoryachts. Sign up now for our free newsletter and receive the best news selected by the editorial staff each week. Enter your email below, agree to the Privacy Policy and click the “sign me up” button.

You may also be interested in.

The new issue of Motor Boats magazine No. 39 is now on newsstands and digital

Boat Shows, here is the magazine that will accompany you in your search for the perfect boat for you. Dear readers, the September issue is now on newsstands and digital! What are the best new products for 2025 from 3

USED BOATS Sell two cabin cruisers from 8 to 12 meters.

It is never too early or too late to think about your next boat. In our classifieds section are two new 8- to 12-meter boats, both cabin cruisers. Whether your goal is short cruises or day trips, you will find

Cannes 2024, 8 boats not to be missed (14 – 16 m)

Cannes Yachting Festival 2024The Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 is getting closer andcloser, and with the event taking place from September 10 to 15, we want to offer you another overview of the boats that, in our opinion, would be worth

Do you have a boat over 25 years old? Celebrate it with us in the “Classic Boat” column.

You have a Classic Boat, a historic boat built before 1999, and therefore more than 25 years old? Perfect, this news is especially for you. Motor Boatshas launched a campaign to celebrate and highlight so many of these great boats,

Classic Boats Venice

Boat rental in venice & the lagoon adventure.

CBV is the first and only classic  boat rental in Venice .

Choose your Vintage Boat Tour

Select a Boat & Book your Tour

Classic Boats Venice is pleased every day to offer delighted customers the chance to see Venice from the Venetian perspective: from its sea. As the premier  boat rental in Venice , our team provides guests all the tools they will need to have a perfect day out.

ITALIAN VINTAGE YACHT

Built by one of Italy’s leading shipyards, Cantiere di Pisa, after a design by the renowned architect..    Up to 12          From 1968 Jandona

A LOVE STORY

This gorgeous motorboat, built in 1938 in Sweden and designed by Carl Gustav Pettersson..    Up to 8          From 1938 Sweet Molly

VINTAGE BOAT

This unique craft was specially commissioned in 1992 from the Hacker Boat Company as a replica..    Up to 8          From 1992 Tender to Talitha G

RIVA SUPER FLORIDA

The name Riva says it all in motorboat sophistication and prestige. This boat built in 1958..    Seats 4 + Driver          From 1958 Chiara

A one of a kind boat from Riva built in 1972. This boat offers a sporty opportunity to have fun in the..    Persons: 3 + Driver          From 1972 San Mauro

A 129-YEAR-OLD BEAUTY

Originally used as an Admiral’s launch, this ship was built in England in 1894..    Up to 12          From 1894 HYBRID ENGINE Lady Betty

This beautiful motorboat was built in the early 1980s in Venice by Cantiere di Crea as a guest..    Up to 8          From 1980 Fata Buona

This beautiful Venetian motorboat, built in 1968 in Venice and designed and built by The Oscar Shipyard..    Up to 11          From 1968 La Trota

WOODEN FISHING TRAWLER

This beautiful all wooden fishing trawler, was built in 1978 in Bordeaux, France..    Up to 20          From 1978 Nobody's Perfect

A FEW PICTURES FROM  BOAT RENTAL IN VENICE  & LAGOON ADVENTURE

Don't Miss Our Special Offers!

DISCOVER & TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SEASONAL OFFERS

CBV In The Press

Testimonials

Get in touch.

[email protected]

Do you have any questions? You can give a look to the F.A.Q., send us an email, or write your requests in the form below: we will be pleased to answer you as soon as possible.

• I agree to your Privacy Policy .

Follow us on

Explore the most beautiful lagoon of Venice its hidden spots and secret beauties with classical handcrafted boats!

Telephone: +39 041 5236720

Email: [email protected]

• I consent to your Privacy Policy

2024 Classic Boats Venice S.R.L. di C.G.Z. Beteiligungs GmbH – Website by K Web , Digital Marketing by Zeri Marketing , Graphics by  Cari’z Design , Photos by  Vimala Rubens  | Check our  Privacy & Cookie Policy

• Ship Models
• Handmade wooden models
• Ships Models Milan Store

• +39 0270128513

No products in the cart.

Return to shop

• Cruise Ships
• Cargo Ship Models
• Ship models on Sale
• Galleons and Sailing Ships
• America’s Cup Sailboats
• Antique Ships
• Fishing Boats
• Search for:

Receive our best deals!

Showing all 5 results

Classic Italian Speedboat

Classic Italian motorboat wooden model already assembled, available in different size and combinations.

Ferrari Hydroplane model

Already assembled speedboat Ferrari Arno Hydroplane wooden model.

Italian Speedboats Models

Three classic Italian speedboat models already assembled in every detail, shipping in 24h worldwide from our Italian shop.

Ship Model Yacht Manhattan Sunseeker

Already assembled yacht wooden model.

Graupner ship model

Already assembled wooden speedboat Graupner, shipping in 24h worldwide from our shop in Milan, Italy.

FREE shipping in 24 hours for orders in Italy from as low as 60 €! Dismiss