Sport/Open Yachts, Motor Yachts, Model Series
From 8m (26’) to 50m (164’)
Planing, Semi-Displacement, Displacement
New Build, Warranty, Maintenance
Riva Yachts has shaped the face of luxury yachting for over 180 years. Founded by Pietro Riva in 1842 on Lake Iseo, the shipyard began as a wooden boat workshop and grew into a hallmark of elegance on the water. By the mid-20th century, its polished mahogany runabouts were a favorite among celebrities and style leaders, admired as much for their lines as their performance. That legacy still defines the brand today.
Now under the Ferretti Group, Riva builds across three Italian sites: Sarnico, La Spezia, and Ancona. The current range spans 27’ (8.24m) to 177’2” (54m), divided into four families, Open, Sportfly, Flybridge, and Superyachts. Each model reflects a shared design language developed with Officina Italiana Design. Whether it’s a compact dayboat or a full-displacement flagship, the lines are unmistakable: low-slung, sculpted, and unmistakably Riva. It's a look that hasn’t lost its edge.
Materials are selected based on build scale, GRP for smaller yachts, aluminum and steel for larger models. Key builds include Folgore, Bellissima, and the flagship 54 Metri. Through its Riva Classiche division, the brand also supports restoration and long-term care, helping owners preserve both condition and character over time.
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Riva Yachts
An Overview of the Shipyard's History, Specialty, Iconic Builds, and Partnerships
Shipyard History
Riva Yachts, renowned for its timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship, boasts a rich and illustrious history that spans over a century. Founded in 1842 by Pietro Riva, the shipyard initially specialized in building fishing boats and small wooden vessels in Sarnico, on the shores of Lake Iseo in northern Italy.
Pietro's son, Ernesto Riva, inherited his father's passion for boatbuilding and took the company to new heights. In the early 20th century, Ernesto began incorporating innovative designs and advanced techniques into Riva's production process, transforming the shipyard into a symbol of excellence and luxury.
However, it was in the 1950s and 1960s that Riva Yachts truly made its mark on the world stage. Carlo Riva, Ernesto's son, helmed the shipyard during this period and revolutionized the concept of pleasure boating. He introduced the iconic Aquarama model, a masterpiece that epitomized style and glamour. The Aquarama became a symbol of the Dolce Vita lifestyle, attracting celebrities, aristocrats, and prominent figures from around the globe.
In 2000, Riva Yachts joined the Ferretti Group, a prestigious conglomerate renowned for its portfolio of renowned yacht brands. This union further strengthened Riva's capabilities and global presence, enabling the shipyard to reach new horizons while preserving its timeless heritage.
Shipyard Specialty
Riva Yachts has long been revered for its specialty in crafting exquisite luxury motor yachts that embody the epitome of elegance and performance. With a meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, Riva sets itself apart as a true master of the art of yacht building.
Riva's specialty lies in its ability to seamlessly blend timeless design with cutting-edge technology. Each yacht is meticulously designed to captivate the senses, with sleek lines, graceful curves, and a harmonious balance of form and function. Riva's design philosophy embraces a perfect harmony between traditional craftsmanship, modern innovation and cutting-edge technology, resulting in yachts that exude an effortless sophistication that stands the test of time. Riva Yachts specialises in creating masterpieces that seamlessly merge timeless design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance.
Notable deliveries and models
Riva has a rich history of creating iconic yachts that have left an enduring mark on the luxury yachting industry, beginning with the legendary AQUARAMA introduced in the 1960s.
The shipyard’s range spans three lines. The Open line includes the Aquariva Special, Rivamare, Dolceriva and 68' Diable, as well as the electric El-Iseo, bringing Riva’s signature design language to a new generation of propulsion. The Sportfly line comprises the 66' Ribelle, 76' Perseo Super and 88' Folgore, while the flybridge range includes the 82' Diva, the 96' Argo Super, the 102' Corsaro Super and the 112' Dolcevita Super, which combines elegant Italian styling with advanced technology and generous living spaces, and is topped by the 130' Bellissima, the largest flybridge model built by Riva. Riva’s largest yachts come from its Superyachts Division: the 49.9m KINSHIP won the Most Achieved Trophy (50–82m) at the 2019 World Yachts Trophies, and the 54.8m SAIRU, delivered in 2026, is the largest Riva ever built.
Design collaborations on models and projects
Riva has a long tradition of working with leading designers and engineers, an approach that has shaped some of the most recognizable yachts in the brand’s history.
Founded by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, Officina Italiana Design has served as Riva’s exclusive design studio since 1994. The studio has been instrumental in shaping the modern Riva identity, creating acclaimed models including the Aquariva, Rivarama, Dolcevita, Folgore and Bellissima, as well as the 50Metri and 54Metri superyachts, all distinguished by elegant proportions, refined detailing and a strong connection to the brand’s heritage.
The studio works alongside the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, which integrates advanced naval architecture, engineering solutions and onboard technologies throughout the model range, so that each Riva pairs its styling with dependable performance at sea. Together, these teams give every Riva, from the Aquariva to the 54Metri, a consistent design language and technical standard.
IYC has a long history of selling Riva yachts, so get in touch for advice from one of the expert IYC team.