The yard
Riva is the oldest name in Italian yachting. The yard was founded on Lake Iseo in 1842, and the mahogany Aquarama of the 1960s made it the most recognisable boat in the world. Riva has belonged to the Ferretti Group since 2000, and every current model is drawn by Officina Italiana Design. The line runs from the 8-metre Iseo to the 50-metre Riva 50Metri, built at the group's superyacht yard at La Spezia. What holds it together is the detail: the lacquer, the steel, the proportions.
The models buyers look for
The open and coupé models, Aquariva, Rivamare and Dolceriva, are the day boats owners buy for pleasure rather than need. From 76 feet, the flybridge and sport-fly yachts, Perseo, Folgore, 90 Argo and the 110 Dolcevita, are where most of the Dubai market sits: a yacht the owner drives or has crewed, with the finish of a Riva. The Riva superyachts, 50 metres in aluminium, are rare on the brokerage market and watched closely.
Buying a Riva
A Riva's value lies in its finish, so the survey looks at what other yachts take for granted: the lacquer and the metalwork, the condition of the leather and the woodwork inside, and the record of the yard's own maintenance. Engine hours and the service history of the drives follow. We attend viewings with you, brief an independent surveyor and follow the sea trial before any commitment.
Keeping a Riva in Dubai
A Riva is a yacht to be seen in, and Dubai suits it. Berthing, crew and maintenance follow the purchase, and the exterior finishes need regular care under this sun, which we build into the plan. For other builders, see yachts for sale in Dubai.