The birth in 1842 …
The Riva shipyard has a storied origin dating back to 1842 when the master shipwright Pietro Riva established it on the western shore of Lake Iseo, in the picturesque town of Sarnico. The catalyst for this venture was a fierce and unexpected storm that wreaked havoc on the local fishing boats. In a remarkable display of skill and dedication, Pietro Riva not only repaired many of these vessels but also restored the community’s faith and hope.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the Riva legacy, a legend that continues to thrive in the exquisite motorboats produced by the Riva shipyard. This heritage has been shaped by the craftsmanship and vision of Pietro Riva, his son Ernesto, and his grandson, the ingenious engineer Carlo Riva. Carlo’s exceptional foresight and creativity transformed the Riva shipyard from a successful enterprise into a symbol of Italian nautical excellence and design.
Under Carlo Riva’s leadership, the shipyard evolved into a beacon of elegance and innovation, setting new standards in luxury boating. His contributions turned the Riva name into a masterpiece synonymous with timeless beauty and unparalleled quality in the maritime world.
The Thirties…
The 1930s were transformative years for the Riva shipyard, marking significant milestones and the birth of its future visionary, engineer Carlo Riva. This decade saw the launch of the shipyard’s first creations, celebrated for their elegance and distinctive design, setting Riva apart in the luxury boating world.
Key to this success was Ernesto Riva, son of the founder Pietro Riva, who introduced the use of internal combustion engines in Riva boats. This groundbreaking innovation allowed for the development of larger vessels capable of transporting goods and passengers across Lake Iseo. Ernesto’s forward-thinking approach paved the way for Riva to expand its capabilities and reputation.
After the Great War, Serafino Riva, a leading figure in the company, shifted the focus from transport boats to high-performance motorboats. This strategic move positioned Riva at the forefront of the maritime sports world. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Riva motorboats set new records and achieved numerous victories in both national and international competitions, earning a reputation for exceptional performance and craftsmanship.
Serafino’s leadership and vision during these pivotal years laid the groundwork for Riva’s future success. His dedication helped establish Riva as a leading name in luxury and competitive boating, a legacy that continues to this day.
Riva’s journey from its early innovations in the 1930s to its celebrated status in the world of luxury motorboats showcases a remarkable evolution in design and engineering. The company’s commitment to excellence has made it an enduring icon in the maritime industry.
Carlo Riva’s age… the great Sixties
“Designed with love, born strong and pure as a purebred horse. Unforgettable! My lord of the sea”
The introduction of the Riva Triton, the shipyard’s first twin-engine motorboat, and the Sebino, which marked the start of mass production, paved the way for the Florida model. Capturing the American spirit, the Florida became a favorite during the 1950s.
However, it was in November 1962 that the Riva Aquarama debuted and solidified its legendary status. As Carlo Riva’s most celebrated creation, the Aquarama quickly became the flagship icon of the Riva brand. With only 789 units ever produced, each individually numbered, the Aquarama stood out with its distinctive stern design that seamlessly integrated the hull, deck, and transom into a single sculptural form. This design set a new standard in luxury boating, exemplifying both artistry and innovation.
By 1969, the Riva Aquarama had become synonymous with elegance and the spirit of “Dolce Vita.” The launch slogan, “Sun, sea, joy of life!” perfectly encapsulated the essence of the Aquarama experience—a luxury accessible to a select few, given its price of 10,800,000 lire. The Aquarama was not just a motorboat; it symbolized a dream lifestyle that captivated many.
Today, the Riva Aquarama retains the glamour and allure of its heyday. It evokes memories of paparazzi culture, glamorous divas with scarves, and the luxurious love stories that graced magazine pages. This timeless appeal is perpetuated by its illustrious owners, including celebrities like Anita Ekberg, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, King Hussein of Jordan, Gunter Sachs, the Shah of Persia, Prince Rainier, Tonino Lamborghini, and modern stars like George Clooney and Elle MacPherson. Notably, Carlo Riva himself owned the final Aquarama produced, the Lipicar, symbolizing his enduring connection to this iconic model.
The Riva Aquarama continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece of nautical design, embodying the luxury, style, and emotion that have defined the Riva legacy for decades.
Next in line is another classic, the Tritone. Designed and produced following the success of the Ariston, the Tritone marked a significant leap forward in engineering with its pioneering twin-engine propulsion system. This advancement set a new standard in performance and versatility for Riva boats.
Following the Tritone, we have the Super Florida, introduced in the 1960s. This model, although inspired by the allure of distant worlds, drew heavily on American influences, capturing the imagination with its connection to Hollywood glamour. Riva took cues from popular American boat designs of the era, infusing them with the distinctive elegance and craftsmanship of Italian design, resulting in another triumph for the brand.
Finally, there is the Riva Saint-Tropez, a model that debuted in the early 1970s and was produced until the end of 1992. This boat exemplified Riva’s ability to blend style and innovation, remaining a symbol of luxury throughout its production run.
Whether classic or modern, each of these boats embodies the enduring spirit and craftsmanship of Riva, maintaining their status as timeless icons in the world of luxury motorboats.
Riva and Lamborghini
The Riva Aquarama is widely regarded as one of the finest motorboats ever built. Its allure was so strong that even Ferruccio Lamborghini, the renowned founder of the illustrious Italian car manufacturer, was captivated by this maritime masterpiece. He decided to purchase one, but with a unique stipulation: he wanted it fitted with two Lamborghini V12 engines. With the agreement of engineer Carlo Riva, this special customization was made, blending the power of Lamborghini with the elegance of Riva, creating a truly exceptional boat.
Riva and Ferrari
In 2016, Riva expanded its legacy to the realm of road racing by becoming the official sponsor of the Ferrari team in the Formula 1 World Championship. The iconic Riva logo, distinguished by its aquamarine color, prominently adorned the helmets of drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.
This partnership marked the reunion of two legendary brands, both celebrated for their excellence and innovation. It was reminiscent of their collaboration in the 1990s, when Riva and Ferrari joined forces to create the Riva Ferrari 32 and its special edition. Together, they redefined performance and luxury, both on the circuits and on the seas, continuing their legacy of unparalleled craftsmanship and passion.
