Riva: the Origins of the Legend
In 1842, Pietro Riva founded what was to become a remarkable dynasty of expert craftsmen and designers, pioneers and giants in the history of yachting.
By Museimpresa
1939, left to right, drivers Carmagnani, Guerini, Sestini and Dupuy with Serafino and Carlo Riva.
G.S.C. Riva - Riva boatyard ramps at the Sebino Gran Prix. (1951/1951)Museimpresa
Riva and the origins of the racers legend
Racing boats played an important role in Riva’s evolution. As it does today, racing offered a way to experiment with materials and technologies that would then be adapted and used successfully on recreational boats.
Charting the course to racing boats
It was from his father that Serafino inherited his passion for boats and engines. He was fascinated by speed on the water and became so involved in the first outboard racing competitions that he entered them as both builder and driver.
From victory to victory
In the 1920s the Riva Boatyard stopped producing large vessels and focused exclusively on racing boats. Serafino quickly became the benchmark for all the top powerboat racers of the period, building customised boats for them with extraordinary commitment and attention to detail.
Series-produced boats
The era of Carlo Riva: a legend is born (1950 – 1970)
In 1950, control of the Riva Boatyard was officially transferred to Carlo, Serafino's son, who understood the needs of the time and turned Riva into a synonym for elegance, status and perfection.
G.S.C. Riva - The Tritone on the waterMuseimpresa
Tritone, 1950
Powerful, safe and fast, but also large in size and spacious, Tritone could be used to go on short cruises in complete safety. 8.02 metres in length and 2.62 in the beam, it could accommodate up to 10 passengers in the cockpit and two below deck in the cabin.
Ariston, 1950
Created for more demanding customers, this boat reprised the Corsaro formula but on a larger scale, with a length of 6.52 metres and two rows of seats in the cockpit accommodating six passengers. The lines are essential, measured and without any exaggerated flourishes.
G.S.C. Riva - The Ariston on the waterMuseimpresa
Ariston
The 220 hp engine drives the boat to a top speed of about 70 km/h. In 1968, the Super version was presented, featuring a general upgrade, particularly in terms of its engine and therefore its speed: 80 km/h.
Aquarama
"È la più bella di tutte" - Carlo Riva
Aquarama, 1962
1962 saw the birth of the Aquarama, which was often compared to a Rolls Royce or Ferrari because of its appeal and elegance. Over the years, the model was upgraded on several occasions.
G.S.C. Riva - Aquarama Super (Etna) #208 in navigation by Photographer Anthony HolderMuseimpresa
Aquarama
The first was 8.02 metres in length and fitted with two Chris Craft 8V engines rated 185 hp each, while the subsequent versions were all 8.25 metres in length and equipped with two Riva 8V engines rated 220 hp each.
Aquarama Super
Aquarama Super’s performance moved up to the superlative category, with a top speed of almost 90 km/h.
G.S.C. Riva - Aquarama on the water by Photographer Oliver PilcherMuseimpresa
Aquarama: a legend for over 60 years
Still today, in films, commercials and social media, when the aim is to communicate an idea of navigation that fully expresses the style and glamour of “Made in Italy”, the boat portrayed is the Aquarama.
To learn more about the theme discover: (rivaboutique.it)
Riva Anniversario. A timeless story. Riva Yacht
The fiberglass era and the evolution of the construction site (1970 – 1999)
G.S.C. Riva - Rudy, one of Riva’s first fibreglass models by Photographer Federico PatellaniMuseimpresa
Fiberglass
Carlo Riva was an innovator not only in design and style, but also in materials and technologies. From one of his many trips to America, he brought back his discovery of composite materials, whose potential he was the first to see.
Rudy, 1972
Agile, responsive and very fast, this inboard immediately showed its unmistakable Riva class, despite its modest dimensions. It was the first fibreglass boat that Riva built entirely to its own design, and in Italy.
G.S.C. Riva - Superamerica 45, moored at the Sarnico boatyardMuseimpresa
Superamerica, 1973
The Superamerica was the forerunner of all Riva cabin cruisers over 40 feet and continued the Yard’s experimentation with composite materials. Architect Giorgio Barilani collaborated on this project, which proved to be innovative in terms of both its performance and layout.
Superamerica, 1973
Carlo Pagani, who had studied under the celebrated Gio Ponti, was involved in designing the refined elegance of the interiors.
G.S.C. Riva - Riva 32 Ferrari cruising at speedMuseimpresa
Riva 32 Ferrari, 1990
Designed for people who love to ride the waves at high speed, the Riva 32 Ferrari had an innovative design ahead of its time, incorporating the technology and engineering excellence of both Riva and Ferrari.
Riva 32 Ferrari, 1990
The most important innovation in this model was the use of digital design: the Riva 32 Ferrari was in fact the first boat to be built at the Sarnico yard using 3D modelling software (provided by Ferrari Engineering).
Keep dreaming
"Riva in the Movie is dedicated to those who believe in the magical power of the imagination and human talent" Alberto Galassi. Libro "RIVA IN THE MOVIE" Artwork
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.