Whether steering a meticulously crafted Aquarama across the serene waters of Lake Garda or cruising quietly in the electric El-Iseo near Portofino, Riva enthusiasts are not merely enjoying a journey; they are becoming part of a storied tradition.
Mention the name Riva, and visions of their iconic mahogany Aquarama immediately come to mind. These boats are timeless, their silhouette a classic, with owners as legendary as the vessels themselves. Since Carlo Riva introduced his stunning runabout in 1962, during the glamorous era of the Côte d’Azur, European celebrities like Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, and Alain Delon basked in the sun aboard their Rivas, cementing the Aquarama as a symbol of European elegance. When Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were captured in theirs, the sleek boat’s iconic status was forever etched into American culture.
With its graceful lines, polished mahogany body, chrome accents, and twin V8 engines humming like an Aston Martin DB5, the Aquarama was more than a boat-it was a dream on water. It’s hard to delve into Riva’s history without invoking images of James Bond and the essence of la dolce vita.
The Origins of a Legacy
Few realize that the epic tale of Riva began with a storm. In 1842, a fierce tempest ravaged the shores of Lake Iseo in northern Italy, leaving devastation in its path. Enter Pietro Riva, a young and determined boatbuilder from Laglio. With skill and typical Italian tenacity, Pietro repaired the damaged fishing boats, impressing the locals and starting a family legacy. By the early 1900s, the Riva name was synonymous with elegant, sturdy wooden boats gliding across Italy’s lakes.
Evolution and Innovation
As decades passed, Pietro’s descendant, Serafino, transformed the company from a local boatworks into a racing powerhouse. However, the true revolution came in the 1950s when Serafino’s son, Carlo, took the helm. With a rare blend of engineering brilliance and aesthetic passion, Carlo elevated Riva boats from charming lake cruisers to unforgettable cinematic masterpieces. Under his leadership, Riva became a must-have for the international elite, with stars like Sean Connery and George Clooney adding to its allure.
With its graceful lines, polished mahogany body, chrome accents, and twin V8 engines humming like an Aston Martin DB5, the Aquarama was more than a boat-it was a dream on water.
A New Era with Ferretti Group
In 1969, seeking freedom from industrial pressures, Carlo stepped away, and the Riva brand changed hands several times. In 2000, it found a perfect home with Italy’s Ferretti Group. By blending modern marine technology with the timeless elegance of Riva’s golden era, Ferretti has expanded Riva into a full luxury fleet, from sleek 27-foot runabouts to grand 100-foot-plus superyachts.
“The Aquarama is undoubtedly a legend, part of our DNA. Its spirit is ever-present in everything we design,” says Riva’s Chief Sales Officer Custom Business Giordano Pellacani. “Yet, we are always evolving.”
Embracing the Future
While maintaining its artisanal roots, Riva embraces the future with enthusiasm. The Riva Isco Super, a 27-footer with 400 horsepower, channels Aquarama DNA with a design perfect for a weekend in Portofino. Meanwhile, the new El-Iseo offers a fully electric experience, combining sustainability with elegance. This quiet cruiser is for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying luxury.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Riva 70 Metri, a 230-foot floating mansion, is under construction. “With the 70 Metri project, Riva is entering a new chapter,” Pellacani adds. “A bold evolution that redefines what a Riva can be, while staying true to the soul of the brand.”
The Riva Lifestyle
The 70 Metri is more than a yacht; it’s a statement-a blend of advanced engineering, Italian luxury, and nautical fantasy. While details remain scarce due to the privacy of superyacht owners, Pellacani reveals that designers Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta have endowed the superyacht with exceptional light and spatial properties. “This yacht doesn’t just offer luxury; it offers a spatial experience that feels curated, immersive, and timeless,” Pellacani continues. Highlights include a bespoke Bang & Olufsen audio system and a hybrid propulsion system.
Riva is not just about boats; it’s about a lifestyle. The brand has expanded its presence in the most desirable locations. The Riva Private Deck on Lake Como, within the Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio, offers guests a taste of the Riva experience. Riva Lounges in Palma de Mallorca and Bodrum, Turkey, provide design-forward spaces for the yacht set, blending Mediterranean vibes with Riva’s signature style.
Riva is about a feeling-a blend of freedom and sophistication in one perfect moment. Whether navigating a handcrafted Aquarama on Lake Garda, enjoying a drink at a Riva Lounge in Mallorca, or silently cruising in the electric El-Iseo near Portofino, you’re not just on a journey. You’re part of a legacy.
This article originally appeared in Maxim’s September/October 2025 issue. Follow Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher on Instagram at @nickstecher and @boozeoftheday.
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