Riva has unveiled a new chapter in its design legacy with the Aquariva Special – a refreshed version of the brand’s most storied model, balancing heritage and modern innovation. The 10.07 metre craft builds on over two decades of production and carries forward the spirit of the iconic Aquarama.
“True to the proportions and harmonious lines that made the boat so famous, the Aquariva Special interacts with Riva’s current design language to achieve a perfect balance between heritage and contemporary style,” says Mauro Micheli, co-founder of Officina Italiana Design, which has designed all Riva models for more than 30 years.
Micheli, and fellow designer Sergio Beretta, developed the Aquariva Special in collaboration with Riva’s strategic product committee, led by Piero Ferrari, and the Ferretti Group engineering department. The brief was to update the model’s timeless appeal with practical and technical refinements.
“It has pure Riva DNA in it,” CEO Alberto Galassi told Cannes Yachting Festival during a media launch, noting that when companies update small iconic boats “it’s very easy to make a disaster. It’s very easy to complicate,” but that he’s delighted with the results. “I can promise you, everybody will look at you and stare at you,” he said.
Among the most noticeable changes is a completely redesigned windscreen, giving the boat a more streamlined silhouette. The stern swim platform has been widened and re-shaped for comfort, while a new handrail and cleat design dip a nod to the previous Aquariva Super. A smooth, skylight-free deck and reimagined bow navigation lights echo design cues from the 2022 Riva Anniversario edition.
Inside, the cockpit takes on the feel of a waterside lounge. A U-shaped sofa upholstered in Sky fabric surrounds a central table that converts into a sunbed, while an electro-hydraulic bimini top provides shade. The helm can be fitted with analogue or digital instrumentation, including up to two Boening displays, and a joystick option simplifies close-quarters manoeuvring.
A major technical advance is the option to fit a Seakeeper NG6 gyroscopic stabiliser, made possible by the switch to infusion hull lamination, which reduces weight without compromising strength. Humphree interceptors now replace traditional trim flaps, improving stability at speed.
Powered by twin 370 hp Yanmar 8LV engines with two-speed gearboxes, the Aquariva Special reaches 40.5 knots and cruises comfortably at 36 knots. The model premiered in Petrol Blue, a colour long favoured by Riva owners.
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