A Tribute to Carlo Riva

Alberto Galassi, CEO of the Ferretti Group summed up the loss of this master craftsman, a force in boating to the very end: "Carlo Riva has left us, the greatest of them all. The world has lost a brilliant creator of boats, a master of style, a giant in Italy's industrial and business history."

Riva was founded by Carlo's great-grandfather Pietro in 1842 and Carlo joined the company as a young man. In 1954, he presided over the construction of the futuristic new Riva shipyard and transformed our attitude to boats and boating. No longer the preserve of transport or to be enjoyed by a few in competitive sports, boats, to Carlo Riva, were attainable objects of luxury for pure pleasure.

Under his guidance, the Riva brand was elevated to a global status symbol, truly epitomizing 'la dolce vita'. The now iconic models such as Tritone, Sebino Florida Aquarama and Ariston gained popularity with celebrities and royalty, among them Sophia Loren, Sean Connery, Brigitte Bardot and Paul Belmondo were just some of the famous fans of the craft.

"Carlo taught us the meaning of vision, creativity and passion. His vision and inexhaustible energy make him the leading personality in the 20th century yachting world, a man whose extraordinary creations have already become legends. Carlo Riva's boats will always be the finest in the world. A source of inspiration to all of us who feel a strong sense of responsibility for the stewardship of and for taking forward into the future the leading brand in the world of yachting."

Carlo Riva is credited with pioneering the first fibreglass boats in 1969. There is no doubt, he would have approved of the new 100' Corsaro, its robust lines and seafaring spirit.

Just weeks after the death of Carlo Riva at age 95, the Ferretti Group hosted the launch of its new maxi flybridge, the luxury motor yacht, the Riva 100' Corsaro in Aberdeen, Hong Kong. For the parent company, Ferretti, the debut of the Riva 100' Corsaro was a source of pride and satisfaction. Mr Galassi said "This unique, important début fully expresses our desire to tackle new challenges and reach new milestones, in the precious spirit we inherited from the inimitable genius who was Carlo Riva.

At 29-metres, the Riva 100' Corsaro is a milestone model, hailed by owner company Ferretti Group as "a new, exciting chapter in the history of a legendary brand that is celebrating the 175th anniversary of its founding this year".

The first Riva model to be launched in Asia, the new fast-planing mega yacht was designed by Officina Italiana Design and boasts a sporty, sharp profile – its name 'Corsaro' means Bucaneer, evoking mystique, daring and flamboyance.

It has already found success. Ferretti announced that prior to its launch, seven of these super yachts had been sold and the entire production for 2017 allocated.

Ferretti envisages this craft as the successor to many legendary luxury yachts under the Riva brand, packed with features that reflect its DNA and extend the brand into new territory.

At the rear, an innovation for Riva in a fold-out garage that creates a Beach Club at water level. The hydraulic system, patented by Ferretti Group, engages to submerge the platform to various depths as well as flooding the garage for ease of launching the vessel's tender stored within.

On the main deck is the spacious Master suite with its own balcony, and there are three double suites and a twin located below on the lower deck. Crew quarters for Captain and two crew are located forward. Power comes from twin 2,435hp MTU 16V 2000 M93 engines for a top speed of 27.5 knots.

While none of these new 100' Corsaro Rivas are available for charter as yet, there are other Rivas that are lovely luxury charter yachts. The impressive 92' ANYTHING GOES IV offers 4 magnificent staterooms for 8 guests in the western Med. While the 86' MY CHOICE is another perfect choice for 8 guests looking for a stunning sports cruiser. With modern lines and a minimalist style RHINO A, also 86' offers her charter guests total luxury living. The 80' ZIA CANAIA is a striking Riva Opera that specialises in sharing the delights of the Amalfi Coast with her guests. While slightly smaller SPACE a 68' stunner is ideal for 6 guests to explore the idyllic Greek islands.

For details of these Rivas and other luxury motor yachts available for charter please contact the specialists at the Luxury Charter Group.