Riva S.p.A.

Riva S.p.A. is an Italian yacht builder with a history dating back to 1842. The company was founded by Pietro Riva in Sarnico, Italy, where it initially focused on repairing and building fishing boats. After a storm destroyed much of the local fishing fleet on Lake Iseo, Pietro Riva gained recognition for his craftsmanship and speed in reconstruction. Over generations, the company's focus shifted towards pleasure craft. In the 1920s, Serafino Riva began to incorporate internal combustion engines into his boats, initiating the transition from steam power. During the 1950s and 1960s, under Carlo Riva, the company gained international acclaim for its wooden runabouts, characterized by their varnished mahogany hulls and chrome detailing. Models such as the Ariston, Tritone, Florida, and Aquarama became emblematic of a particular style of yachting. Carlo Riva introduced series production while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship. In 1969, Carlo Riva sold the company to the American company, Whittaker Corporation. However, unhappy with the direction, he later bought back the production rights for some models through his company, RAM (Revisione Assistenza Motoscafi). In 1989, Riva became part of the Vickers shipbuilding group. The company expanded its use of fiberglass as a primary construction material during this period and started building larger yachts. In 1991, ownership transferred to the Riva family once again. In 2000, Riva S.p.A. became part of the Ferretti Group, an Italian company specializing in luxury yachts. Under the Ferretti Group, Riva continued to evolve its product line, introducing open, flybridge, and superyacht models, while aiming to retain design elements associated with its historical identity. Production facilities are located in Sarnico, La Spezia, and Ancona, Italy. The company's headquarters remain in Sarnico, where its historical boatyard is located. Current production focuses on fiberglass yachts, with ranges including open, sportfly, and flybridge models, alongside larger yachts built in light alloy. Riva collaborates with Opificio Italiano Design for exterior and interior styling.