Riva legend given makeover with Aquariva Special

Aquariva Special © Riva

This is the boat that inherited the legacy of the legendary Aquarama, becoming the most storied model in the range with more than 300 units produced in over 20 years. The Aquariva, a symbol of Riva's contemporary spirit, writes a new chapter in the history books and becomes Special, an honour previously bestowed only on the Aquarama.

True to the proportions and harmonious lines that made the boat so famous, the Aquariva Special - with a length overall of 10.07 m (33 ft 0 in) and a maximum beam of 2.80 m (9 ft 2 in) - interacts with the brand's current stylistic hallmarks to achieve a perfect balance between the heritage of the original model and the contemporary design that characterises more recent Rivas.

The subtle touches that define the new aesthetic of the Aquariva Special are by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, founders of Officina Italiana Design - the studio that has been designing all Riva boats on an exclusive basis for over 30 years - working in partnership with the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department.

One of the most important new features is the windscreen, which has been completely redesigned to give the boat's silhouette a more modern and streamlined look. The stern swim platform also has a wider and more ergonomic design, featuring steps with a new curvature to offer guests even more comfort and make it easier to enter and leave the water. The handrail and mooring cleat pay tribute to the previous version, the Aquariva Super, while the mahogany fascia is now fibreglass and the same colour chosen by the owner for the hull, as are the large sunpad and the air intake grilles.

One of the standout features at the bow is the new design of the navigation lights and casing, which Aquariva Special shares with Riva Anniversario - the limited edition created in 2022 to celebrate 180 years since the brand's foundation - while the deck is perfectly smooth again, without the traditional skylights reminiscent of the Aquarama, creating an even more pared-down look.

The cockpit area is designed as an elegant lounge on the water that blends comfort and conviviality with a sense of refinement. The large U-shaped sofa - upholstered in Sky fabric the same colour as the hull - embraces the central space, creating a welcoming area that can be transformed according to the time of day by means of a centrally positioned table, also available with an up-down mechanism, used to convert the dining area seating up to eight into a private and protected additional sunbathing area. Shelter from the sun is provided by a bimini top operated by an electro-hydraulic mechanism housed in the sofa backrest.

Moving forward, the driving seat is on the port side, with a practical service cabinet to starboard containing a sink, a fridge and a work top, perfect for making cocktails and snacks. The dashboard pays homage to tradition and is available in an analogue version, as well as in a digital version with up to two Boening displays and an integrated navigation system. The boat can also be equipped with a joystick for even more intuitive control during mooring operations.

A major innovation is the option to fit the Aquariva Special with a Seakeeper NG6 to eliminate roll, ensuring absolute comfort both under way and at anchor. The installation of this advanced system is made possible by the decision to introduce infusion hull lamination in place of the manual process, significantly reducing the weight of the boat without affecting its structural rigidity. This makes it feasible to install a gyroscopic stabilizer - usually a very heavy option - without affecting the boat's trim or performance. To stabilise the boat when under way, Aquariva Special is now fitted with Humphree interceptors in place of the flaps on the previous version.

Performance-wise, Aquariva Special has the same verve as always and is fitted with two 370 HP YANMAR 8LV engines paired with electronically controlled two-speed gearboxes, driving the boat to a top speed of 40.5 knots and a cruising speed of 36 knots while unleashing the pleasure of Riva's signature cruising style.

The new Aquariva Special was given her premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 in a Petrol Blue livery, the iconic colour of the range and a particular favourite with Riva owners.