While all Rivas are intentionally exclusive by nature, the boatbuilder seldom releases true special editions. Only a few are counted among Riva’s nearly modern history, including the one-of-40 Riva Ferrari 32—dressed in the Prancing Horse’s Rosso Corsa red that debuted in the 1980—to the most recent ultra low-volume model, 2022’s one-of-18 Anniversario paying tribute to the Aquarama and Aquariva.
The new Riva Cento joins the small esteemed list following its official debut at September’s Cannes Yachting Festival and preview in July. As with every Riva of the past three decades, it was conceived by Officina Italiana Design founders Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta partnership with Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group.
Measuring 39 feet long, the yacht’s hull is available in either a “Fireworks Black” metallic hue designed to accent its swooping lines or a gray aluminum. Riva calls particular attention to the stern, where an electro-hydraulic system opens a door to reveal mahogany steps and two chaises longues with detachable cushions featuring a ribbed finish and one of two 1950s-era automotive finishes: biscuit or aquamarine. Opening the stern door also reveals two compartments for the fenders and a Seabob underwater scooter.
Moving forward, a large sunpad with built-in cup holders in the boat’s midship section is followed by the generous cockpit. The area is furnished with a C-shaped sofa that frames a stainless steel, mahogany-topped table. Cleverly, the table is fitted with an up-down mechanism that can be lowered flush with the cushions, transforming the area into a second space to stretch out and soak up rays.
On the starboard side, there’s an insulated cooler, and in the helm station area, with three pilot chairs facing two Boening screens (15- and 24-inch) that display all data relating to the Volvo Penta D6 440 Aquamatic Duoprop DPI engines—good for cruising and top speeds of 31 knots (36 mph) and 40 knots (46 mph)—as well as navigation, cartography, the Seakeeper stabilization system, and the sound system. The cockpit can be sheltered by a retractable bimini top operated by an electro-hydraulic mechanism integrated into the sofa backrest. As a nod to the iconic runabouts that came before it, the port side features the searchlight inherited from the Aquarama and Aquariva.
On the hull side, the decorative grille that previously covered the air intake has been replaced with a new steel profile containing a polished mahogany insert, decorated with the name “Riva” and a series of small stars—the brand said this element “pays tribute to vintage models by tapping into the sense of continuity between the shipyard’s past and future.”
At the bow is an iteration of Riva’s signature polished mahogany deck, a larger central windscreen that increases the amount of natural light entering the interiors, and a newly designed stainless steel horn casing exclusive to the Cento. Below deck is a fully appointed galley, a bathroom with separate shower cubicle, and a large sofa following the shape of the bow that can be converted into a double bed using a panel taken from the central storage compartment. The cabin is illuminated by a new forward skylight and side windows.
Limited to just 12 units, no price was revealed for the Riva Cento, but based on the cost of the closely related Riva 38′ Rivamare, expect to pay well over $1 million to acquire one.
