a week with RIVA

riva 56′ rivale open yacht

For a brand synonymous with quality craftsmanship and high performance on water, the Riva 56’ Rivale yacht is another sculptural revelation for ocean-goers that still packs a surprise. Celebrating timeless elegance, its design combines unique styling, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance that merges artisan details with innovative features.

Riva 56′ Rivale’s open yacht design embodies dynamism, elegance, and sportiness

all images courtesy of Riva

dynamic, elegant, and sporty exterior design

The Riva 56’ Rivale’s open yacht design expands the iconic Italian brand’s fleet, embodying dynamism, elegance, and sportiness. Created by Officina Italiana Design and both the Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee and Engineering Department, this 56-foot masterpiece features large glazed windows, flush portholes, and a sleek aquamarine line that highlights its striking metallic exterior. The use of premium materials – high gloss mahogany, natural teak, stainless steel, and superior leather – ensures every detail is luxurious.

the raised dormeuse in the forward section is shaded by an electro-hydraulically operated bimini top

A unique windshield not only protects the cockpit but also completes the aerodynamic profile of the yacht. The cockpit’s main deck lounge offers a spacious sitting area with an L-shaped sofa and teak dining table. This convivial space extends in the front and back to create a seamless flow of elegance and comfort: a large sun pad facing rearwards; and a raised dormeuse in the forward section, shaded by an electro-hydraulically operated bimini top, and framed by a stainless steel and a vintage-inspired warning horn.

a unique windshield not only protects the cockpit but also completes the aerodynamic profile of the yacht

high performance on the sea

The bridge is equipped with state-of-the-art control, monitoring, and navigation systems featuring touchscreen displays. Behind the control station, a well-appointed cabin unit includes all guests need with a bar, practical waste collection containers, and storage compartments integrated into the helm seat. From here, the captain controls either the twin 1000hp or 1200hp MAN engines with V-drive propulsion systems. This propels the yacht to cruising speeds of 31 or 34 knots and maximum speeds of 35 or 38 knots — depending on the engine of choice — showcasing excellence in design and performance.

the main deck lounge offers a spacious sitting area with an L-shaped sofa and teak dining table

At the stern, the garage houses a Williams 325 tender, protected by a tach in double-shell carbon fiber. A major innovation of the 56’ Rivale is the underwater movement of the swimming platform, with additional steps in the hull providing a convenient stairway for water access.

the underwater movement of the swimming platform has additional steps as a convenient stairway for water access

luxury lounges and cabins below deck

Below deck, guests are treated to an elegant lounge-dinette where mirrored surfaces alternate with varnished mahogany, dark lacquered woods, and dark leather coverings. The interplay of colors and materials is quintessentially Riva, with sofas and ottoman seats upholstered in fabric by Ivano Redaelli, and wall-to-wall carpet by Van Besouw. The gallery, partially hidden by mirrored walls and sliding lacquered surfaces, features abundant storage and a unit with a bar set.

an elegant lounge-dinette below deck pairs mirrored surfaces with mahogany, lacquered woods, and leather

The sleeping quarters include two en-suite cabins, mirroring the luxurious color and material interplay of the lounge. Striking contrasts between white leather headboards and dark leather furnishings create an inviting atmosphere for guests. Soft furnishings by Ivano Redaelli and Van Besouw add to this opulent ambience. A single-bed crew cabin, with separate access from the cockpit, can be replaced by a third guest cabin if desired. The result is a home away from home on the open sea.

sleeping quarters include two en-suite cabins and a single-bed crew cabin

twin 1000hp or 1200hp MAN engines propels the yacht to cruising speeds of 31 or 34 knots and maximum speeds of 35 or 38 knots, respectively

its high speed performance matches the quality of the yacht’s exterior and interior design

the 56-foot masterpiece features large glazed windows, flush portholes, and a sleek aquamarine line

the Riva 56′ Rivale continues the timeless elegance, craftsmanship, and styling synonymous with the brand