Riva - Seal of Quality
What defines the overused word, iconic? In today’s devalued currency, where everything from a cheeseburger to an overpriced gown can be described as “awesome” and the full panoply of popular culture is “cool” it’s easy to be cynical. In the 1950s Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant were style icons; these days that epithet is awarded to Paris Hilton and David Beckham. Still, what can one expect of the fickle world of celebrity? There must still be some unchanging icons. What about New York’s Manhattan skyline, given top billing in so many of Woody Allen’s movies? Perhaps Sydney Harbour should also qualify? London’s famous Gherkin building is surely that ancient city’s newest icon.
It’s much easier to bestow iconic status on something that’s been around for a while, which is why the name Riva conjures up such powerful images: style, quality, longevity, attention to detail. These are just a few of the words that clients have used to describe this company’s fabulous wooden boats.
Riva’s reputation for nautical excellence dates back to 1842, when Pietro Riva, a carpenter, travelled from Laglio to Sarnico to repair several boats that had been damaged in a storm. Having successfully saved the livelihoods of the local fishermen he set his sights much higher and decided to become a boat-builder. In 1880 his son, Ernesto, took over the family business and vowed to harness modern technology in order to produce powerboats. This was a fortuitous decision, ultimately resulting in Riva’s current reputation as one of the great names in power boating.
Like all truly great marques, Riva has gained its deserved reputation for excellence by a long-term dedication to strict quality control. During the 1950s, when Carlo Riva consolidated Riva’s reputation as the choice of kings and statesmen, celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot, Aristotle Onasis, Prince Rainier, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren and Peter Sellers could be spotted taking to the water. This is a tradition that has continued to this day.
For a contemporary portrait of Riva style, look no further than the 92’ Duchessa. This epitome of luxury contains a balance of dark walnut with embellishments such as hand-sewn leather inserts, white varnished wood flooring and a dining area consisting of white stone in marble. The master bedroom contains a walk-in wardrobe and vanity unit, plus an en-suite bathroom fitted with shower and Jacuzzi. On the upper deck a further Jacuzzi or personalised bar offers passengers the ultimate in five-star living. Even the fixtures and fittings are top of the range: Frau and Minotti upholstery, Dedar fabrics, Richard Ginori porcelain, furniture by Scarpa and Antonio Luppi and Flexform tables. You think that being at sea means saying goodbye to many of your home comforts? Forget it! In 2005 Pietro Riva’s original boatyard at Sarnico reopened as a museum to this glamorous marque. Take a look at one of Riva’s newest models, then take a look at where it all began – the quality was there from the start.
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