The evolution of a legend

VETRORESINA

THE FIBREGLASS ERA AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE YARD (1970 - 1999)

Carlo Riva was an innovator not only in design and style, but also in materials and technologies. From one of his many trips to America, he brought back his discovery of composite materials, whose potential he was the first to see.

Between the 1970s and '90s, the cultural revolution also contaminated style. They were years of experimentation in which the frenetic pace of day-to-day life propelled the myth of speed back into the limelight. On his international travels, Carlo Riva learned about new recreational boating technologies and replicated them in his work as a builder and manufacturer of series produced boats, here too showing his great ability to innovate. It was in the United States that he recognised the potential of fibreglass.

Contrary to general opinion, he thought it was the perfect material to have more aesthetic and design freedom, as well as reducing maintenance costs (almost to zero) and increasing production capacity. But it meant becoming familiar with a completely new material that was very different from wood, and for the workers at the Yard it wasn't an easy transition.

The first Riva-branded boat was built in 1969 and the 1970s began with the launch of fibreglass production across the entire range, in collaboration with the American yard Bertram, which had been using the material extensively for years and with excellent results. The first two Riva models in composite material were the Bahia Mar 20 day cruiser and the Sport Fisherman 25 cabin cruiser, followed by the Rudy. These models had exposed wood finishings, in keeping with tradition. In parallel, embittered by the adverse trade union climate, in September 1969 Carlo Riva sold the yard to the US firm Whittaker but remained as chairman and general manager until his resignation in 1971. These two posts were then held by his brother-in-law and business partner (since 1950) Gino Gervasoni. New and old models evolved and the Riva tradition lived on. Carlo Riva nevertheless continued frequenting the Yard for a further ten years as the tenant of "La Plancia", his old office.

In the 1970s, '80s and '90s various new models were launched. The highly successful Superamerica, a sporty flybridge produced in various lengths from 45 to 50 feet, was the first major cabin cruiser and remained on sale for over 20 years. Then came the Riva 2000, the St. Tropez - produced until 1992 - and the Corsaro 58, followed by the Black Corsair and the Riva 32 Ferrari. Despite the success of fibreglass, production of wooden runabouts continued until 1996, the year the last Aquarama Special (number 784) was built. In 1989, a year after the acquisition of 100% of Riva's stock by the UK group Vickers (which also included the Rolls-Royce brand), Gino Gervasoni, husband of Carlo Riva's sister, left the Yard after 41 years. This marked the end of the Riva family's involvement in it. At the 1991 Genoa Boat Show, Riva presented the 58' Bahamas, the first of its boats on which designer Mauro Micheli worked.

1970

20' BAHIA MAR & 25 SPORTFISHERMAN

Determined to design something new and with the same passion that had gone into the creation of his evergreen runabouts, Carlo Riva exploited the collaboration with Bertram to start redesigning with style, taste and elegance the deck and superstructure of two boats imported from the USA: the 20' BAHIA MAR and the 25' SPORT FISHERMAN. He managed to soften the appearance of the composite materials with the warmth of wood in the detailing on the hull and superstructure, but also in the interior finishes. The Riva BERTRAM fibreglass hulls were a new development in recreational boating, and yet another example of Carlo Riva's indispensable contribution. Presented for the first time at the 1970 Genoa Boat Show, they aroused the curiosity of owners and experts alike, shocked to see that composite materials too could produce sensations of beauty, balance and harmony. These were unforgettable and emotion-filled moments for the engineer who built the Ferraris of the sea and, with the same ardour and enthusiasm, was about to leave his unmistakable stylistic mark on a new technological era.

Bow-on view under way.

Three-quarter stern view under way.

Detail of bow area with kneeling model.

Boat under way, starboard side, emerging from a cloud of spray as it cuts the wake and bares its keel (two people on board).

Three-quarter aerial view of boat under way with two people in the front seat and a woman lying on the sun pad.

PRESS REVIEW 1973: a Riva Rudy as a prize for the Formula 1 winner.

1973

Superamerica 42/45/48/50

The Superamerica was the forerunner of all Riva cabin cruisers over 40 feet and continued the Yard's experimentation with composite materials. Architect Giorgio Barilani collaborated on this project, which proved to be innovative in terms of both its performance and layout. Carlo Pagani, who had studied under the celebrated Gio Ponti, was involved in designing the refined elegance of the interiors. The particularly innovative circular stairway was later reprised on the Riva 2000, because as well as being highly original, it also freed up more space on board. Other much appreciated features included the roomy cockpit and the second helm station on the flybridge. Riva once again made pioneering use of innovative technical solutions, and the Superamerica became a true cult, a benchmark in terms of clean lines, seaworthiness, comfort, speed and manoeuvrability. It was an expression of absolute superiority, an experience of class yachting based on both spaciousness and intimacy, as well as on the superlative efficiency of the mechanical engineering and instrumentation.

A Superamerica 50 in the yard as it is lowered into the water.

Aerial view of boat (starboard side).

1982

Corsaro

The Corsaro motoryacht's sleek profile transformed large volumes into simple, elegant forms, which not only highlighted the unmistakeable contours but also improved manageability in windy conditions. Its agile and speedy trim concealed an exceptional structure that came into its own in more demanding navigational situations. The interior layout, featuring two large owner cabins, a comfortable guest cabin, crew quarters, an extremely practical galley and the grand saloon with lounge, dining area and bridge, was unimaginable when catching sight of the Corsaro speeding past at 31 knots. And its exquisite finishings were matched by a wealth of equipment and systems, from radar to desalination, plus extended range for long cruises.

1985

58 Bahamas

The Riva 58' Bahamas combined luxury and comfort with versatility and performance. In addition to a top speed of 39 knots delivered by two MAN diesel engines, it offered interesting practical features, such as the hydraulic gangway concealed in the stern and the tender compartment, while the below-deck cabins were furnished in perfect Riva style. Next to the sunbathing areas was a dinette with a mini bar. And to please even the most demanding owner, the Bahamas could be ordered with one of three different layouts, offering the option of a separate dinette, a guest cabin with separable beds or a larger lounge area.

Boat under way, port side.

Boat under way, three-quarter starboard stern view against a rocky coastline, with reflections of the boat in the water.

1990

Riva 32 Ferrari

Designed for people who love to ride the waves at high speed, the Riva 32 Ferrari had an innovative design ahead of its time, incorporating the technology and engineering excellence of both Riva and Ferrari. The carbon fibre spoiler was its unmistakable signature, in grand 1990s style. The propulsion system was the result of meticulous testing to achieve maximum reliability and performance in the order of 54 knots using the surface propeller system. The boat had custom Riva instrumentation, a wrap-around anti-glare windshield, anatomical seating, a comfy sofa and a spacious sunpad, colour contrasts and a generous bed below deck in the bow. Another notable, indeed unique, new feature was the first ever electro-hydraulic swim ladder. But the most important innovation in this model was the use of digital design: the Riva 32 Ferrari was in fact the first boat to be built at the Sarnico yard using 3D modelling software (provided by Ferrari Engineering).

Boat, starboard view.

The first Riva boat with the striking electro-hydraulic step ladder.

Underside view of boat during lifting.