Mention the name Riva to knowledgeable yacht owners, and you’re likely to hear two words over and over: style and speed. The builder has a long history of head-turning designs that further put the “Sport” in “SportFly,” the designation it gives to its fast flying-bridge yachts. The Riva 88 Folgore, the newest in the SportFly series, continues the tradition. Just as the Italian word folgore means lightning in English, the 88-foot (26.92-meter) megayacht should light up the imagination of those yearning for an unmistakably recognizable cruiser taking them where they want to go with haste.
At her launch in May, the new project called to mind previous Rivas. It’s thanks to the ongoing design influence of Officina Italiana Design. Mahogany and stainless steel detailing, plus an aquamarine-colored bootstripe, reinforce her deep family ties. Simultaneously, carbon fiber in the side-deck handrails is a nod to more modern design and materials.
Some design elements reflect the flexibility that modern buyers demand. Significantly, while the standard superstructure has a fixed roof, you can opt for the uppermost small glass section to open. It swings either fore or aft, whether underway or at anchor, welcoming fresh air inside. You won’t feel too exposed while inside, however, thanks to a louver-like section overhead (below).
You also won’t feel confined, thanks to a nearly 21-foot-wide (6.31-meter-wide) stance and abundant natural light. While each owner can customize the interior, the first Riva 88 Folgore accentuates the airy look and feel with reflective surfaces and freestanding furnishings. You’ll find glossy rosewood, white-stained parquet soles, a marble coffee table, lacquered overhead sections (in black and white), mirror-finished stainless steel, and a glass dining table.
Naturally, the same materials extend to the below-decks decor. The Riva 88 Folgore provides you with a full-beam suite, along with a forward VIP and two double or twin staterooms. The en suite head in one of the two convertible cabins serves as a day head as well. More important, though, your suite comes in one of three configurations. The standard layout offers his-and-her walk-in closets. A bigger en suite bath appears on hull number one (above), eliminating one of the closets but adding a vanity with a leather and aluminum chair. Yet another alternative has his-and-her baths connected via a central shower, plus one walk-in closet. Regardless of choice, the 215-square-foot (20-square-meter) suite has a grand entrance, three white-marble steps.
Grand indulgence in the great outdoors is on tap out on deck. The flying bridge aboard the Riva 88 Folgore is the same size as the master suite, with a sunpad and several seating areas (above). Awnings can provide shade. Head to the foredeck, meanwhile, for a dining/seating area—with a mahogany table, of course (top of page)—that converts to a giant sunpad. This, in addition to an already large sunpad farther toward the bow, with an electro-hydraulic shade. The crew can serve drinks from an optional refrigerator to port. You can opt for a docking station instead here, and enjoy drinks back aft. It’s because an area adjacent to the flying-bridge stairs is actually a mobile bar. The top opens electrically, plus it comes with two stools for the American market.
As for speed, the Riva 88 Folgore definitely delivers, with two MTU choices. If a top speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots isn’t enough for you, the optional propulsion package may appeal. It promises a 39-kno max end and 33-knot cruise. Regardless, your captain gets joystick control at the helm, along with a station-keeping system to oppose strong currents. A tinted-glass panel lends privacy between here and the saloon. For more privacy, the captain can use the door to starboard to enter and exit.
Further for privacy, the galley sits below decks, a decidedly European layout. Based on past practice, Riva may rethink the configuration for the first American megayacht clients. It’s worth an inquiry, especially if the rest of the design (pardon the pun) sparks your interest.
Officina Italiana Design italianadesign.it
Riva riva-yacht.com
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