RIVA 88’ FOLGORE
A 27-metre sport-fly that embodies Riva’s innovative drive, powered by a design that combines the brand’s legendary stylistic features with the clean, rigorous style of the Officina Italiana Design studio. The result is a yacht that displays a refined, timeless elegance and offers performance, efficiency and an unprecedented contact with the sea by Olimpia De Casa – ph. courtesy of Riva 53
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perfect synthesis of past and present, with stylistic
pencil line along the yacht’s silver flank, rising to deck level where the
features inspired by tradition and a futuristic vision,
concept is extended by a steel-trimmed air intake further aft. There are
like the dialogue between the iconic mahogany and
many attractive style elements on board, from the running lights in a
steel details and those in carbon. Riva’s new 88’
polished stainless-steel frame along the windshield to the carbon and
sport-fly Folgore was created by a team comprising Officina Italiana
steel lateral handrails and the glass roof of the superstructure, which
Design – the studio of Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta that is respon-
swings open towards the bow or stern to allow in natural air when the
sible for the yard’s entire range – and the Ferretti Group Engineering
yacht is under way or at berth. There’s plenty of space for owner and
Department with the Product Strategy Committee. Research and de-
guests to relax in the furnished outdoor areas of the aft cockpit, the
velopment has led to the creation of a refined example with a striking
forward deck and the sport-fly. The cockpit is a 22 square metre multi-
mix of typical steel, mahogany and leather details and characteristic
functional space that includes a huge dining area with a sofa that can
aquamarine touches like the waterline boot-stripe. These combine with
be transformed into a sunpad using the lifting-lowering mechanism in
design solutions that aim for comfort – there is at least two metres of
the polished mahogany table. The forward cockpit, a 23-square-metre
headroom in every space - and functionality. This can best be appre-
area that can be shaded, is a privileged location to be enjoyed under
ciated in the stern section, where the transom platform opens down
way or when moored. It is furnished with a C-shaped sofa and central
to be fixed in one of two positions, either parallel to the sea surface
table preceding the sunpad on the coach house that can accommodate
where it can be used as a 6 square-metre beach club, or underwater,
at least four people. The 20 square metre flybridge also boasts a sofa,
for tender launch and landing. The yacht is 26.92 metres long and
pouffe, coffee table and sunpad, plus two 16” display screens. The
has a 6.31-metre beam. The overall emphasis is on efficiency, so ma-
interiors feature a combination of polished rosewood, light and dark
terials like marble, glass and stainless steel have been used without
leather, white wood flooring, steel and black and white lacquered
compromising on performance. Top speed is 39 knots with a cruising
ceilings, all with a classic, refined elegance and enhanced by the light
speed of 33 knots, provided by a pair of 2,638 hp MTU engines and
flooding in through the side windows and wraparound windshield.
composite material construction with carbon fibre reinforcement in
The well thought-out layout comprises four cabins on the lower deck
the superstructure. The colour scheme of the first yacht in the series
– a full-beam owner’s cabin amidships, double VIP cabin forward and
reflects the most recent Riva tradition, just as the design follows the
a port VIP cabin plus a guest cabin with separate beds. Three layout
path initiated in 2019 by the Officina Italiana Design with the Dolce-
solutions are offered for the owner’s apartment.
riva, an innovative design with hull windows that stretch like a black
www.riva-yacht.com
An aerial view shows the generous spaces available for relaxation. The open-space saloon displays a skilful mix of glossy rosewood, leather and steel. In the foreground, the smoked glass dining table with stainless steel base, complemented by Minotti chairs
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A detail of the living area with sofa and grey marble coffee table, both by Poliform. Mirrored smoke and black mirrored surfaces complemented by wood and leather dominate in all the cabins – here, the 20 square metre full-beam owner’s cabin amidships
questions to Stefano de Vivo Chief Commercial Officer of Ferretti Group How do you reconcile Riva’s iconic style with the innovative vision displayed by your recent models? Excellence and meticulous attention to detail have always been hallmarks of Riva builds, enabling us to draw on our almost 180-year tradition while at the same time looking to the future, re-establishing ourselves as a timeless icon for the nautical world, and in a wider context, too. Those who buy Riva yachts are deeply attached to the idea of artisanality, Made in Italy design and unique, refined details. They’re also looking for a top-level sailing experience. All this means a constant emphasis on research and innovation without affecting the typical Riva style. How is the Folgore unique? The Riva 88’ Folgore is a sport-fly with efficiency at the heart of the concept. The design includes functional elements in select materials while providing outstanding performance. The exterior lines and a few other elements draw inspiration from the world of automotive design, combining luxury and sportiness with a new design for the hull windows, an original, innovative interpretation of the overall hull and deck concept, the inclusion of aft air intakes with steel trim, the Shark Grey hull livery with Bright Black details and carbon inserts combined with iconic details like the aquamarine waterline. Was the yacht made on commission or was the layout option chosen by the yard? For the first Riva 88’ Folgore the master cabin layout was offered by the yard. The owner made the choice to equip the 20 square-metre suite with a single owner’s bathroom including a bath and washbasin counter clad in light, white and gold Calacatta marble. Further specifications included a walk-in wardrobe and vanity corner with a Living Divani leather and aluminium chair as well as a series of freestanding furniture pieces chosen by the owner, like the brown leather Poliform chair, black-coated stainless steel Frank coffee table by B&B Italia and silver armchair by Minotti. What type of owner will a sport-fly like Folgore appeal to? The Riva 88’ Folgore is a perfect synthesis of functional design and innovative technology, developed to suit owners seeking maximum visibility and social interaction on board as well a pleasant sailing experience in all exterior and interior spaces without compromising on a sporty style and the typical Riva class. Folgore triumphed at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards, winning the Best New Series Award. What special features won the accolade for Riva? The judges emphasised the beauty of the yacht’s sleek lines and the exceptional versatility of the layout that can satisfy owners and markets with different requirements for sailing and on-board comfort. They also mentioned the Riva 88’ Folgore’s outstanding performance, which affirms the brand’s iconic status and its ability to remain one step ahead, overcoming the challenges of the future.
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