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alt="Riva 90’ Argo shows Asia-Pacific appeal"/>
Boasting an overall length of 93ft 6in but classed as a sub-24m hull, the Riva 90’ Argo may not technically be a superyacht, but nothing is going to stop this famous Italian shipyard from going mega on looks and performance.
The exterior by Officina Italiana Design shows the shape of Riva’s upgraded Flybridge range: a sporty and aggressive look achieved with just a few bold lines that start high aft to gradually converge at the bow. The swooping arch of a hardtop over the flybridge ties it all together and makes the sun deck seem weightless.
The 90’ Argo has had orders from Hong Kong (two), mainland China, New Zealand and Australia
In Greek mythology, the Argo was the ship that Jason and the Argonauts sailed from Iolcos to Colchis to retrieve the Golden Fleece. In modern times, Riva’s Argo was unveiled in 2019 and sailed into the brand’s Flybridge offerings, which include the 100’ Corsaro and 110’ Dolcevita, the brand flagship until the launch of the 50Metri.
The world premiere of the 100’ Corsaro was held in Hong Kong in 2017, but the 90’ Argo has had an even greater impact across Asia- Pacific. Already, there have been two deliveries to Hong Kong and one to New Zealand, another is headed for mainland China, while the first hull in Australia will arrive next year.
The foredeck’s U-shaped seating can be transformed into a large sunpad
Interestingly, only one of the region’s Argo owners previously owned a Ferretti Group model – and that was a Pershing – showing that the yacht’s lure is strong enough not only to tempt an upgrade but to switch brands entirely.
“The Riva 90’ Argo is a perfect balance of volume and proportion, of sleek exteriors and comfortable spaces inside,” says Fabiomassimo Discoli, Sales and Marketing Director of Ferretti Group Asia Pacific. “It offers two full-beam master cabins with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes, plus a garage for a tender and jet-ski. These are unique features in this size of yacht.”
Boarding the Argo from the beach platform, symmetrical staircases lead to the cockpit. Almost without noticing it, you pick up tips as to how important light and views are to the design.
The cockpit table can be lowered to form a huge sunpad
Twin banquettes are placed length-wise so guests look out to the horizon and not into the yacht; railings are in glass and chromed steel, so you can look through them and onto the water. There are even large glass inserts in the fashion plates.
Due to different shading options and a truly versatile table, owners can use this polyfunctional space for dining, cocktails or even for sunbathing. Seeing is believing.
The open aft area of the 500sqft flybridge can be used as the owner wishes
The flybridge is over 46sqm (495sqft) with a large, open area aft that can be set up any way you want and a dining area with a bar and grill under the hardtop.
A small door next to the settee on the port side gives access to stairs to the foredeck where a U-shaped seating area can transform to become a sunbed.
The garage contains ramps for a jet tender and jetski
On starboard side, another set of stairs leads from the bow to the cockpit then on to the beach platform in an uninterrupted wraparound path that allows for fast and easy flow all around the yacht – and beyond, seeing how lowering the beach platform reveals a set of steps into the water.
The transom opens to reveal an aft garage with separate launching ramps for a Williams SportJet 395 tender and a jet-ski.
The saloon benefits from huge glass doors and windows all around
Even indoors, the accent is on the views, with windows running the length of the saloon. Mirrored mullions reflect the outdoors and disguise supports for the flybridge.
The interiors are fitted with subdued, tasteful materials that are becoming new Riva trademarks: dark glass and rich walnut set off by polished steel, stitched leather and gunmetal grey accents.
The interior decor leads on to the dining area
The saloon is set up with living and dining areas. A curved glass wall behind the table performs both decorative and architectural duties, contrasting nicely with a textured wood panel and creating a lobby that encases the wood and chromed steel stairs that lead up to the bridge and down to the guest cabins.
Since the 90’ Argo is semi-wide body, the full-beam owners’ cabin forward on the main deck seems even wider than the main saloon.
The enormous master suite is located forward on the main deck
With spaces for a settee, desk and centrally placed bed, the cabin also has a walk-in closet and excellent views. The full-beam bathroom a couple of steps down from the cabin gets fabulous natural light from a skylight.
Guest cabins on the lower deck include a full-beam VIP cabin, which would be a master on most other yachts of this size and occupies a space that can also be set up as a living/ entertaining area. Further forward are two doubles, one of which can convert to a twin. All guest cabins are en-suite.
The master suite features a desk to port and a full-width bathroom forward
Speaking of flow through the yacht, crew living areas and work paths are well separated from guest areas. The two crew cabins forward on the lower deck have direct access both to the galley and to the bridge via a dedicated crew staircase to protect guests’ privacy.
Riva didn’t build its reputation on looks and comfort alone. In fact, speed and handling are a large part of this brand’s appeal. Owners of the Argo are sure to enjoy feeling the power this yacht delivers, either at the centrally placed helm seat in the bridge or up on the fly where twin Simrad-Naviop monitor screens are retractable to be less noticeable when the area is being used for entertaining.
The full-beam VIP cabin midships on the lower deck is the equivalent of a master suite
Owners can choose between three different propulsion options, all supplied by MTU, for a top speed between 26, 28 or 30 knots depending on engine choice. A smooth ride is assured by standard underway and zero-speed stabilising fins and gyroscopic stabilisers that can be installed on request.
Discoli says most hulls headed for Asia-Pacific are fully optioned, with stabiliser fins and gyro, as well as tropical-strength air-conditioning and upgraded navigation equipment, while some owners choose the optional layout with entertainment room.
The staircase and lower lobby are strikingly designed
“Each owner has their own choices, so each boat is different. We accommodate each client’s taste with the Riva touch,” says Discoli, who believes the Ferretti Group brand retains its premium positioning in the market.
“Rivas are appreciated for their uncompromising design and attention to details, as well as the unparalleled standard of equipment and finishing. Riva is also synonymous with timeless elegance. Hong Kong and other markets have very refined clientele with solid nautical experience, so they only choose the best, a design that can distinguish them at sea.”
The Riva 90’ Argo will exhibit at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival
As well as gliding over the water, the Riva 90’ Argo has been moving quickly out of the sheds, with production for the model sold out until mid-2023. However, as several are already in or coming to the region, keep your eyes open for the mega good looks that have made this Italian brand a legend.
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