Stars light up Riva’s 180th anniversary gala in Venice

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Piero Ferrari, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alberto Galassi, David Beckham and Domenico Dolce

English football icon David Beckham and Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino added stardust to Riva’s 180th anniversary gala in Venice – and even starred in a short film that debuted during the glamorous evening at Gran Teatro La Fenice, where Dolce & Gabbana co-founder Domenico Dolce was also among guests.

Beckham, Favino and Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc all appeared in Riva The Persuaders!, which had its world premiere during the exclusive Venice event, which celebrated the story of the first 180 years of one of the yachting world’s most famous brands.

Riva The Persuaders! was shot on the coast spanning Italy and France’s Côte d’Azur including Monaco, and was produced by Armando Testa Studios. It was inspired by the early 1970s action-comedy TV series, Riva The Persuaders!, starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis.

Favino in front of the new Riva Anniversario

The gala event also marked the debut of the Riva Anniversario, which was unveiled on a floating platform on Venice’s Grand Canal in front of the Riva Lounge at the Gritti Palace.

Produced in a special limited edition of just 18 boats, the Anniversario was designed to celebrate Riva’s 180th anniversary and pay tribute to the legendary Aquarama, which turns 60 this year and features in a fine art book published for the occasion by Assouline.

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, said: “This was the night of Riva’s 180th anniversary and of a thousand emotions for enthusiasts of the brand and its unique boats. We chose Venice and La Fenice because they are unique places in the world and, like us, they live in magical harmony with the water, art and beauty.

Beckham, Favino and F1 driver Charles Leclerc all starred in Riva The Persuaders!

“My thanks go to David Beckham, Pierfrancesco Favino and Charles Leclerc, who have shown their friendship towards Riva by contributing to a spectacular short film, one of those miracles that happen when champions are involved.

“I am also honoured to introduce to the world the Anniversario, an iconic new boat, for very few lucky owners, and another masterpiece of outstanding elegance. Best wishes to Riva as it starts to write boating history for the next 180 years.”

Favino also appeared in the short film Riva in the Movie, which was released in 2020 and celebrated the Ferretti Group’s brand’s connection to cinema in tandem with a 300-page book.