Anniversario celebrates Riva heritage – and auctions for a good cause

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The Sirena 88 has a wide-bodied, high-volume sub-24m hull, so is categorised as a pleasure boat; the model has secured at least six sales around the world

The 33ft Anniversario is among Riva’s many new models launched in 2022, along with the 130’ Bellissima, 102’ Corsaro Super, 76’ Bahamas Super and the El-Iseo, the prototype electric version of the 27ft Iseo. At this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, an Anniversario was displayed outside the main entrance, while the other four models were inside in Vieux Port making their world premieres in the water.

However, the Anniversario’s performance at sea is impressive, with an electronically controlled two-speed gearbox and two 370hp Yanmar 8 LV engines combining for a top speed of 40.5 knots and a range of 155 miles at 36 knots.

The Anniversario was built specifically to honour Riva’s 180th anniversary (click to read special feature) and is being produced in a limited-edition run of 18, representing the number of decades since the brand was born in 1842.

Ferretti Group, though, has reserved one unit of the 18 for a good cause, with an Anniversario currently being auctioned online to raise funds for 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund.

The proceeds will go to UNICEF’s work in El Salvador including creating safe spaces for children to learn and play, as well as strengthen child-protection services and make them more accessible. The silent auction is open until February 16, 2023.

Beckham was among the guests of honour at Riva’s 180th anniversary party in Venice in June, when the first Anniversario was unveiled on the Grand Canal in front of the Riva Lounge at the Gritti Palace. The brand-new model was displayed beside an Aquarama, a model launched 60 years ago in 1962 and produced until 1996.

Its spiritual successor, the Aquariva, was launched in 2001 and is still in production. In fact, the 33ft Aquariva provides the basic architecture of the Anniversario, while the colours, materials, details and décor are a soft tribute to the historic Aquarama.

Like all Riva models since 1994, the Anniversario was designed by Officina Italiana Design founders Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, who worked with Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and its Engineering Department.

There are also details that make the Anniversario more than just the sum of its influences. An innovative Metallic Brown was created exclusively for the Anniversario and is juxtaposed with gloss-varnished mahogany. The colour scheme includes contrasts between steel, used for various details and trim, and classic Riva aquamarine alternating with optical white on all the leather upholstery.

The stern platform is concealed by the streamlined design of the hull sides. The boat’s profile is enhanced by the aquamarine waterline, which leads into the white antifouling and pays tribute to the Aquarama, as does the name of the model written in same lettering style as the famous wooden boats of the 1960s.

Also echoing the style of the Aquarama, the protective steel bow cap is joined by the lateral search lights with their classic steel bracket. Adding another touch of style and modernity to the silhouette are side handrails graced with a steel base clad in a refined mahogany fascia.

The entire aft section is occupied by the engine compartment hidden below the classic sun pad, which is upholstered with outdoor leather in alternating aquamarine and white colours.

The same leather is used to upholster both the cockpit and the below-deck area. This special type of leather is waterproof, withstands marine conditions and can be used at sea.

Designed for functionality and comfort, the cockpit has a new design featuring a large U-shaped sofa and a central table seating up to eight people. The table has an up-down mechanism so the space can easily be transformed into one big sunbathing area.

Another innovative feature is the design of the mahogany cabinetry, which is integrated into the lower part of the sofa and includes storage and lifestyle accessories. The entire area can be sheltered by the distinctive bimini top.

The bow area is run through with Riva details. In the helm station, the dashboard includes two 12-inch digital displays and integrated navigation instruments. Aquarama-inspired vintage features abound, like the Vienna straw storage pocket with steel trim behind the driver’s seat.

The foredeck is clad entirely in polished mahogany planking. Continuing the tradition of hand craftsmanship, all the wooden parts of Anniversario are protected by the Sarnico-based yard’s famous 24 coats of varnish. The centrally positioned steel casing adds a sumptuously elegant accent to the deck, as well as housing the navigation lights.

Below deck, two deck portholes inspired by the Aquarama, one on either side, allow natural light, while the leather upholstery has an aquamarine and white colour scheme that matches the ceiling.