The helm station is equipped with Simrad Command control, monitoring and navigation systems and has two 16in touchscreen monitors (the standard version only has one), including the engine panel in the innovative wide version from MAN-Boening.
One of Riva’s two world premieres at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, the 68’ Diable is a typically stylish addition to the iconic brand’s Open range. At 20.7m in length with a beam of 5.3m (over 17ft), the Diable is notable for its hard top, a new option introduced this year for the [48ft] Dolceriva and 56’ Rivale but otherwise not seen on the sleek Open range, even on the 76’ Bahamas and 88’ Florida.
Diable’s design has been led by Mauro Micheli, Chief Designer of Officina Italiana Design, the Bergamo studio that has designed all Riva yachts since 1994. Working on the project with Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee and Engineering Department, Micheli is proud of how the hard top has been integrated into the superstructure.
“Let’s say that Diable is an Open that goes beyond the characteristics of its range, making a strong nod to the Sportfly range,” said Micheli, who co-founded Officina Italiana Design with Sergio Beretta, its CEO.
“The hard top is not merely aesthetically attractive but also functional as the superstructure it creates protects the cockpit area, providing guests with shelter from sun and spray underway. Also, the large side openings allow more air to circulate in the covered area but can also be closed when necessary.”
Made of carbon-fibre and composite, the hard top is fitted with air-conditioning, while options include a sunroof featuring a two-way opening mechanism, forwards and backwards. An automatic bimini system aft can be extended to shelter the sofa and chaise-longue area in the cockpit, while additional shelter is provided by awnings over the open side area and the entire stern section.
The overall exterior styling reflects the new design direction charted by Officina Italiana Design, a sportier interpretation of luxury. The windshield made with spherical crystals features a slight counter-curvature that has become a typical Riva hallmark.
Like all the models in Riva’s Open range, the 68’ Diable features functional design elements in mahogany and polished stainless steel. They include the aft wings and a mahogany band on the garage door, the steel side handrails around the superstructure and the solid-mahogany low table in the cockpit.
In the stern, the swim platform is integrated into the hull sides, forming a seamless whole that rises into the cockpit. The steps on the port side of the stern are partially submerged when the swim platform is lowered, revealing others in the hull and creating a convenient way to enter and leave the water. The garage can contain a Williams SportJet 345 tender and a Seabob.
The cockpit furnishings include two big sunpads, one at the water’s edge and another in the form of a chaise-longue. The entrance to the crew area, with a single cabin and separate bathroom, is on the port walkway in this area.
The central area contains two facing L-shaped sofas, with the port one acting as a dining area accommodating up to six people. On request, the dining area can be doubled up to include both port and starboard sides.
A 49in TV can be fitted behind the second helm station, while a convenient icebox is positioned behind the pilot seat. The helm station, featuring carbon panels and premium polished steel trim, is equipped with both pilot and co-pilot seats. Safety is a special focus for Riva, as demonstrated by several functional details such as the positioning of the life rafts under the starboard sofa.
The lower deck features three guest cabins arranged around an open space containing a galley and a dinette for versatility and convenience. The master cabin is midships, the twin cabin to port and the VIP forward, each with their own bathroom. The starboard bathroom is also used as a day head and the understairs area can be fitted out as a small laundry.
The materials used for the interiors include gloss-effect chocolate-coloured wengé wood on the first unit, paired with mirrored and satin-finish surfaces, both matt and gloss-effect steel and lacquer, and leather in shades of blue, white, and light and dark grey.
The first unit is fitted with a pair of MAN V12 V-drive engines rated 1,650mhp each, which provide a top speed of 40 knots and a cruising speed of 34 knots. The standard option is two 1,550mhp MAN V12 engines for a top speed of 37 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots.
The helm station is equipped with Simrad Command control, monitoring and navigation systems and has two 16in touchscreen monitors (the standard version only has one), including the engine panel in the innovative wide version from MAN-Boening.
The electro-hydraulic steer-by-wire system developed in partnership with XENTA offers a slew of benefits including greater comfort and steering precision due to outstanding rudder manoeuvrability and finely tuned turn optimisation in all sea conditions, even at high speeds.
The manoeuvring joystick includes docking mode functionality for easy handling in confined waters, such as when mooring alongside, with lateral movement obtained by the combined action of the main propellers and the proportional bow thruster.
In addition, the DPS (Dynamic Positioning System) keeps the boat in the same position even in strong winds or currents, ideal when waiting to moor or refuel, or for a bridge to open. The new model is fitted with Humphree dynamic trim interceptors, while a Seakeeper NG9 can be installed for comfort at anchor.