There is nothing diabolical about the 68' Diable as she sits at the stern in the Vieux Port of Cannes. Riva doesn't just give its models a simple name, no, each yacht is given an epithet that provides information about its character - if a yacht can have such a thing at all. It's hard to believe, but I'm standing in front of the devil. And it's wearing a GRP dress in metallic grey, with a carbon collar and mahogany trim as well as sparkling stainless steel applications - and it's fresh from the inland.
The 20.67 metre long open format is the largest yacht that Riva builds at its headquarters in Sarnico on Lake Iseo and, above all, can transport to the sea on a low-loader. From the heart of Lombardy, it is 280 kilometres to the Mediterranean (Viareggio) and 300 kilometres to the Adriatic (Ravenna). The Ferretti Group outsources the production of larger models, i.e. from the 76' Perseo Super upwards, to La Spezia. Production capacity was recently increased there and the 130' Bellissima GRP flagship is being built. Only the steel-aluminium 50Metri format is produced by the superyacht division in Ancona.
The boat
- Shipyard: Riva Yachts/Italy
- Type: 68' Diable
- CE category: A
- Overall length: 20.67 m
- Width: 5.29 m
- Weight: 37 tonnes
- Berths: 6
- Motorisation: 2x MAN 1650 with 1,213 kW (1,650 hp) each
- Max. motorisation: 2x 1,650 hp
- Price: on request
- Dealer proof: www.riva-yacht.com
The devil stole the hull from the rebel. The 68' Diable comes from the same mould as the 66' Ribelle, but has been extended by two feet. Officina Italiana Design developed both the exterior and the interior. The studio from Bergamo has been responsible for the entire Riva range for many years. OID head designer Mauro Micheli gives an insight into the overall concept: "One of the focal points was the perfect balance of lines and shapes. The hardtop with its unusual silhouette, which also merges with the windscreen to form a single unit, is a characteristic stylistic device that we have used on all Riva models in recent years. The resulting structure is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and protects guests in the cockpit area from the sun, wind and spray while travelling."
Just how right Micheli is becomes clear during the journey. The sleek carbon construction with its central pane of glass deflects the airstream in such a way that the cockpit is a great place to have a chat during a rapid 36-knot journey across the Golfe de la Napoule. The fully loaded demonstration model, which displaces 44 tonnes, features the large engine option consisting of two MAN gensets, each producing 1,213 kilowatts. At 30 knots, they run at 1,750 revolutions and require 412 litres of diesel per hour. Moving around on deck is also effortless, as the hull easily irons out choppy waves. Riva has fitted dynamic trim tabs from Humphree and offers a gyro stabiliser (Seakeeper NG9) as an optional comfort enhancement.
The electro-hydraulic steer-by-wire system developed with Xenta implements steering commands precisely, with a joystick with docking function available for slow manoeuvring, which combines the effect of the two propellers and the bow thruster and will make the use of a marinero superfluous for many owners. The Dynamic Positioning System is optional and tares the position automatically, for example for a short stop without dropping anchor.
When stationary, plenty of air circulates through the large side hardtop openings, which are closed in bad weather, into the entire covered area. A bimini automatically extends out of the hardtop aft. The additional package includes a panoramic roof that can be tilted forwards or backwards depending on the wind direction. For the ultimate cool-down, the bathing platform on the port side lowers to almost its full width together with the side steps. The lazarette holds at least one Williams SportJet 345 and one Seabob.
Below deck, the Diable distinguishes itself from the Ribelle with a new layout. Riva has retained the wide aft and forward suites. The galley remains open amidships, but changes sides and is now slightly smaller on the port side of the hull. Opposite, an L-shaped sofa turns cooking into a communal event, with standing height of up to 2.20 metres. By creating the mini-saloon, however, the port cabin with the two single beds has been deprived of its own bathroom. Guests now use the day toilet to starboard, which includes a shower cubicle.
The Officina Italiana team also remains true to the Riva values in terms of style: the wood and metal gleam and yet the tone is set, also thanks to the cream-coloured ceiling panels. Doors open via the familiar stainless steel handles with embossed lettering. Under 24 layers of lacquer, it looks like mahogany, just like Riva. But that is far from the truth, as Riva designer Mauro Micheli reports: "For the first time, we have used polished wengé, whose subtle grain lends a natural elegance." Instead of the dark striped wood, Micheli chose a matt grey and white oak veneer as an alternative for those owners who like it a little lighter. The concept meets the taste, eight units were already sold at the Cannes trade fair. For comparison: Riva produced a total of 18 of the 66' Ribelle.
You will find the portrait of the Riva 68' Diable in BOOTE issue 09/2022 at newsstands from 17 August 2022 - and already here.
