Riva 82' Diva: Flybridge model from the classic shipyard combines elegance and dynamism

A text by Norman Kietzmann

If it were always that simple! "The character of a boat must be summarised in three lines," Mauro Micheli is convinced. Since 1994, he and his office Officina Italiana Design have been responsible for the lines of all Riva models. And they can indeed be aptly described with this formula. It's all about the conciseness of the appearance - and, as in Renaissance portrait paintings, this is shown above all in one perspective: in profile. Nothing distracts from this angle. The silhouette summarises the essence of a boat.

The latest coup from Micheli's pen is the 82' Diva. The challenge was to reconcile several opposites at once. On the one hand, the yacht should combine an elegant appearance with a dynamic appearance. On the other hand, the flybridge glider with a length of 25.29 metres should create the impression of spaciousness. How is that supposed to work? Quite simply: "In order to create a sleek, streamlined line, we have paid great attention to balancing the volume. All the stylistic elements are designed to convey a feeling of lightness and never weigh down the shapes. No small feat for a ship of these dimensions," explains Mauro Micheli, who was born in 1959 near Bergamo at the foot of the Alps.

A decisive graphic element

Instead of giving the yacht the appearance of a floating apartment building, in which the individual floors are stacked on top of each other like layers of a cake, he opts for a sophisticated approach. He hides the size of the volume by interrupting the legibility of the individual levels on board. This is achieved by a graphic element that accentuates the two sides of the hull: a striking glazing in the shape of a square "C", the underside of which is drawn further into the horizontal than the top. As a result, the glass fashion plate echoes the cantilevered flybridge at the rear and the hardtop rising above it, the colour of which corresponds with the tinted glass.

"To emphasise the sporty side, we have introduced some functional as well as aesthetic elements along the profile. The elongated C-shape of the hull window emphasises the yacht's slim profile and also allows light to penetrate into the interior. The dotted air intakes are another sporting element," emphasises Mauro Micheli. Despite all the sleekness, additional space is gained on board. The large aft area can be extended by more than three metres in width thanks to side-folding bulwarks, a feature used here for the first time on board a Riva. The cockpit is equipped with two sofas arranged lengthways opposite each other, flanking the transition from the saloon to the "beach club".

Outdoor areas of the Riva 82' Diva Well thought out down to the smallest detail

"The outdoor areas are the undisputed stars of the design. They are spacious and have been thought through down to the smallest detail to guarantee both sumptuous comfort on board and direct contact with the sea," says Riva designer Micheli. The garage is located directly below the sunbed on the aft deck. This is where the dinghy, water toys and other items are neatly stowed away. At the same time, it creates a tidy feeling of space outdoors. A bathing platform can be lowered directly into the water, and two further sunbeds are arranged in the bow area. There is also another platform for sunbathing in the front part of the flybridge, which scores with an impressive all-round view. It is protected from strong winds by the windscreen, while the hardtop provides shade.

Although the hull tapers dynamically towards the bow, it has been possible to create a generous interior volume. "This bright, spacious atmosphere is thanks to some clever design decisions, including a high day area that offers more space below deck and the positioning of the dining area so that it has a privileged and very special view of the sea," explains Mauro Micheli. The living area is separated from the dining area by a two-step staircase, without interrupting the openness of the spatial structure with a wall. The 40 centimetre higher level reinforces the visual communication with the cockpit. It acts like a terrace that rises above the saloon. A sliding window creates a connection with the galley. When the window is closed, it enhances the tranquillity factor at the marble-clad table. When the window is open, the view from the dining table can wander on to the steering position and through the large windscreen to the bow.

Clear contrasts in the interior

"It's impossible not to be impressed by the light, airy spaciousness of the saloon and the main and guest cabins," says Mauro Micheli confidently. The interior is restrained. Clear light-dark contrasts characterise the living area: Italian walnut and wenge meet white carpets and upholstery. Grey-blue cushions add splashes of maritime colour. The owner's suite spans the entire width and, thanks to the two-step staircase one level higher, has a ceiling raised to 2.25 metres. This results in a freedom that yachts of this size are otherwise unable to offer. A VIP cabin nestles into the curve of the bow. A centre aisle provides access to two further cabins, each of which is equipped with two single beds and, like all guest accommodation, has its own bathroom. The upholstered headboards of the beds are a unifying element. They are upholstered in black leather and quilted in square sections. "We are not convinced by flashy effects. They run the risk of shortening the service life. For us, the yacht has to last," Micheli explains firmly.

Developing a new Riva is a question of evolution

The graduate of Milan's Accademia di Brera art school came into contact with the world of yachts in 1984 through a competition organised by Riva, which he won. He became a design assistant in the shipyard's technical office. Ten years later, he took over the design of all the Rivas and founded Officina Italiana Design together with Sergio Beretta. Mauro Micheli is still head of design today. His partner, born in Brescia in 1968, runs the company as Managing Director. For the duo, the development of a new Riva yacht is a question of evolution.

All models for the shipyard follow in the footsteps of the iconic Aquarama from 1962 - the original Riva par excellence, so to speak. It marked the breakthrough for the company, which was founded in 1842 in Sarnico at the south-western end of Lake Iseo. With its tapered stern, red-brown mahogany panelling and upholstered sunbed in the unmistakable Riva turquoise, the Aquarama became the most famous boat in the world. Today, the shipyard's portfolio is much broader: It ranges from compact series such as the eight-metre Iseo to the 30-metre models Riva 110' Dolcevita and the Riva 130' Bellissima. The founding site in Sarnico has been joined by an excellent shipyard in La Spezia in Liguria, while the metal 50Metri is being built in Ancona on the Adriatic.

The good chemistry between Officina Italiana Design and Riva was recently demonstrated by the extension of the contract for a further five years until 2030. "Officina Italiana Design is a Renaissance atelier that is characterised by a high degree of innovation and has found the formula for timeless elegance," says Alberto Galassi, CEO of the Ferretti Group, to which Riva has belonged since 2000. Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, meanwhile, not only enjoy yachts, but are also passionate collectors of contemporary and antique art. Their sense of beauty applies to them on land as well as on the water.

Technical data

• Length over everything: 25,29 m
• Length (hull shape): 22,56 m
• Length (waterline): 21,14 m
• Width: 6,08 m
• Depth: 2,05 m
• Displacement (empty): 68 t
• Material: GRP
• Motors: 2 x MAN V12 1800
• Engine power: 2 x 1324 kW
• Speed (max.): 29 kn
• Speed (travelling): 26 kn
• Fuel: 6400 l
• Water: 1100 l
• Range @ 26 kn: 300 nm
• Navigation: Simrad
• Construction: Ferretti Group
• Exterior design: Officina Italiana Design
• Interior design: Officina Italiana Design
• Class: CE "A"
• Shipyard: Riva, 2023
• Starting price: from 6 million euros