Riva Cento, a collector’s yacht celebrating the Sarnico legend through a contemporary lens

Only twelve units, a distinctive design signature and a perfect balance between heritage and innovation. With Riva Cento, the Sarnico shipyard introduces a new collector’s open yacht that refreshes the brand’s aesthetic language, reinterpreting its historic codes with a contemporary, highly technological approach.  The project bears the signatures of Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, founders of Officina Italiana Design, in collaboration with the Strategic Product Committee, chaired by Piero Ferrari, and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. A well-established design and engineering ecosystem that has guided the evolution of the Riva brand for more than thirty years.  Measuring 11.88 metres in length with a maximum beam of 3.50 metres, Riva Cento is an open yacht with a soft yet sporty profile. The twelve hulls are offered in two exclusive colourways: fireworks black, a deep metallic black that accentuates the yacht’s flowing lines, and aluminium, an elegant light grey. In contrast, the ribbed leather upholstery inspired by 1950s and 1960s automotive design is available in biscotto or in an aquamarine-and-white combination, a palette already adopted by another successful limited edition, Riva Anniversario.  The stern area is one of the yacht’s most distinctive features. An electro-hydraulic system allows the transom door to fold down, revealing integrated mahogany steps and two chaise longues with removable cushions, transforming the space into a true beach area. When open, the transom also provides access to dedicated storage compartments for fenders on the port side and a Seabob on the starboard side, while a concealed gangway, fully integrated into the stern, ensures smooth, functional boarding. Completing the experience, underwater lights enhance visibility during night navigation and docking manoeuvres.  At the centre of the yacht, a generous sunpad leads into the cockpit, furnished with a C-shaped sofa surrounding a stainless-steel table with a glossy lacquered mahogany top. Thanks to a height-adjustment mechanism, the table can be lowered and integrated into the cushions, converting the area into a second relaxation space. When required, the cockpit can be sheltered by a retractable electro-hydraulic bimini seamlessly integrated into the backrest of the sofa, preserving the yacht’s clean lines and aesthetic continuity.  Particular attention has been paid to functionality. A drawer refrigerator, cocktail-making accessories, a sink with worktop and an insulated ice box are all perfectly integrated into the furniture units that separate the cockpit from the helm station, ensuring maximum usability without compromising design.  The helm station features two pilot seats and a single co-pilot seat, facing Boeing displays measuring 15” and 24”, which integrate engine data, navigation, charts, Seakeeper controls and the audio system. Steering is managed via Volvo Penta joystick control, complemented by an electric bow thruster to ensure optimal manoeuvrability. Completing the picture is the iconic searchlight on the port side of the windscreen, a direct heritage reference inherited from legendary models such as Aquarama and Aquariva.  Below deck, Riva Cento reveals a bright and spacious open-plan layout designed to deliver maximum comfort both underway and at anchor. On the starboard side is a fully equipped galley, while to port is a bathroom with a separate shower box. Forward, a large sofa follows the hull’s shape and can be easily converted into a double berth by extracting a concealed panel from the central locker. The redesigned foredeck skylight and the lateral windows flood the interior with natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere even during overnight stays.  Riva Cento is powered by twin Volvo Penta D6 440 Aquamatic Duoprop DPI engines, delivering a top speed of 40 knots and a cruising speed of 31 knots (preliminary data). Stability is ensured by Volvo Penta software that automatically adjusts the sterndrive trim for optimal running attitude, reducing consumption and improving comfort, and by a standard Seakeeper NG6 gyroscopic stabiliser that guarantees stability both at anchor and while cruising.