Folgore translates as “lightning”. Riva, the oldest yacht shipyard in Italy, always chooses the names of its boats for a long time and carefully, and here the hit was right on the spot: the sporty Folgore really looks dazzlingly bright. This 88-foot (26 m) model was only announced by Riva in January, preferring to develop it in secret. On May 25, 2020, strictly on schedule, the yacht went sailing in La Spezia, where the shipyard’s production facility is located to build large models (76 to 110 feet). By the way, this is the first new model for Riva this year and the first launch from the stocks since the lifting of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Riva 88 Folgore looks like she just returned from a journey into the future. The launch of this model marks a new renaissance for the Ferretti Group, which begins with Riva. This brand is becoming more and more a timeless legend, the quintessence of Made in Italy style and a significant symbol of the country’s return to normal life.
Alberto Galassi, CEO of the Ferretti Group holding
Riva’s new design philosophy demonstrates an already established trend in the yachting market: there are many elements that refer to the supercar industry, where luxury goes hand in hand with a sporty character. There is also a good balance between past and present, with legendary Riva styling elements such as mahogany and shining steel inlays combined with carbon details.
However, Riva never sacrificed functionality for aesthetics. An example of this approach is a new concept of the stern, invented from scratch, where the garage door, swinging open, is fixed in two positions: parallel to the waterline (forming a “beach club”) and submerged (for lowering / lifting the tender). The 22 m² cockpit has a huge seating area with a table and a bar hidden under an electrically-operated marble top. Another interesting detail is the glass superstructure hardtop, which not only opens, but can also tilt towards the bow or stern, letting in fresh air in different modes: when the boat is at full speed or at anchor.
The interior has also undergone major changes in style, but not in the quality of finishing materials: Riva has always chosen the most expensive and luxurious – from wood to marble. The master cabin offers three layouts, while guests are provided with a bow VIP cabin and two more on the sides, each with its own bathroom. The galley, also located on the lower deck, is strictly isolated from the guest area for privacy reasons, with a separate entrance for the crew.
Like all legendary models in the modern history of Riva, 88 Folgore is a collaboration between the Ferretti Group’s engineering department and Officina Italiana Design, founded by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta.
Text
Olga Selezneva
Chief Editor
What do you think?