The Riva boatyard was established in 1842 on Lake Iseo, in Sarnico-Italy. It was a sudden and devastating storm - which irreversibly damaged the boats of the local fishermen, who were left shocked and powerless - that persuaded a young shipbuilder and craftsman who had just moved from Laglio, near Como, to perform a true miracle and repair most of the crafts, thus winning the trust of the locals. This was the beginning of the legend of Riva and that of a man, Pietro Riva, who - immediately after moving to Sarnico - became the master of his own destiny. This was the place where the first boats signed by Riva were launched and immediately stood out for their unmatched style and personality. Riva rapidly gained great respect and recognition; the boatyard flourished also thanks to the far-sightedness of Ernesto Riva, who had succeeded his father Pietro and introduced internal combustion engines on Riva boats. The era of large cargo and passenger boats operating on the lake thus began. After World War I, Serafino Riva gave Riva products their final imprinting and turned the boatyard's precious crafts into a real brand, allowing it to take a step into history: production steered from transportation to power boating, which at the time was still dawning. Between the 1920s and the 1930s Riva, through its racing yachts, collected a large number of records and victories in national and international competitions.

Craftsmanship, unmatchable quality, innovative but always functional design, has always been Riva's hallmark. With a painstaking care to structural details, every boat, from 27 to 115 feet, is given a precise personality linked to its name. Riva is, more than ever, a refined, elegant and timeless beauty on water, featuring state of the art design and performance. All of Riva's unique characteristics are due to a strong bond between design and tradition. None of its recent accomplishments would have been possible without the knowledge and experience of those individuals who have passed their talents in building boats from generation to generation. Today, Riva’s models stand out for their clean and essential lines, very elegant and original, for their exclusive design and unique style. This perfect blend of elegance and innovation sets the benchmark in the history of international boating design. The spirit of Pietro Riva, the young boat builder, still lives on. Riva is still building boats nobody else possibly could. Officina Italiana Design is the design studio to which the unmistakable style of Riva yachts has been exclusively entrusted, for both the interiors and exteriors, marking new stages in the history of international nautical design. With the acquisition of Riva by Ferretti Group, in May 2000, a new period of growth began, but also a new era, rich in opportunities for Officina Italiana Design, started. They represent a relevant part of the historical memory of the boatyard and of its recent tradition. Officina Italiana Design has signed all the projects currently being produced. In Micheli’s words: "We are not keen on ‘showy’ yachts with mere virtuosity of form. Neither do we indulge in gratuitous connotations with an obvious impact. We love a classical, essential, clean design style, where the keyword is ‘removing’ not ‘adding’. Our aim is to achieve the essence of a unique, unmistakable style, where innovation meets and develops in harmony with a tradition which has become legendary."

Of rare beauty and refinement, Riva yachts have always been a synonym for elegance, and simple luxury. What really stands out in all Riva yachts, open, flybridge and coupé, are the interiors. Expression of Italian artisan skill thanks to some of the most sought-after furnishings currently available on the market, Riva yachts are refined floating dwellings. The furnishings are a collection of styles, all the accessories, draw from the very best of Italian artisan traditions. The unique comfort these yachts offer seduce even the most demanding of owners. “Tan in the shade” thanks to a sundeck awning in perforated, technological TNT material which allows for ventilation, whilst sipping a cool glass of champagne, stored in a special quick chill fridge, or own a pair of exclusive, personalized water-skis. These are some of the elements which make Riva an immediately recognizable luxury brand.