The Dolceriva cruiser boasts a raft of original features and a striking wealth of details in keeping with the Riva tradition.

There are yachts that tell a story and others that write a new one: Dolceriva belongs to this second category, if only for the staggering style and design innovations introduced by the historic Sarnico shipyard. The latest, spellbinding creation by Riva is a 48-foot open cruiser conceived to offer unrivalled onboard comfort.

The new model strives to redefine its market segment thanks to a number of unprecedented characteristics: a brand-new exterior design developed by Officina Italiana Design, which ushers in a new style philosophy for all Riva models; a perfectly optimised use of onboard spaces; and an exciting wealth of details that pay homage to the incomparable heritage of a brand which has shaped the history of the nautical world for 177 years now.

Born from the collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, the firm headed by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta that has designed the entire Riva fleet for over 25 years, the Ferretti Group Engineering Department and the Product Strategy Committee, Dolceriva is 14.92 metres (48 ft) long with a full beam of 4.26 metres (14 ft).

The originality of the exterior derives from a blend of Riva’s trademark elegance with the latest trends in runabout design, such as an automotive-inspired vibe and a sportier interpretation of the idea of luxury. The hull window design stems from a complex research process by Officina Italiana Design: generated by a black pencil mark along the side of the yacht, it deftly ascends towards the deck.

This intriguing stylistic solution has led to an original and innovative hull-deck coupling system: the aft area, totally freed from the fender bar, features a carbon-fibre air vent with a steel frame. Making this model even more special are a number of fascinating aesthetic touches, including the stunning windshield made with innovative spherical crystals and featuring a slight counter-curvature: an element destined to become a new Riva signature.

The forward surface on the main deck sports the legendary high-gloss mahogany with its twenty coats of varnish, punctuated by a crystal section with a built-in skylight, which allows the cabin below decks to receive plenty of natural sunlight. The exterior part in glossy mahogany features the traditional white maple seams, which are instead absent from the perfectly uniform interiors.

At the centre stands the chrome-plated aluminium alloy casing. This magnificent object, with its timeless appeal, and mahogany shaft for hanging the Riva banner, is reminiscent of the fittings found on the models of the past. Throughout the main deck, several other details pay homage to Riva’s vast history and tradition, such as the aft, forward and side lifelines in steel and mahogany, or the mahogany aft wings. Steel also plays a leading role, being used often as a separation between the various elements.

Dolceriva is available in all colours of the Riva range: the first unit will feature the striking Regal Silver with bright black inserts.

Exterior Design
The rounded stern pays homage to the iconic “Ariston” and “Tritone” models while also evoking the rear of a luxury sports car, transposing this automotive reference onto a fully maritime plane. The hatch, which features a structural bench when closed, swings open to reveal inbuilt mahogany steps as well as a large surface: using the inclination of the stern and the level surface of the beach area, two specially designed ergonomic sun pads can be positioned over the hatch, offering the opportunity to experience the sea in unique fashion. With the hatch open, more steps appear, complete with two storage compartments which can be used to house the seabobs.

Beyond the two sun pads, separated by a central walkway, is the cockpit, with two more large sun pads which conceal additional storage compartments, and which lead to the dinette located amidship. With two large facing sofas and a central folding table in steel and mahogany, this area can comfortably welcome up to 8 people.

At the centre of the dinette is access leading to a below-deck space, which in standard configuration serves as a spacious 4-sq.m storage area. On request, this space can also be set up as a crew area or as a second guest cabin with a small storage compartment.

Beyond this is the helm station, with both pilot and co-pilot seats. The bridge has a Garmin Empirbus monitoring system. This combines monitoring and navigation functions using touchscreen displays, (on request, it is possible to have one 12-inch screen and one 16-inch screen) and supports the installation of a joystick system. Stylistically, the bridge is enhanced by numerous prestigious details, such as the leather and chromed steel inserts or the carbon lifeline on the left side of the windscreen. Below the co-pilot seat is a cabinet unit set in the bulwark housing a fridge, ice-maker, sink, work surface and bar equipment, as well as practical recycling bins and various storage compartments. The area can be protected thanks to a retractable electro-hydraulic bimini top.

Interior Design
A steel and glass hatch provides access to a luxurious open space comprised of a dinette with a spacious sofa, a kitchen, and a bathroom with separate shower and closet. A 43-inch TV is installed on the starboard side bulwark. The spacious owner’s cabin is located forward, separated from the dinette by a steel and glass sliding door, with an inner metallic mesh designed to let in light but not sight. The owner’s cabin benefits from a central bed, two walk-in closets and storage trunks.

All materials used for Dolceriva’s interiors are in keeping with the Riva style, with high-gloss mahogany essences on the first unit, mirror surfaces, leather elements, steel and lacquered woods both matt and glossy.

Engines, Performance and Advanced Functions
Dolceriva features a V-Drive axis propulsion system and, optionally, mounts twin Volvo Penta D13 engines each capable of producing 1,000 Mhp at 2,400 rpm. In terms of performance, the model can reach a maximum speed of 40 knots with a cruising speed of 35 knots at the specified conditions. In standard configuration, the Dolceriva’s Volvo Penta D13 engines deliver 800 Mhp at 2,300 rpm, allowing a maximum speed of 35 knots with a cruising speed of 27 knots (preliminary data).

The optional joystick system includes a docking mode feature that makes it extremely easy to manoeuvre in narrow waters. Sideways-mooring is easy thanks to the movement achieved by the combined use of the propellers and the proportional bow thruster. There is also a driving mode function, available on request, that allows Dolceriva to be piloted exclusively through the joystick.

The performance also means comfort: on request, it is possible to install a Seakeeper NG6 stabiliser to minimise rolling motion while at anchor.

Empirbus, the monitoring system by Garmin, integrates various functions, including viewing the generator’s status and parameters; managing the Seakeeper stabiliser if present, and managing moving parts and managing alarms.

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