Please select your home edition
Edition
Henri-Lloyd Dynamic Range

Riva's 180th Anniversary: Ferretti Group icon celebrates in Venice with a star-studded cast

by Riva 14 Jun 2022 10:02 PDT

Riva's 180th anniversary tells the story of a wonderful adventure of style and elegance that has raised boatbuilding to the level of art. Such a glamorous and radiant celebratory gala could only be held in an equally grandiose venue, the Gran Teatro La Fenice in Venice.

Which is in fact where last Saturday, June 11, Ferretti Group invited owners and international guests for an exclusive event with a highly atmospheric show that celebrates the story of the first 180 years of the yacht world's most famous brand.

The Gala night was the occasion for the world premiere of "Riva The Persuaders!", the short film inspired by the cult TV series, made over the past few weeks on the coast spanning the border between Italy, Monaco and the Côte d'Azur and produced by Armando Testa Studios. The hugely famous protagonists are Pierfrancesco Favino, the most important Italian actor, who was also in the Riva brand's first short film ("Riva in the Movie"), the international football star David Beckham, an icon of British style and one of the most followed celebrities in the world and Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia Ferrari driver and idol of thousands Formula 1 fans around the world.

"This was the night of Riva's 180th anniversary and of a thousand emotions for enthusiasts of the brand and its unique boats," said Alberto Galassi, Ferretti Group CEO. "We chose Venice and La Fenice because they are unique places in the world and, like us, they live in magical harmony with the water, art and beauty. My thanks go to David Beckham, Pierfrancesco Favino and Charles Leclerc, who have shown their friendship towards Riva by contributing to a spectacular short film, one of those miracles that happen when champions are involved. I am also honored to introduce to the world the 'Anniversario', an iconic new boat, for very few lucky owners, and another masterpiece of outstanding elegance. Best wishes to Riva as it starts to write boating history for the next 180 years."

The excitement began before the event started, when a floating platform moored on Venice's Grand Canal, in front of the Riva Lounge at the Gritti Palace, provided a unique stage for the unveiling of the new Riva "Anniversario", the special limited edition boat created to mark this iconic anniversary and also to pay tribute to the Aquarama on its 60th birthday, a masterpiece of timeless design featured in a fine art book published for the occasion by Assouline.

Related Articles

Copa del Rey MAPFRE surpasses 100 entries
Still almost two months to go until the start The Copa del Rey MAPFRE continues to exceed expectations — and this year, it's doing so well in advance. Posted on 23 May
America's Cup: Big changes in crew line-up
Women and Youth crews to sail in AC75 in the next Cup - Final Draft of AC38 Protocol Historic changes are proposed in the Final Draft of the Protocol released by the America's Cup Defender. For the first time a Female and Youth crew members will be part of the six-crew lineup on board the all-electric AC75s. Posted on 23 May
America's Cup: The Blitz of Statements
Various parties associated with the America's Cup released statements calling for more transparency Various parties associated with the America's Cup released statements calling for more transparency in the America's Cup. Emirates Team New Zealand responded by releasing what is tagged as the Final Draft of the Protocol. Posted on 23 May
IMA Maxi Europeans overall
Bella Mente successfully defends her IMA European Championship title The 20 remaining yachts competing in the IMA Maxi European Championship, organised by the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia in conjunction with the International Maxi Association, took part in a final coastal race today in a 8-14 knot southwesterly. Posted on 22 May
Cape Horn Hall of Fame nominations close by 30 May
Public nominations open for just a little longer The International Association of Cape Horners (IACH) is calling for nominations for new inductees to the Cape Horn Hall of Fame. Posted on 22 May
America's Cup: Emirates Team NZ respond
Emirates Team New Zealand has responded to the statements sent overnight (NZT) Emirates Team New Zealand has responded to the statements sent overnight by two Challenger teams calling for more transparency in the negotiations over the Protocol and venue for the 38th Match. Posted on 22 May
World Foiling Congress 2025 concludes
Event attracted top industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders The second edition of the World Foiling Congress took place this week at Palazzo della Borsa in Genova (Italy), attracting top industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the global Foiling Community. Posted on 22 May
J/70 UK Grand Slam 2 at Royal Southern Yacht Club
7 races for the North Sails May Regatta Having suffered through some tough conditions in Grand Slam 1, the forecasts were looking hopeful for the second event of the UK J/70 Season. As we got closer to the event it was anyone's guess as to how the racing would pan out. Posted on 22 May
6mR Worlds return to Seawanhaka Corinthian YC
Oyster Bay and Long Island Sound are renowned as some of the best sailing waters in the world Founded in 1871 and located on Oyster Bay, New York, SCYC is America's oldest yacht club and its association with the Sixes goes right back to the class's foundation in 1907. Posted on 22 May
Steering the Course kicks off to #AccelerateAction
World Sailing's global women's sailing festival gets under way soon The 2025 edition of Steering the Course, World Sailing's global women's sailing festival, gets under way on 23 May with a week-long focus on #AccelerateAction in support of this year's International Women's Day theme. Posted on 22 May
Sea Sure 2025Lloyd Stevenson - Catalyst GT 1456x180px BOTTOMTrofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca 2025