Riva Cento: a new open yacht for collectors

Delivering twelve units of the limited-edition Riva Cento required tight coordination between Sarnico’s workshop, Ferretti Group Engineering, and international suppliers to schedule components, sea trials, customs clearance and transport to the Cannes Yachting Festival without disrupting other series production.

Design lineage and limited-series logistics

Riva Cento is a strictly numbered run of twelve open yachts conceived as a collectors’ piece that blends classic Riva styling with modern engineering. The design team led by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, working with the Strategic Product Committee under Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, focused on materials selection and supplier continuity to ensure identical finishes across the dozen hulls.

The two hull colour options—fireworks black and light grey aluminium—and the custom leather combinations (biscuit or aquamarine/white) were specified to limit variability and simplify procurement for upholstery and metalwork. Limited runs like Cento concentrate premium subcontractors and require pre-booked slots for mahogany deck veneers, ribbed leather quilting and polished steel detailing to meet the shipyard’s schedule.

Key exterior and interior features

At 11.88 m (39 ft) overall length and a beam of 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in), the Cento emphasizes open-deck conviviality. The stern incorporates an electro-hydraulic door with built-in mahogany steps; beneath it, two detachable-chaises convert to sunbeds and reveal storage tailored for a Seabob and fenders. The retractable gangway integrated into the transom and the fitted underwater lights enhance low-light mooring and boarding operations—features that matter both to private owners and boutique charter operators arranging premium day experiences.

Deck layout, helm systems and onboard convenience

The midship sunpad with built-in cup holders flows aft into a C-shaped cockpit sofa and a stainless steel table with a lacquered mahogany top and an up-down mechanism that converts into an additional sunbed. Functional storage—shoe drawers, life-jacket lockers and a cocktail preparation unit with drawer refrigerator, sink and ice-cooled compartment—reflects a design brief prioritizing day-cruise habitability.

The helm array includes two pilot chairs to port and a single co-pilot to starboard facing dual Boening screens. A Volvo Penta joystick simplifies low-speed manoeuvres while an electric bow thruster and a Seakeeper NG6 gyroscopic stabilizer provide dockside and cruising composure. The classical Riva searchlight, inherited from models like the Aquarama and Aquariva, is a signature detail preserved in this limited run.

Notable design details

• Polished mahogany inlays with “Riva” and star motifs on new steel profiles.
• Revised windscreen and stainless-steel horn casing for increased interior natural light.
• Under-deck comfort with a convertible forward sofa, full galley and separate shower.

Market positioning and implications for charter and rental

Riva Cento is primarily a collector-oriented project, but its specs and onboard comfort make it attractive for exclusive day charters in Mediterranean marinas and boutique yachting itineraries. For the charter market, limited editions can command premium daily rates and attract clients seeking distinctive experiences—important in high-demand destinations where differentiation matters.

Operationally, charter managers and brokers must factor in unique spare parts, certified technicians familiar with custom mahogany finishes, and occasional restrictions on where a numbered collector yacht can be insured or commercially operated. The presence of Seakeeper and Volvo Penta proprietary systems means planned maintenance and software updates should be scheduled through authorized service networks to preserve warranty and performance.

Owner and operator checklist

• Confirm availability of Volvo Penta service agents at intended cruising marinas.
• Arrange certified teak/mahogany care and upholstery maintenance providers.
• Schedule Seakeeper NG6 inspections annually.
• Plan for secure transport and customs paperwork when shipping a registered hull between countries.

Riva’s attention to historic motifs and contemporary comfort places Cento in a tradition that collectors and charter guests both recognize. The blend of classic details and modern electronics shows how heritage brands adapt to current expectations for connectivity, fuel efficiency and onboard convenience.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The platform values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course—placing no limits on a good life by allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste. Users can preview make, model, and ratings and choose a unique opportunity to spend quality time with a partner, alone or with friends.

Planning a trip with a collector-class open yacht

Although the Riva Cento is a niche release and does not shift the global tourism map on its own, it underlines a continuing appetite for bespoke and experiential yachting. Boutique flotillas, seasonal superyacht events and luxury marinas will see interest in heritage-luxe day charters grow incrementally. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

Highlights: the Cento’s appeal lies in its synthesis of Riva heritage, limited availability and practical modern systems. Experiencing a new location aboard such a vessel is inevitably multifaceted—you learn about local culture, nature, vivid colors, rhythms of life and unique service traditions. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com

Summary: Riva Cento combines collector-focused exclusivity with practical cruising features—polished mahogany, tailored storage, Volvo Penta propulsion and Seakeeper stabilization—making it suitable for private ownership and selective charter use. For anyone interested in yacht charter, boat rent, beachside day trips or extended coastal cruising, the Cento underlines the importance of thoughtful planning around marinas, maintenance and insurance. GetBoat.com supports this theme by offering a global, user-friendly solution for booking or buying yachts, sailboats and boats with transparency and convenience; explore listings to find the right vessel for your next ocean, gulf or lake outing. Start your voyage today.