[dropcap]R[/dropcap]iva 56’ Rivale is the name of the latest model revealed by Ferretti Group at the world première in Sarnico this month. The new 56’ Rivale is a masterpiece with no rival” explained Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. The new open 56’ Rivale expresses great dynamism, elegance and sportiness, thanks to the design elements that have made Riva open yachts unique in the world.
56’ Rivale combines the utmost attention to every detail with the use of the finest quality materials – the distinctive hallmarks of the brand – from the high gloss mahogany of the interiors to the natural teak of the exteriors, as well as lacquered finishes, stainless steel details, mirrored and glazed surfaces, and superior leathers. The completely new hull further enhances the most popular technical, comfort and innovative yachting features that have led to the success of Riva craft in recent years.
A thin aquamarine-coloured line is a motif shared by the fabulous coupé models, the futuristic convertibles and the iconic Rivamare, of which the new 56’ Rivale can be regarded as the “big brother”.
The stern, whose garage houses a Williams 325 tender protected by a hatch in double shell carbon fibre, features a major innovation: during underwater movement of the swimming platform, the steps on the left become partially submerged revealing additional steps in the hull, providing a single most convenient stairway for getting into the water and back on board without having to use the steel ladder, although available for use.
In the cockpit, at the far end of the stern, there is a large sun pad. The mooring equipment is housed in compartments set in the bulwark; these are covered by grilles made in stainless steel, as is the fairlead. Underneath the roll bar, which adds a beautiful finishing touch to the profile and acts as a supporting structure for the antennas of the electronic apparatus, the main deck lounge features a spacious, forward-facing sitting area completed with L-shaped sofa and teak dining table on the left.
This convivial area continues through to the forward section with a raised dormeuse, on the left of the new bridge, equipped with control, monitoring and navigation systems featuring touchscreen displays, including MAN-Boening’s innovative wide version engine data display.
Behind the control station is a cabinet unit set along the bulwark, which houses a fridge, ice-maker, grill, sink and bar equipment for at least 6 people. As with the Rivamare, there are practical containers for separate waste collection as well as various storage compartments running all the way to the helm seat and integrated into its base.
In case of bad weather, or if the owner simply wants some shade, the electro-hydraulically operated bimini top can be opened as can the clear side shields, offering excellent shelter and protection for the whole area.
The foredeck has a reclining sun pad that can be protected with a top. In addition to the sun pad there is a glazed floor with a special non-slip surface, set into a stainless steel frame completed by the warning horn fitted in a marvellous vintage case.The case, made from polished cast stainless steel, is a tribute to the glorious Riva vessels of the past. The sun pads, seating and outdoor sofas are upholstered in an original Mambo Artic technical fabric exclusively created for Riva.
Below deck, the 56’ Rivale offers its guests the comfort of a very elegant lounge-dinette, where mirrored surfaces alternate with varnished mahogany, dark lacquered woods and dark leather coverings. The resulting interplay of different colours and materials is the “signature” of Riva interiors.
Sofas and ottoman seats are covered in fabric created by Ivano Redaelli, an Italian company that supplied the decorative cushions and tartan blanket too. The wall-to-wall carpet is manufactured by the Dutch company Van Besouw.
The galley, situated on the port side, is partly invisible thanks to the mirrored walls – where the TV screen is located – and the sliding lacquered surfaces covering the sink and work tops. It features a host of storage cabinets and, in the fridge area, a unit equipped with the bar set includes a special compartment for storing a Champagne magnum. A glass hatch cover, in addition to the large hull windows, ensures there is abundant natural light in the galley.
The independent day head, accessed directly from the dinette, makes it possible to exploit the full potential of the open yacht for day cruises, as guests can use this facility without entering cabins and bathrooms used by those staying overnight.
The sleeping area features two en suite cabins in which one can admire the same interplay of colours and materials found in the lounge, in addition to the striking contrast between the white leather covering of the headboard and border and the dark leather on the tops of the bedside tables and bases of the beds.
On this first 56’ Rivale, the soft furnishings (cushions, bedspreads, tartan blankets and wall-to-wall carpets) are also designed and supplied by Ivano Redaelli and Van Besouw.
The master suite has the head on the left side, while the VIP cabin situated in the forward area features many storage compartments and a starboard side head. The heads décor consists of different woods, light and dark lacquered surfaces, mirrored surfaces and white Corian.
The crew cabin has a single bed with bathroom with separate access from a hatch in the cockpit, concealed by the dormeuse. It can be replaced by a third guest cabin.
The new open model is fitted with twin1000 HP MAN engines, or with twin 1200 HP MAN engines. In both cases, the propulsion system is V-Drive. With the standard engines, the 56’ Rivale can reach a cruising speed of 31 knots and a maximum speed of 35 knots. With the more powerful engines, performance increases to a cruising speed of 34 knots and a maximum speed of 38 knots respectively (preliminary data). Access to the engine room is through two hatches on the bridge, one in the centre of the cockpit and the other at the far end of the stern on the left. On request, a Seakeeper stabiliser can be fitted to minimise roll in open sea and at anchor.
