Italian shipyard Ferretti Group celebrated "huge success" at the 2026 edition of the Blue Design Awards with its Riva and Ferretti Yachts brands, an event which forms part of the Blue Design Summit held in La Spezia, Italy, from 18 to 20 May.
The international summit spotlights innovation, design culture and yacht design, bringing together leading industry players to discuss a variety of topics affecting the industry, from sustainability and innovation in yacht design to coastal development and interior design. The meeting is supported by the Municipality of La Spezia, the Port System Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, the Riviere di Liguria Chamber of Commerce, Confindustria La Spezia, Liguria International and Miglio Blu.
At the awards, presented by a panel of judges, the shipyard took home the “Best Motoryacht under 24 metres” prize for the Ferretti Yachts 800; one of the latest models presented in its flybridge range, designed by Filippo Salvetti with interiors by IdeaeItalia. The judges praised the yacht's "bold yet refined stylistic personality", with features typically found on larger yachts.
Another win for the yard included its commercial created for the launch of Riva Cento (the open yacht for collectors presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025), which won the “Best Advertising Video” award. The advertisement was recognised for capturing the Riva brand with an "extraordinarily effective visual narrative that conjures up Italian style, heritage and beauty".
Finally, Riva was awarded the “Italian Yacht Ambassador” title, highlighting the brand’s success in promoting the concept of Italian-made yachting elegance around the world.
Aside from awards, Ferretti Group played a central role during the summit. Ivan Polidoro, director of Riva's La Spezia shipyard, spoke during the opening session entitled “La Spezia’s Miglio Blu: where UNESCO creativity is born”. Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, the exclusive designers of all Riva boats for over 30 years, also shared their ideas and experience during the panel discussion entitled "Lines on the water: two visions of design”.