Italian shipyard Riva, a brand of Ferretti Group, has announced the launch of the first 28.8-metre superyacht from its new 96’ Argo Super flybridge series. Following sea trials, she will make her official debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
The new build comes as the first in an evolution of Riva's popular Riva 90’ Argo series and is said to introduce a series of major design innovations to elevate the quality of life on board. According to the yard, modifications include a more efficient onboard layout, a greater and more flexible indoor-outdoor connection and "outstanding" liveability.
Like all Riva builds from the past 30 years, the Riva 96’ Argo Super is the result of a collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, the Strategic Product Committee and the Ferretti Engineering Department.
Contemporary and clean contours – decorated in a combination of aluminium and black – define the model, paired with an expansive beam of 6.5 metres. One of the major new developments on board can be found at the stern, where the yacht's beach club and aft deck areas have been redesigned to improve the guest experience. As such, a large sunpad is now incorporated into the garage door – which opens to provide access to a Williams 435 tender and jet ski – and the adjacent swim platform can now be lowered for easy access into the water.
The cockpit features additional storage, a fridge and adjustable backrests for the two large sofas surrounding an al fresco dining table, while above, the flybridge is now equipped with a new bar unit and mahogany-topped tables.
Though the model offers two different main saloon configurations, the first unit has been fitted with a dining area aft and a lounge forward for a greater convivial atmosphere. A day head has also been introduced here, moving from the lower deck to free space below. Forward on the main deck, a full-beam master suite benefits from expansive glazed surfaces and furnishings positioned to amplify both natural light and views over the water.
The lower deck's standard configuration sees three generous guest cabins, including a full-beam VIP cabin aft comparable in size to a second master. Alternatively, a second layout comprises three VIP cabins plus a twin.
In keeping with the yacht's design evolution, the 96’ Argo Super embraces a new "style language", with polished wengé wood offset by pale matt oak. Mirrored surfaces and contemporary polished steel detailing adds to the yacht's sporty character while remaining sophisticated and welcoming.
The first Riva 96’ Argo Super is equipped with a pair of 2,000hp MTU 12V 2000 M96X engines and includes two Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisers, a Watchit collision prevention system, Xenta’s X-AID manoeuvring aid and virtual anchor system, plus a stern thruster - all to boost comfort, safety and manoeuvrability.
“History does not make a brand iconic. The courage to reinvent it, generation after generation, does," said Ferretti Group's chief executive officer, Stassi Anastassov. "For more than 180 years, Riva has set the standard for timeless beauty on the water. The new Riva 96’ Argo Super carries that legacy forward with a yacht that is unmistakably Riva - more innovative, more liveable and more connected to the sea than ever before.”
Data from BOATPro amounts Riva to have 19 superyacht projects on order or under construction. The yard recently unveiled the interiors of its first 54Metri, Sairu.
Read More/Sairu: First look inside Riva's largest superyacht to date