RIVA FOLGORE: LIGHTENING PERFORMANCE

The old and the new: The Folgore unites innovative materials like carbon fibre with traditional mahogany inlay.

Unquestionable style

Riva’s go-to design studio of Officina Italiana Design has created a strong, powerful look, but one that still fully encapsulates Riva’s traditional style. Headed by the creative duo of Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, the studio penned an aggressive hull and main deck rake that lead the eye aft to the reverse rake swage line that cuts through the Shark Grey hull.

The dark-tinted glazing follows the bottom of this line, which is arguably Folgore’s central design element. The bold hull design is made even more prominent by the ultra low profile superstructure. Defined by an extreme-rake windshield, only a slim section of glazing marks the 88’s superstructure. This is cut by the exquisite metal and carbon fibre strip detail – and then there’s the sport flybridge itself.

From the marina, the Folgore looks like a coupé. There’s no discernible giveaway that there’s a helm, sofas, a bar and a large sun pad up top. In fact, the flybridge design actually slopes down and aft creating an aggressive profile roofline that’s not even obstructed by the radar domes. Open and spacious, the flybridge gives the foredeck lounge with its C-shaped sofa and sunpad and the cockpit a run for their money. It really is an outstanding design feature.

Space and grace

With three very distinct outside entertaining areas, the interior of the 88’ has to be exceptional in order to tempt guests away from the open air – and it is. Stepping into the main salon and the immediate observation is how much space there is on board. Here, wide open glazing dominates the eye, with an almost 360-degree view of the ocean scape – there’s even a slatted moon roof forward, which can be opened to flood the dining table with natural light.

Décor wise, a mix of polished rosewood, leather and steel creates the classic Riva ambience. It’s all low key cool here. Nothing ostentatious – even the 55-inch flatscreen is hidden away in the port side cabinet and the grey marble Poliform coffee table is super subtle.

Distinct spaces: The 88’s main deck interior spaces are divided into the lounge, dining and helm station areas.

Heading past the helm and down the staircase we find the four lower deck cabins. These consist of a full-beam Owner’s suite amidships; a VIP cabin forward; a VIP cabin to port with convertible twin beds and a double cabin to starboard, all of which are en suite.

The 20 metre-squared Owner’s suite has three different layout options. Option A has one large Owner’s bathroom, a walk-in closet and a vanity table with a leather and aluminium Living Divani chair. The furnishings are rounded out by several pieces of freestanding furniture chosen by the Owner, including a Poliform brown leather chair, a black steel coffee table by B&B Italia, and a silver armchair by Minotti. The cabin is entered by means of three white marble steps, while the floor, shower and basin top in the Owner’s bathroom are finished in white and gold polished Calacatta marble. Option B offers the possibility of two bathrooms with separate heads and a single central shower in addition to the walk-in wardrobe.

Conclusion

The Folgore is a luxury flybridge yacht with the looks and performance of a sports coupé. It can hit a top speed of 36 knots while surrounding guests in sumptuous leather, steel and polished wood. It’s bold and aggressive and yet has the calmness, ambience and spirit of a traditional Riva. For those looking for a sporty 27-metre, there’s not much that can touch the Riva 88’ Folgore.