RIVA 68: HARD TO RESIST

The original Riva Diable 50 was born in 1984 and was the shipyard’s response to a customer who wanted a sports boat that could also cruise from Cannes to Monaco for lunch in total comfort.

Although it looked like an open boat, the classic Diable featured a ‘reverse convertible’ fold-out roof that opened from the top of the windscreen to the radar tower, shading its occupants from the sun, while its twin 500hp Detroit diesel powered it up to 43-knots. This mix of power and style hasn’t been lost on Riva, so it was no surprise to find it had resurrected the name for 2022, with the launch of the Diable 68’ – a fast, open, hardtop yacht aimed at a new generation of style/speed-hungry owner.

THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL

Officina Italiana Design’s Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, as well as the engineering department of the Ferretti Group, have created yet another classically beautiful Riva, but with a super sports edge. Now 20.6-metres in length, the Diable is not only aesthetically perfect but also features a wealth of well-thought-out solutions and exquisite details.

As you would expect from the Sarnico shipyard, here you can find traditional style solutions, premium quality materials, and modern technologies. Officina Italiana Design is inextricably linked to Riva and is very passionate about preserving the heritage of yachting’s most famous brand. The 68’s exterior look has both the family resemblance to older Rivas, while strong contours echo the looks of the more modern Dolceriva.

Huge glass areas let in an abundance of natural light, especially so the sleek, curved windshield that stretches back into that iconic hardtop. In addition to carbon fibre, the Diable’s exterior is generously swathed in mahogany and polished stainless steel.

Although available in all Riva colours, the first 68’ Diable hull features the sophisticated Shark Grey colourway that emphasises the yacht’s dynamic lines. However, the carbon hardtop is Diable’s real innovation, with the lightweight design being perfectly integrated into the overall aesthetic, while at the same time protecting the guests from the sun. In addition, the hardtop’s sunroof has the ability to open in both directions.

In its standard configuration, the 68’ is powered along courtesy of a pair of MAN V12 turbo diesels pushing out 1,550hp, each.

RELAX IN COMFORT

The main deck is planned in such a way that there is ample space to relax under the hardtop or catch some sun in the open cockpit. Here at the stern, a huge sunpad sits atop the Diable’s garage. A lowering bathing platform allows easy access to the water both for swimmers, and the garage’s Williams SportJet 345 tender and Seabob.

For sun worshipers, a second open lounge can be found at the bow. Accessed by large walkways and finished in teak, the foredeck area features a C-shaped sofa with another huge sunpad forward.

Directly underneath the hardtop, the Diable’s guests can enjoy the trappings of Riva luxury, with most of the area taken up with two L-shaped sofas and a dining table. Here, six guests can dine in air-conditioned comfort and should more dining space be needed, there is the option of a second table which can be installed opposite the second sofa.

Up front, the Riva 68’s helm is finished in polished steel with carbon fibre paneling and is again beautifully detailed. It’s almost like superyacht levels of quality packed into a 21-metre sportster.   

THE QUALITY CONTINUES

Below deck, the spacious salon is a pleasant surprise, once you climb down the steps. Again, the quality and overall design are world-class with the large corner sofa, table and kitchenette setting the tone for the rest of the three-cabin layout.

Forward is the VIP cabin, with the guest cabin aft of the kitchenette and the full-beam master cabin amidships. Here, glossy wenge is used throughout, along with calm grey shades, lit up by the huge hull windows. The bathroom stretches along the port side and again is flooded with natural light, as a bathroom should be.

Aft is the fully soundproofed engine room, which thanks to a compact modern layout allows space for a small crew cabin that is accessed from the bathing platform.

TOP PERFORMER

You can’t have a fast yacht without a lot of power and the Diable doesn’t disappoint. In its standard configuration, the 68’ is powered along courtesy of a pair of MAN V12 turbo diesels pushing out 1,550hp, each. These effortlessly help the big Riva to hit a top speed of 37-knots, while allowing a fast cruise speed of 33-knots. Top speed is increased to 40-knots with the optional 1,650hp engines, but whatever powertrain is chosen, impeccable seakeeping is assured.

Electronics wise, two modern systems help keep the Diable in check. Firstly, the DPS dynamic positioning system keeps the Riva steady no matter the weather or currents, while the Humphree Interceptors provide unmatched stabilisation, comfort and performance. Xenta electro-hydraulic steering improves maneuverability and optimises handling for all sea conditions, while a Seakeeper NG9 gyro stabiliser increases comfort at anchor.

CONCLUSION

Under the Riva 68’ Diable’s beautifully designed hull are a multitude of electronics that work at making the sportser both faster over the waves and more comfortable at anchor.

An innovative hardtop allows guests to enjoy the sea air and lots of power from those big, brutal MAN turbo diesels mean there’s plenty of breeze to be created. Superyacht levels of finish and detailing make this one of the finest open sports yachts on the market.