The Riva Cento Sets Sail

The Italian yard has unveiled a limited-edition version of the best-selling 39-footer, which will be produced in just 12 units. The new Riva Cento is a cut above the typical exclusives that builders release to mark delivery milestones, offering both aesthetic and functional upgrades that make it, dare we say, even better than the original. 

The open yacht, first revealed at the Cannes Yachting Festival, was penned by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design. The Italian studio exclusively designs all Rivas and has been doing so for the past 30 years. As with the regular production model, the Cento exudes the yard’s elegant design DNA, with a sporty character, sleek, flowing lines, the classic mahogany deck, and gleaming steel accents. It does, however, showcase fresh new colors: the hull is available in a fireworks black (pictured), bold metallic, or aluminum hue. Similarly, the leather interior, which is inspired by 1950s and ‘60s car design, can be finished in biscuit or the traditional aquamarine and white (pictured).   

There are, of course, the obligatory commemorative touches. The decorative grille on the hull side has been replaced with a new steel profile containing a polished mahogany insert emblazoned with “Riva” and a series of small stars that pay tribute to vintage models. The yacht is also equipped with a marine horn that was created specifically for this edition.

The tech innovations are what really set the Cento apart, though. The stern door, for example, features an electro-hydraulic system that opens to reveal two comfy sunbeds, two storage compartments for fenders (port side) and a Seabob (starboard side), and a retractable gangway. Think of it as a mini beach club. 

That isn’t all on the tech front. In the forward cockpit, the C-shaped sofa is fitted with an up-down mechanism that allows it to be lowered to meet the cushions, creating a second sunpad to complement the one amidship. The cockpit can be easily covered, too, with a retractable bimini top that is operated by an electro-hydraulic mechanism in the sofa backrest.

The two units that separate the cockpit from the helm station have been used to create an area for cocktail prep, which is decked out with bar accessories, a drawer refrigerator, a sink, a worktop, and an insulated cooler. Speaking of the helm, the space is outfitted with two pilot chairs, a co-pilot chair, two Boening displays measuring 15 and 24 inches, respectively, and a Volvo Penta joystick. 

Another bonus, the Cento is equipped with a larger central windscreen that increases the amount of natural light entering the interiors. The living quarters also gained a redesigned skylight and larger side windows, making them even brighter than the originals. The layout sees a fully equipped galley starboard, a bathroom port side, and a large sofa in the bow that can be converted into a double bed using a panel taken from the central storage compartment. 

Power remains unchanged. As with the Rivamare 38, the Cento is equipped with twin Volvo Penta D6 440 Aquamatic Duoprop DPIs that enable a top speed of 40 knots and a cruising speed of 31 knots. There are some things, like 800 hp, that you really can’t improve upon.