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History
Riva’s history dates back to
1842, when Pietro Riva began building boats at Sarnico,
a small northern Italian town on the shores of Lago
d’Iseo.
By the 1930s, by which time the
business was managed by Pietro’s grandson, Serafino,
the company was a leading manufacturer of small racing
boats, many of which he raced himself. At the
same time, it began building pleasure boats.
In the 1950s Serafino’s son
Carlo transformed the business. After a considerable
struggle with his father to realise his ambitions, he
created wooden boats of such exceptional style and elegance
that they surpassed anything his competitors produced.
In due course the Riva brand became a worldwide legend
courted by screen stars, royalty and businessmen alike.
Famous owners included Brigitte Bardot, pictured here
on her Super Florida, Sophia Loren, Peter Sellers and
many more besides.
More about the Riva story can be
found in the article which can be downloaded from this
page. A succession of owners have owned the
company since Carlo Riva sold it in the early 1970s,
and today the firm is owned by the Ferretti Group.
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