Art is something that has been a foundation of Italy’s culture for countless years. Michelangelo, Vasari and Aretino are, for some, a few of the people who have given Italy its distinctive touch of culture. There are a few marques however that have created art in their own right, who have touched the exquisite senses of the famous, the royal and those with good taste.
Boats have long been a sign of wealth and exclusivity. Whether they are moving seamlessly through the Adriatic Sea or moored in Monaco, an individual’s boat says something about their character, their taste and often their place in society. Few could describe the Riva Aquarama as anything less than a nautical legend.
The Riva brand dates back to 1842, where in the small north Italian town of Sarnico, Pietro Riva began creating his boats. A century later Riva lead the world in compact racing boat creation. It was around the 1930’s when Riva ventured into the “pleasure boat” market, in response to the growing number of wealthy people who wanted their journey on water to be as comfortable as their automobiles. This was not a difficult feat for Riva to accomplish.
The quality of their boats is indefinable; at times, the amount of work that has gone into the Aquarama beggars belief. The highest quality wood, leather and engine components money could buy, built at the time for those for whom money was no object. Even today, as Aquaramas have become truly classic, prices for this type of boat are high. $200,000 would not be out of the question for a forty year-old model in need of some TLC.
Buying an original Aquarama is, in a sense, similar to joining a conservation society. One will be in no doubt that these remarkable pieces of history need exceptionally dedicated owners, with a reverent affection for the marque and a wallet wider than a Hertfordshire driveway. For the many who cannot afford this weekend luxury, there are less expensive Rivas around, most of which are smaller and, of course, less elusive. For everyone else, you’ll have to settle for the $500 dollar models that grace the fireplaces of many an admirer who just can’t forget these elegant beauties
