Craftsmanship, glamour, and nearly two centuries of Italian boatbuilding heritage are woven into every vessel that leaves the Riva yard. The story begins in 1842, when Pietro Riva set about repairing storm-damaged fishing boats on Lake Iseo, quietly building a reputation that would outlast him by generations. His Sarnico yard grew into something celebrated across Europe, and by the 1920s Riva's racing boats were the ones to beat on the continent's lakes. The 1950s brought a golden era under Carlo Riva, whose exquisite wooden runabouts became shorthand for a certain kind of sun-drenched, jet-set elegance. Models like the Aquarama came to define Mediterranean style. Now part of the Ferretti Group, Riva continues to honour that legacy while embracing contemporary technology, producing yachts from 8 to 90 metres that carry the same cinematic allure the brand has always commanded.
The latest expression of that tradition is the Riva 112' Dolcevita Super, launched at Riva's La Spezia shipyard as a sophisticated step forward from the already well-regarded 110' Dolcevita. The new model grows the volumes, rethinks the exterior, and deepens the relationship between the yacht and the water around it, responding to what today's luxury yacht owners want most: more space, more natural light, and the freedom to live as much of life as possible in the open air.
At 34.37 metres overall and carrying a beam of 7.27 metres, the Dolcevita Super presents with the bold, self-assured lines that have become a Riva hallmark. Exterior styling comes courtesy of long-standing collaborators Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, and the result is unmistakably Italian, poised and powerful without ever sacrificing refinement.
*The art of outdoor living*
Nowhere does the Dolcevita Super make a stronger statement than in its approach to life beyond the cabin. The beach club aft is a genuine showpiece: a 35-square-metre waterside lounge where folding terraces open into a multi-level space designed for sunbathing, swimming, and easy socialising. Beneath the sun pad, there is dedicated storage for a tender and jet ski, while a separate ventilated compartment is fitted for twin Seabobs.
Forward, the bow has been given over to serious relaxation, anchored by a wraparound C-shaped sofa and a generously proportioned sun pad. Owners who want even more from this space can specify a second sofa or, alternatively, a Jacuzzi.
The flybridge has been comprehensively rethought, moving away from fixed furniture in favour of loose pieces arranged around a central cocktail bar. The atmosphere it creates is one of unhurried entertaining, and a dropdown TV with a hi-lo system is on hand for those moments when the surrounding ocean view isn't quite enough to hold the crowd's attention.
*Inside, it's all about choice*
Below the open sky, the interior presents its own set of considered decisions. The main saloon is available in two configurations: a conventional arrangement with the lounge forward, or a reversed layout that places the dining area aft, drawing guests immediately into a sociable setting the moment they step through the door.
The owner's suite benefits from enlarged windows that draw light deep into the space, paired with new wardrobe fittings and detailing finished in black hammered leather. Four VIP cabins sit below deck, each with an ensuite and improved acoustic insulation that keeps both comfort and privacy firmly intact.
Throughout the yacht, glossy rosewood panels and handcrafted leatherwork carry the signature Riva finishing quality. True to the exacting standards Carlo Riva established, even the screws are aligned and painted to match the hull, a small but telling detail that speaks to the obsession with craft at the heart of the brand.
*Power and poise*
The Dolcevita Super is engineered to move as well as it impresses at anchor. Standard power comes from twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines producing 2,638hp each, good for a top speed of 25.5 knots and a cruising speed of 23 knots. For owners with an eye on emissions, the M97L version with SCR emissions reduction is also available.
A comprehensive stabilisation package covers fins, Humphree interceptors, and twin Seakeeper gyros. Three helm station packages can be specified, with unit #1 offered in a super-premium layout featuring dual 49-inch Boening monitors, creating a command centre that matches the seriousness of the engineering beneath it.
The Riva 112' Dolcevita Super is set to make its official public debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2025, joining a Riva fleet that stretches from the nimble 27-foot Iseo all the way to the 54-metre superyachts built at the Ancona yard. As the name suggests, this is the sweet life, delivered the Riva way.
