Riva re-engineers the Argo for more light, more space

Riva has launched the first hull of its new 96' Argo Super at its La Spezia shipyard, an evolution of the 90' Argo built around one significant layout change: moving the day head from the lower deck to the main deck.

That relocation frees up space below, and Riva has used it to add a third guest cabin to the standard layout, including a full-beam VIP cabin aft sized and finished comparably to a second master suite. An optional configuration swaps that for three VIP cabins plus a twin-bed cabin instead.

The launch took place at Riva's La Spezia shipyard on 20 July 2026, with Ferretti Group CEO Stassi Anastassov and the design team from Officina Italiana Design on hand. As with Riva's launches over the past thirty years, the design credit runs three ways: OID, Ferretti's Strategic Product Committee and its Engineering Department.

The 96' Argo Super is the flybridge evolution of the existing 90' Argo, one of the most popular boats in Riva's current range, lengthened and reworked rather than replaced outright. At 28.79 metres overall with a 6.50-metre beam, she features a GRP hull and superstructure finished she's in an aluminium-coloured hull with bright black detailing, a pairing Riva says highlights the yacht's contemporary character.

The stern carries most of the change. A sunpad with handrail and cup holders is now built into the garage door, which opens onto a Williams 435 tender and jet ski. The adjacent swim platform gets a lift mechanism for easier water access. The cockpit adds storage, a built-in fridge and adjustable backrests either side of the dining table, and the flybridge gains a new bar unit and mahogany-topped tables.

On the main deck, the salon can run in two configurations. This first hull has gone with dining aft and lounge forward, prioritising the connection between indoor and outdoor space. The full-beam master suite leans on extensive glazing, positioned so the view holds even from the bed. Inside, polished wengé wood is set against pale matt oak, with mirrored surfaces and polished steel detailing carrying the sportier edge through the rest of the interior.

Power comes from twin MTU 12V 2000 M96X engines, 2,000 HP apiece, with Seakeeper NG18 and NG10 gyroscopic stabilisers, a Watchit collision prevention system, Xenta's X-AID manoeuvring aid and virtual anchor system, and a stern thruster.

"History does not make a brand iconic," said Anastassov. "The courage to reinvent it, generation after generation, does. For more than 180 years, Riva has set the standard for timeless beauty on the water."

Riva has used the "Super" designation before, applying it to re-scaled versions of existing hulls rather than as a badge for a ground-up new model, from the Bahamas Super through to the Corsaro Super and Dolcevita Super. The 96' Argo Super follows that same pattern: an evolution of a boat that was already working, not a replacement for it.

The first Riva 96' Argo Super heads to Cannes Yachting Festival in September for her public debut.

Find out more about the Riva 96' Argo Super from Riva.