In Pre Parat I on for A World r ecord

Hadag talks to Bahrain-based world record-setting kite surfer Anke Brandt, as she prepares for another world record endurance challenge from Bahrain to the UAE in the coming weeks… irst seen by Hadag at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2015, where the yacht was displayed alongside its sister vessel, the 88’ Domino Super, the classical and unmistakable style of the Riva 88’ Florida goes hand in hand with the technological innovation of the ‘Convertible Top’, drawing inspiration from the automotive sector.

AnkE BrAnDT is a professional kite surfer currently living in Bahrain. Having first picked up surfing in 2009, she has since gone on to compete successfully in numerous international events. In 2014, she made a Guinness World Record attempt to completely circumnavigate the mainland of Bahrain, in which she set a world distance record for a female kite surfer at 251km.

This March, Anke plans to attempt another world record by kite surfing from Bahrain to the United Arab Emirates, a distance of around 600km, depending on where she makes landfall.

How are you preparing for the attempt?

I’m doing cross-functional training, so not just kit surfing, but also weight training, yoga, running different distances for endurance and cardio.

I’m going long-distance with the kite whenever there is enough wind. I’ll do trials of staying awake for 24 hours, to get used to what that is like, and we do also obviously try to kite at night, because that presents a whole new challenge in itself.

We’re also doing a boat trip from Bahrain to the UAE just to get an idea of the distance, the time, what the water is going to be like. It’s kind of a mental training, to make sure there are no surprises.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

I would say it’s the unpredictability, because the wind will change throughout the day, the waves will change, the tide will change, so it’s really about learning to go with the flow. For example you might plan to have a rest stop on the water, but at that point the wind might pick up so dramatically that there’s no chance to stop. There are lots of factors that are really dependent on Mother Nature that you really can’t plan for.

Why endurance kite surfing?

I discovered kite surfing for myself, and I just found that I really loved going long distance on the board, exploring islands, going from A to B, rather than just freestyle. When I started doing that, like going around Bahrain, it was just for fun, and then when I’d done more of that I thought, let’s try and go all the way!

Look out for our follow-up feature on Anke’s attempt in the next issue of Hadag! You can find out more about the attempt and the charity she’s raising for at ankebrandt.com.

The sleek and stylish Riva 88 represents a stunning new concept in luxury motor yachts, offering the experience of both open cruiser and coupe in one sumptuous package.

‘Convertible Top’

The 88’ Florida is truly one of its kind in the entire yachting sector because of the innovative ‘Convertible Top’ system, an exclusive Ferretti Group patent installed for the very first time on this craft.

The Convertible Top system makes the yacht capable of shifting from an open to a coupé configuration and vice versa by automatically operating a hard top that can cover the pilot station in the cockpit, and integrates with the deckhouse at the level of the dinette, converting the boat into an open yacht. In the coupé configuration, the hard top is mechanically locked on the windshield and anchored onto the roll bar by means of two electro-hydraulic anchoring systems.

Operated by one single control, the system is monitored by sensors installed near the individual moving parts, so as to ensure the safety of both guests and the crew during operation.

There are four cabins belowdecks, including a master stateroom and VIP double cabin.

Outdoor Areas

The cockpit includes a large aft sun pad and a small sofa facing forward, in front of which is a roomy area that can be furnished with freestanding furniture. The central area is organized as a large dining and living room, and a linear sofa to starboard stands opposite the dining area, which is furnished with another L-shaped sofa near the table.

The large central pilot station features three seats, left of which is a chaise longue facing the stern - the ideal extension of the sofawhere one can relax while experiencing the thrill of cruising. Besides the dinette with a large C-shaped sofa, ‘concealed’ by the hard top, at the extreme bow the 88’ Florida makes available an additional relaxation area equipped with two sun pads.

Interiors

Below deck, the 88’ Florida includes four cabins and as many dedicated heads, all located beyond a living room that can also be used as an indoor dinette.

The master stateroom is located amidships and enjoys the utmost privacy. Three steps lead to the incredibly bright, sound-insulated, full-beam cabin. The bed is arranged lengthwise and is decorated by an elegant array of fabrics and colours, including the linen and cotton (or, upon request, cashmere) bedspread, striped cushions, and rug, all by Loro Piana.

The VIP double cabin is located at the extreme bow and receives an amazing amount of light through the double glazing that runs along its bulwark. It is furnished with two wardrobes and fitted with a private head with separate shower.

Performance

This new Riva yacht, equipped with MTU engines, can boast outstanding performance values. In the standard configuration, the 88’ Florida comes with two MTU 16 V 2000, 2435 mhp engines that allow it to reach a maximum speed of 38.5 knots and a cruising speed of 34 knots, ensuring a range of 310 and 340 nautical miles, respectively. A more powerful engine configuration features two MTU 16 V 2000, 2638 mhp engines that will push the craft to a maximum speed of 40.5 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots, ensuring a range of 300 and 330 nautical miles, respectively.