CALACATTA GOLD MARBLE
QUIET ELEGANCE
Each new Riva model looks ahead while remaining rooted in a rich legacy of elegance, craftsmanship, and design that spans more than 180 years. As the brand’s first all-electric boat, the Riva El-Iseo takes this to the next level by striking the difficult balance between tradition and sustainable innovation
by Bryony Mc Cabe - ph. courtesy by Riva
The 8.4m Riva El-Iseo marks a landmark moment in tender design.
The first fully electric boat from the iconic Riva brand, it represents a considered approach to sustainable innovation, while retaining the classic elements that define Riva’s heritage. Designed by Officina Italiana Design – like all Riva creations – in partnership with the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, the El-Iseo is a modern interpretation of the much-loved Riva Iseo, a model known for its balance of practicality and elegance. In fact, the Iseo represented the ideal starting point for Riva’s journey into new territory. “First and foremost, in terms of its size,” explains Mauro Micheli, Chief Designer at Officina Italiana Design. “The fact that it is an eight-metre open makes it the perfect yacht tender and ideal for getting to areas where the waters are very shallow.”
Innovations plays the most important role in the El-Iseo’s development. The fully electric propulsion system delivers performance previously unheard of in this segment. Able to reach speeds of 40 knots in complete silence, the boat offers a dynamic and comfortable experience without compromising on environmental responsibility. The lithium battery system includes advanced safety features such as liquid cooling and thermal insulation. While changes were made to the styling to make the design more contemporary,
the design also retains key elements of Riva’s identity, including the polished mahogany deck and stern platform, stainless steel detailing of the lateral grills, and the signature aquamarine beauty line. The choice of a novel ‘California Sky Blue livery’ for the first hull underscores the vessel’s sustainable focus while creating a striking contrast with the traditional wood elements.
The reimagined bridge is another thoughtful point of difference. With all-digital instrumentation integrated into a clean and simple design, it combines contemporary functionality with the sophisticated classic car-inspired lines. This creates a contrast between traditional and contemporary that sums up the very concept of the boat. “We have succeeded in creating a stylish boat very much in line with the times using the very successful Iseo model, which has particularly deep links to Riva tradition,” reflects Sergio Beretta, CEO of Officina Italiana Design.
Blending tradition and innovation, the El-Iseo represents the next generation of a model that embodies the signature elegance and attention to detail that Riva is known for, proving that sustainability and heritage can coexist without compromise. “Riva El-Iseo isn’t only the world’s most beautiful fullelectric powerboat, but also proof that investing in research and development opens up new paths to sustainability and environmental awareness,” adds Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. www.riva-yacht.com
Opposite page, the El-Iseo takes the familiar look of classic open Rivas. Top left, the boat has three cruising modes, with a top speed of 40 knots. Top right, the design of the bridge is modern and linear. Below, aft of the bridge is a comfortable cockpit and aft sunpad