on 13 Dec 2021
One of Riva's classic designs is reimagined as the 68' Diable, blending the brand's old-school charm with a host of desirable features, including a spacious bow lounge and a sporty hard top that will prove attractive to owners in Asia
With all the heritage accompanying the Riva name, it’s no surprise that the Italian brand is keen to dust off its classics and give them a contemporary update. The forerunner to the new Riva 68′ Diable was the open-topped Riva Diable, which was in turn based on the flybridge Riva Superamerica hull – a flagship of the yard’s fibreglass production for two decades from the early 1970s. The release of the 68′ Diable demonstrates that elements of Riva’s classic designs continue to stand the test of time. Still, the brand is pushing things forward where it matters, both in liveability and technological innovation.
The 68′ Diable is a 20.7m-long open yacht offering a distinct evolution from its forebears while retaining all the hallmarks you expect to find in a Riva: elegance, exhilaration and a serious sense of style. Muscular touches to the exterior, including a curved windshield, encompass Riva’s recent design direction, reflecting a sportier take on luxury.
The 68′ Diable has a hard top available on request, complete with sunroof
With three ensuite cabins, a crew cabin and a range of up to 260nm, this is a charismatic day cruiser or overnighter with luxurious finishes. And with top speeds of up to 40 knots (with the optional twin MAN V12 powerful 1,650hp engines), owners and guests are guaranteed to spend less time trying to reach their destination and more time enjoying it.
The model first touched the water in northern Italy’s Lake Iseo in July, where Riva’s Sarnico shipyard has stood since 1842. This September, it debuted at Cannes Yachting Festival as one of five Ferretti Group premieres, alongside the Riva 76′ Perseo Super, and it garnered plenty of attention on the pontoons.
The 68′ Diable offers a distinct evolution from its forebears while retaining the hallmarks you expect to find in a Riva
The dining space accommodates six, but can be doubled upon request
Diable means devil in French, and Riva played up to this diabolic analogy, describing the 68′ Diable as “an incredible boat that tempts and beguiles”. Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, called the model “an irresistible temptation” that Riva fans worldwide “can’t wait to succumb to”. He might well be right: like every Riva, there’s plenty to covet.
One of the model’s new highlights is the carbon-fibre composite hard top integrated into the curved windshield. A linear design works to keep the technical components hidden away from view and create clean lines. At the same time, air conditioning provides respite from the afternoon sunshine – an attractive proposition for owners in tropical climates.
READ: Ferretti Group posts strong financial results for first half of 2021
The 68′ Diable has top speeds of 40 knots
The hard top is available on request with a sunroof that can open to the sky in a selection of modes. In addition, there is a bimini system integrated into the aft section that can be extended to shelter the sofa and chaise-longue area in the cockpit. Awnings over the entire stern section further protect from the sun and elements. Under the hard top, the central area contains two facing L-shaped sofas, one of which acts as a dining space that can accommodate six, although this can be doubled upon request.
This is a charismatic day cruiser or overnighter with luxurious finishes
The lower-deck dinette
To stern, the swim platform is fully integrated into the sides of the hull, with steps that partially submerge when the platform is lowered. A garage has room for both a Williams SportJet 345 tender and a Seabob. There are two large sunpads in the cockpit – one along the water’s edge and one that takes the form of a chaise-lounge.
Another feature added to the new 68′ Diable is the oversized bow lounge, perfect for socialising and taking in panoramic views. On the lower deck, there are three ensuite cabins arranged around an open space with a dinette and galley. The VIP cabin is forward, there is one twin cabin with two single beds to port, and the master cabin is amidships. The starboard bathroom can also be used as a day head. The 68′ Diable can host up to 16 passengers at once. Meanwhile, the understairs area can also be fitted with a small laundry.
The ensuite master cabin is amidships
Premium materials can be found everywhere inside: gloss-effect chocolate coloured wood was used on the first unit, paired with leather in blue, white and grey; and steel and lacquer in both gloss and matt-effect finishes. The outer hull is finished in Riva’s “shark grey” colour with black detailing – although any shade from the Riva range is an option.
The helm station, featuring carbon panels and polished steel trim, offers a co-pilot seat. A 49-inch TV screen can be slotted behind the second helm station, under the hardtop while an icebox sits behind the pilot seat.
One of the model’s new highlights is the carbon-fibre composite hard top integrated into the curved windshield
The helm station with co-pilot’s seat
An electro-hydraulic steer-by-wire system, developed with Xenta, increases the rudder manoeuvrability to improve control in all conditions, even at high speeds. There are other tricks to make mooring and refuelling a breeze, including lateral movement and a Dynamic Positioning System, which keeps the boat steady even in strong wind or currents.
The new model is also fitted with Humphree dynamic trim tab interceptors to create a more stable and comfortable ride. To achieve top speeds of 40 knots and cruising speed of 34 knots, owners should select the twin MAN V12 V-drive engines rated 1,650hp. However, the standard option of twin MAN V12 V-drive engines rated 1,550hp offers a very lively 37 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots. Owners can also request a Seakeeper NG9 gyro-stabiliser to improve comfort even further while at anchor.
It’s easy to see why the Diable stirred up significant interest at Cannes. It’s also easy to see why buyers in Asia may also be seduced by the Diable’s charms.
Technical specifications – Riva 68′ Diable
LOA: 20.67m
Hull length: 20.06m
Beam: 5.29m
Engines: 2 X MAN V12 power 1,550hp-1,650hp
Light displacement: 38t
Draft (laden): 1.78m
Max speed: 40 kts
Max range: 260 nm
Fuel capacity: 3,800l
Fresh water capacity: 600l
Passengers (max): 16