In the rarefied world of Italian yachting, few names carry the weight, the history, and the emotional resonance of Riva. Today, the legendary shipyard—a cornerstone of the Ferretti Group—has officially expanded its fleet, launching the highly anticipated 96’ Argo Super from its storied La Spezia facility. As the successor to the immensely popular 90’ Argo, this new vessel is not merely an incremental update; it is a masterclass in nautical evolution, blending 180 years of heritage with the cutting-edge requirements of the modern superyacht owner.
The Essence of the 96’ Argo Super: Core Facts
The 96’ Argo Super arrives as a bold statement in the “flybridge” category. Measuring just shy of 100 feet, the yacht serves as a bridge between the agile, owner-operated vessels and the larger, crewed superyachts.
Visually, the vessel is unmistakable. Clad in a striking aluminum-toned livery, its silhouette maintains the iconic sleekness that defines the Riva brand. However, the most significant changes occur beneath the surface and within the layout. By extending the platform, designers have unlocked a new standard of "livability." The vessel now boasts increased natural light, improved flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, and a redesigned aft deck that serves as a seamless extension of the sea.
A Legacy of Collaboration: The Design Chronology
The birth of the 96’ Argo Super is the latest chapter in a three-decade-long creative partnership. The project was spearheaded by the legendary trio of Officina Italiana Design, the Strategic Product Committee of the Ferretti Group, and the Ferretti Group’s Engineering Department.
- The Early Years (1990s): This collaborative triad established the modern design language of Riva, moving the brand toward the "streamlined, sporty, yet opulent" aesthetic that defines its current era.
- The 90’ Argo Benchmark: Launched to critical acclaim, the 90’ Argo became the benchmark for the modern flybridge. Its success provided the foundational data for the 96’ Super, specifically regarding client feedback on interior volume and deck utility.
- The Development Phase (2024-2026): Over the last two years, the team focused on "re-imagining the connection to the water." The primary design objective was to refine the beach area, resulting in the sophisticated lift mechanism now found on the swim platform.
- The Official Launch: Following its launch in La Spezia, the first hull is currently undergoing final sea trials and commissioning before its global debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival later this year.
Engineering and Performance: Under the Hood
While the aesthetic allure of a Riva is undeniable, the brand’s reputation is built on engineering reliability. The 96’ Argo Super is powered by a robust pair of MTU 12V M96X engines, each generating a formidable 2,000 hp. This powertrain ensures that the vessel retains the signature "Riva performance"—a mix of exhilarating speed and stable, comfortable cruising.
To ensure that the experience on board remains tranquil even in challenging sea states, the yacht is equipped with a sophisticated stabilization suite. This includes Seakeeper NG18 and NG10 gyroscopic stabilizers, which virtually eliminate roll both at anchor and underway.
Technological integration extends to the bridge, where the captain is supported by the Watchlit collision prevention system. Furthermore, the vessel features the X-AID (Extended Active Integrated Device) maneuvering aid, a virtual anchor system that allows the yacht to hold its position with GPS precision, removing the stress of docking in crowded harbors or waiting for bridge openings.
Interior Architecture: Crafting the Living Space
The interior design of the 96’ Argo Super is a study in material excellence. The palette relies on a sophisticated mix of polished wengé wood, warm oak, and cool, polished steel accents.
The Main Deck and Salon
The main deck has undergone a radical reorganization. The introduction of a dedicated day head has allowed for a more efficient flow, creating additional space for guest accommodations. Owners are offered two distinct configurations for the salon. In the standard layout, the dining room is positioned aft, allowing for a formal transition from the cockpit, while the lounge occupies the forward section, maximizing the view through the expansive windows.
Owner and Guest Accommodations
The master suite, which spans the full beam of the vessel, is designed as a private sanctuary. It features panoramic views, with the bed oriented to maximize the morning light over the water. Glazed surfaces are used strategically to blur the lines between the interior cabin and the horizon.
On the lower deck, the guest configuration includes three plush cabins. The star of the lower level is undoubtedly the full-beam VIP cabin. So expansive and well-appointed is this space that it effectively serves as a secondary master suite, ensuring that guests experience the same level of luxury as the yacht’s owner.
The Flybridge and Aft Deck
The "Super" designation is most evident in the exterior deck upgrades. The cockpit now features dual sofas with adjustable backrests, centered around a dining table that can transition from casual morning coffee to a formal sunset dinner. The flybridge has been refreshed with a bespoke bar and tables topped with rich mahogany—a nod to the classic Riva boats of the mid-20th century, updated with contemporary finishes.
Official Perspectives: A Vision for the Future
During the unveiling, Stassi Anastassov, CEO of the Ferretti Group, provided insight into the philosophy driving the brand’s current trajectory.
"History does not make a brand iconic," Anastassov stated. "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. The new Riva 96’ Argo Super carries that legacy forward with a yacht that is unmistakably Riva—more innovative, more livable, and more connected to the sea than ever before."
The sentiment reflects a broader strategic shift within the Ferretti Group: balancing the "Made in Italy" craftsmanship with the increasing demand for high-tech, user-friendly boating systems.
Implications: The Market Impact
The launch of the 96’ Argo Super carries significant implications for the luxury marine sector. By bridging the gap between the 90-foot and 100-foot segments, Riva is positioning itself to capture a specific demographic: owners who are looking to move up from smaller flybridge models but are not yet ready for the logistical complexity of a larger, full-crew superyacht.
Furthermore, the emphasis on the "beach club" experience—evidenced by the new swim platform lift and the tender garage that converts into a sunpad—reflects current buyer preferences. Today’s owners are less concerned with interior formality and more focused on "active" luxury—snorkeling, jet-skiing, and social interaction with the water.
With its high-performance MTU engines and state-of-the-art navigation systems, the 96’ Argo Super is also a testament to the fact that high-performance yachts can be sophisticated, safe, and sustainable in their efficiency. As it heads to the Cannes Yachting Festival, the industry will be watching closely to see if this model becomes the new gold standard for the luxury flybridge market.
In a world of rapidly changing trends, the Riva 96’ Argo Super serves as a reminder that true luxury is not just about what a boat looks like, but how it makes you feel when you are on the water. It is a vessel built for those who understand that while time is finite, the experiences one creates on the ocean are timeless. Whether it becomes the next staple for high-profile owners like Charles Leclerc or remains a hidden gem for the discerning collector, the 96’ Argo Super has firmly established its place in the pantheon of nautical legends.
Basiran
Suro Senen
Pevita Pearce
