On Board

Riva 76' Perseo Review (2019 Edition)

The Riva Perseo, now upgraded to the Perseo Super, remains a testament to the Italian builder's passion for the sportsbridge concept: fast, fabulous, and impeccably crafted.

Riva's legacy in crafting large, high-speed sports yachts dates back decades, setting trends long before others caught on. While many brands focused on 50-foot flybridge models, Riva pushed boundaries with sleek 60-foot performance yachts exuding an aura of luxury and style.

Today, Riva has embraced the sports bridge trend, maintaining its commitment to elegance while adding practicality with an upper deck steering position and lounge. The Perseo Super epitomizes Riva's ethos, positioned between the agile 66 Ribelle and the commanding 88 Folgore. We had the opportunity to step aboard a Riva 76 Perseo in Florida just before it embarked on a journey with its delighted new owner.

Riva 76' Perseo Key Facts

Riva 76' Perseo illustration
  • LOA 23.25m
  • Model Year 2019
  • Cabins 3
  • Crew 2
  • Max Speed 37 knots
  • Status Discontinued
  • Yacht Type Sportsbridge
  • Use Type Cruising

Design & Build

The 76 Perseo is a stunning yacht to look at. Initially launched in 2015, its evolution into the Perseo Super has enhanced its interior versatility without compromising its iconic sleek exterior design.

Strolling along the stunning decks of the Perseo, one is struck by a sense of robustness rarely found in other sports yachts. Its metallic finish lends an air of solidity, as if the vessel were hewn from some natural rock-like material. While the Perseo incorporates lightweight carbon fiber in its construction, its substantial 60-tons displacement sets it apart, boasting 5-10 tons more than its competitors. This speaks volumes about its exceptional build quality and detailed fit-out.

Riva 76 Perseo
Dart-like style, and a granite-like build © Riva

Style & Substance

The Perseo's ultra-modern style is sure to capture attention, particularly its refreshingly bold approach to sportsbridge design. Rather than overexerting itself, the Perseo relies on impeccable construction to support a confident, performance-oriented yacht design. Every surface is flawlessly executed, resulting in a sleek, streamlined profile reminiscent of a dart. Its raked bows and tinted-glass superstructure seamlessly blend together, with the sports bridge almost appearing invisible from a distance.

Riva Perseo design
© Riva
Riva 76 Perseo
Riva 76 Perseo design

With its deep Vee hull design and standard twin 1,550hp MAN diesels, the Perseo can reach speeds of 32 knots. Opting for the uprated 1,800hp MAN engines can push it to 37 knots. Regardless, both variants offer exceptionally smooth cruising between 25-30 knots.

At 76ft, the Perseo is technically crew-operated, but it doesn't feel that way. Perhaps it's due to its cohesive design, making navigation seem effortless. Or maybe it's because owning and piloting this vessel is an experience you won't want to miss. While it may not appear as the largest 22m yacht, the Perseo surprises with its ample interior space, ensuring comfort and luxury for all onboard.

Interior Accommodation

Rivas of today blend contemporary design with a nod to their rich heritage. Inside the Perseo, solid stainless steel and wood accents complement a modern aesthetic featuring clean lines, glass elements, and subtle lighting. With a semi-custom approach, Riva provides a wide selection of finishes, including different cabinetry, marbles, laminates, and linings, empowering owners to tailor the interior to their unique style preferences.

Riva 76 Perseo cabins
A class-leading owner's cabin, complete with a huge marble ensuite © Riva
Riva 76 Perseo design
Riva 76 Perseo design

A 22m sports yacht isn't typically sought for its interior spaciousness, but the 76 Perseo challenges conventions with its three exceptional cabins. The expansive full-beam owner's stateroom impresses with a lavish ensuite and dressing area extending forward to port, utilizing the space traditionally designated for a fourth cabin. Even without the white marble bathroom, the owner's cabin distinguishes itself with architectural hull windows, accompanied by a study and lounge area, establishing a new benchmark in its category.

Riva 76 Perseo cabins
The forward VIP © Riva

The interior layout features a lower galley, a common feature in sports yachts, but notably lacks a lower lounge on the Perseo. However, the Perseo Super addressed this by integrating a lounge or fourth cabin to port, albeit at the expense of the expansive ensuite in the owner's cabin.

Riva 76 Perseo salon
Surrounded by glass, the salon has its lounge aft, merging with the deck © Riva
Riva 76 Perseo cabins, lower salon
Riva 76 Perseo super design

The galley-down design allows the deck salon of the Perseo to remain uncluttered, creating a pure social space. With the dining area positioned forward and the lounge opening onto the aft deck, the layout fosters an open and inviting atmosphere. Notably, the Perseo's salon design foregoes a sunroof. Instead, massive convex glass sections (further discussed in the helm section) elevate over the helm station, with elongated glass panels extending to each side.

Helm Station

The inner helm serves as the command center during extended voyages. Positioned before triple multi-function displays (MFDs) and massive convex windscreens, twin bolster seats offer optimal comfort for the skipper and co-pilot. The design of these windscreens is crucial, as their convex shape effectively reduces glare and reflects UV light, ensuring excellent visibility and a cooler interior environment.

Moreover, the sheer size of the glass sections makes them a prominent feature of the salon, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Despite the added cost — approximately five times more than flat sections — this investment underscores Riva's commitment to quality and innovation.

Riva 76 Perseo helm
Riva 76 Perseo helm

Now You See It...

The helm on the sports bridge follows Riva's minimalist approach to design, often appearing as a simple console or sometimes even nonexistent. In this unique setup, the upper helm features a narrow console housing a single multi-function display (MFD), throttle, and thruster controls. When not in use, it conveniently folds away, integrating into the deck layout.

Traditionalists may notice the absence of a steering wheel, a notable departure from conventional yacht design. However, in fair weather conditions — the primary setting for this raised deck — throttles and autopilot suffice for navigation. When docking, skilled captains rely on throttles and thrusters for precise maneuvering. Despite these practical considerations, some owners may long for the tactile experience of steering the yacht through a sweeping turn.

Deck Lifestyle

Without a traditional helm, the sports bridge transforms into a spacious sun deck area, offering wraparound seating at the front and a sunpad at the rear. Stainless steel and carbon fiber coamings and rails encircle the deck, adding to its sleek aesthetic.

Descending a narrow stairwell, the aft cockpit maintains the open and inviting atmosphere found on deck. Two distinct seating areas provide versatile options for lounging or dining, with one section partially sheltered by the overhang of the sportsbridge.

Riva 76 Perseo decks
Three defined deck areas; each one superbly designed © Riva

Craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident at every turn. The aft table rests on cleverly engineered struts, converting into a sunpad when desired. At the forward L-shaped bench, a massive stainless steel-framed window opens up, connecting the deck to the salon when the cockpit doors are opened.

Walking along the deep and secure side decks, you'll find a forward lounge area that embodies the distinctive Riva style. Nestled within the coachroof, this seating area offers both safety and breathtaking views, leading to a simple sunpad area. Beyond the aesthetics, practicality reigns supreme, with ample storage lockers scattered across the decks, a convenient wet bar in the cockpit, and discreet tender storage tucked away in the stern.

Our Verdict

The Perseo boasts a plethora of remarkable features that leave a lasting impression. From its sleek exterior design exuding performance to its stylish interior and exceptional owner's cabin, every detail reflects elegance. The build quality is outstanding, evident in the clever use of materials such as carbon fiber, stainless steel, and flawless glasswork. Yet, it's the Perseo's undefinable class and confidence that truly sets it apart, ensuring its wide appeal. We highly recommend experiencing its greatness firsthand.

Reasons to Buy

  • Sublime sportsbridge design
  • Unmatched build quality
  • Class-leading owner's cabin
  • 32-37 knot performance

Things to Consider

  • Perseo Super offers interior upgrades

Looking to own a Riva 76' Perseo? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Riva 76' Perseo Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Riva 76' Perseo, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!

Rivals to Consider

There are some outstanding sports bridge yachts up against the Perseo - there is no such thing and certainly no need for an average 23m, 60tonne, 35kn performance yacht. Two rivals that stand out are both Italian and come with the same metallic exterior as the Riva.

The Pershing 8X is a close rival to the Riva with the same sharp, open style inside and on deck. The salon and owner’s cabin are very similar in design and finish. Things differ on the sports bridge with a triple helm station across the forward end of the deck, replicated in the salon, a clue to the 8X’s impressive 40kn top speed. A standard four-cabin layout might beat the Riva on overall space but the Pershing is notably bigger at 25.5m with a heftier price tag to match.

The Azimut S8 is also slightly larger, its four-cabin below-deck layout easily making room for a galley. The bright main deck salon has the same lounge and dining layout as the Riva but features deeper, one-piece side windows and a sunroof. On deck, the sportsbridge is more conventional with a helm station, sunpad, and lounge seating. The aft deck leads onto a sun pad and tender garage. Performance is similar to the Riva at 34kn.

Two pedigree British yachts offer interesting choices to the racy Riva. The Sunseeker 74 Sports Yacht will hit 35kn with a smart interior layout close to the Riva’s including three cabins and the galley below decks. On deck, there are masses of seating across the cockpit and sportsbridge with a tender garage under the aft sunpad.         

The Princess S78 is notably different from these other rivals with a bigger body and longer superstructure promising more space inside. A massive galley aft deck salon has a separate dining area and facing sofas in the lounge. Below, a spacious four-cabin layout includes an impressive Owner’s stateroom. It is the same story on deck, with a spacious cockpit lounge, sun pad, tender garage aft, and a sports bridge that is not far off a full flybridge on space.

Considering a new yacht? Explore Riva's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

Riva 76' Perseo illustration
  • Length Overall 23.25m
  • Beam 5.75m
  • Draft(full load) 1.9m
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 3
  • Berths 6
  • Crew 2
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 5,600 Litres
  • Fresh Water Capacity 840 Litres
  • Engine Model 2x MAN V12-1550
  • Engine economic speed 10 knots
  • Engine max range (speed type) 315 (nm)
New Model Specs & Options

Riva 76' Perseo Layout

  • Main Deck Riva 76' Perseo

    A spectacular scooped foredeck and social cockpit lie between a bright salon. 

  • Lower Deck Riva 76' Perseo

    The Perseo gives incredible time and space to the full-beam stateroom with a portside ensuite that pushes a good way forward. A forward VIP and starboard twin are joined by a small but serviceable galley. The later Perseo Super keeps the galley down but offers a portside fourth cabin or lounge in place of the Owner's extended ensuite.    

  • Sun Deck Riva 76' Perseo

    Is it a sportsbridge, is it a sun deck? A hidden, fold-up helm console means you can drive the Perseo from up top, but the lack of a fixed helm leaves a very open lounge feel.

View All Layout Options