Riva 110' Dolcevita Review (2019 Edition)

Riva isn't just a boatbuilder from Italy; it's a revered icon in the world of yachting, carrying its legacy with utmost reverence. Stepping aboard a Riva, guided by someone involved in its creation, evokes a profound sense of pride and duty. There's a tangible awareness that each new Riva must uphold the standards set by its predecessors.

Whether you're a dedicated Riva enthusiast or a casual observer, you're likely familiar with its exquisite mahogany sportsboats, epitomized by classics like the Aquarama. These vessels, often graced by the presence of icons like Brigitte Bardot and propelled by legends like Peter Sellers, have become legendary in their own right.

The Godfather

Riva's influence extends far beyond Hollywood glamour. It stands as a dominant force in modern motorboat design, shaping the aesthetics of everything from sports boats to luxurious yachts and flybridge cruisers.

In recent years, Riva has ventured into larger territory, crafting sports yachts exceeding 20 meters. This evolution has birthed full-fledged superyacht models, including the flagship 50 Metri, the exquisite 28-meter 90 Argo, and the subject of our examination today, the 33-meter 110 Dolcevita. The 90 and 110 share a distinct design lineage, characterized by sleek metallic exteriors adorned with expansive dark glass panels. This aesthetic blend of contemporary flair and timeless elegance ensures these yachts will remain iconic for years to come.

Dolcevita Indeed

The 110 offers several key advantages over the 90, including a five-cabin layout and a palpable sense of spaciousness throughout the yacht, particularly evident on the flybridge, foredeck, and salon. Its extended length also allows for a slightly more elongated profile compared to its smaller counterpart, although the sleek aesthetic of the 90 remains undiminished.

Both yachts embody a sporty persona, complemented by impressive performance capabilities. The 110 Dolcevita, propelled by a pair of 2600hp 16v MTU engines, achieves speeds of approximately 26 knots, ensuring exhilarating fast cruising experiences.

Stepping inside a Riva yacht is a unique experience unlike any other. The meticulous attention to detail, the utilization of top-tier materials, and the boldness of design, whether individually or in concert, are unrivaled.

The salon of the 110 mirrors the design language of the 90 Argo, featuring impeccably crafted deep cabinetry that extends overhead, subtle illumination, striking stainless steel-framed windows, and sleek, standalone furnishings. However, its larger dimensions afford the salon a significant expansion, enhancing both the lounge area and the dining space with generous proportions and a set of expansive sliding doors.

Addressing the practical needs of yacht living, ample storage solutions abound, with the forward bulkhead of the dining area concealing a discreet wall of cabinets. Moreover, owners have the flexibility to personalize their Dolcevita according to their preferences, with a variety of layout options and finishes available.

In the stateroom, the double berth is positioned to face aft, accompanied by a generously appointed ensuite, a consistent feature across all cabins, located forward. The layout offers versatility, as evidenced by the test yacht's pragmatic and well-thought-out design, which includes a spacious stretch of cabinetry, a desk, and a dressing area to port, leaving the starboard side open for a lounge area. Alongside the cabin, long windows provide ample natural light, although they may lack depth.

The four guest cabins are accessed from a spacious below-deck lobby, exuding a sense of individuality. They boast stateroom-level finishes, featuring a harmonious blend of warm cabinetry, stainless steel accents, and sleek design elements. Each cabin is complemented by a generously sized ensuite, adorned with exquisite white marble finishes.

The flybridge helm epitomizes discretion and functionality, featuring two sets of seats and a stunning teak grab rail spanning the deck. A cleverly designed pop-up carbon fiber console emerges when piloting from the upper deck is preferred, a common choice given the yacht's penchant for fast cruising. Integrated within the carbon dash are two MFD screens, ensuring optimal visibility forward and around the vessel.

Professional Pilothouse

For extended journeys, the pilothouse is conveniently located just a few steps below, accessible from the main deck. This area offers a dedicated and professional driving environment, featuring a central helm seat, seating for guests and crew, and a modern, minimalist console design. Four heads-up MFDs mounted on pods facilitate navigational tasks, while two additional screens provide essential system and engine data.

The professional design and functionality of this elevated bridge are truly impressive, featuring a well-placed AC/DC panel that allows for centralized management of the entire yacht from a single position. While the design does not include space for a Captain's cabin, which is rare for a yacht of this size, the captain will instead reside in the spacious crew quarters located within the bow of the yacht.

Two narratives unfold across the decks of the 110 Dolcevita, each as compelling as the other. The first is immediately apparent — the expansive flybridge, expansive foredeck, and grand aft deck provide space and luxury, boasting abundant seating and lounging options. However, equally noteworthy is the meticulous craftsmanship that envelops these magnificent deck areas. From the coamings and hardtop to the overhangs and railings, every detail speaks to yachting artistry, blending sculpted moldings with a fusion of fine timbers and stainless steel, mirroring the elegance found within the vessel's interior.

Flying High

The decks are embellished with rich teak, shielded by elegant A-pillars, while the coamings, railings, and hardtop adorning the flybridge deserve special commendation. The flybridge itself is intelligently divided into two distinct areas: the open aft deck is dedicated to sunbathing and lounging, offering customizable layouts or the option of Riva’s exquisite deck furniture. Forward, beneath a stunning hardtop adorned with glass and intricate design, lies a space of refined elegance. Here, the sophisticated bar design, reminiscent of the 90 Argo but larger and with increased seating, commands attention, while across stands a similarly grand dining table, exuding timeless style.

The flybridge is expansive, effortlessly chic, and a magnet for both day and night gatherings. Yet, there's a compelling allure to the foredeck, a sprawling expanse of deck terraces spanning nearly half of the Riva's length. These two decks harmonize perfectly: the flybridge ideal for cruising or dining, while the foredeck offers a prime sunbathing spot, particularly when in port.

Boasting one of the most sophisticated aft decks in the yacht world, the 110 emerges as a deck lifestyle icon, blending luxury from the waterline upward. The only absence is an aft lounge at the stern, replaced by a practical tender garage, showcasing the yacht's versatile design.