An updated version of one of the most captivating models from the Sarnico-based yacht maker. A new life for the open top, which becomes a coupé
by Luca Sordelli – photo by Leonardo Andreoni
While everyone is scurrying around, seeking to impress or perhaps even to invent something where there is nothing to invent, Riva does what Riva does best. In the crowded, competitive, sometimes rather hysterical 24-metre segment of the market, the company from Sarnico is working hard and chiselling away, improving on what already exists.
The carbon roof has a system that allows you to change from open top to coupe and vice versa. Moved on both sides by a pair of arms with a polished look carbon finish, it lifts from the forward deckhouse and positions itself above the cockpit by hooking onto the windscreen and roll bar.
Six years on from the launch of its first 76’ Bahamas comes a version that has been updated in both an aesthetic and functional sense. In essence, it takes up the design contents of Riva’s “long seller” in full. As is only natural, the boat designers have not changed. Indeed, the new Super is the work of Officina Italiana Design, designed in collaboration with the shipyard.
Below deck, the restyling of the new Riva 76’ Bahamas Super was more about the quest for details than overhauling layouts. In the kitchen, the wall-mounted pull-out shelf is larger than the worktop, and the door has been modified to increase the space in the adjoining guest cabin.
Riva’s boats stand out for being packed with technology and elegance in the form of ideas, materials and construction techniques. Here, on the 76’ Bahamas, the masterpiece is the system that was invented (and patented) to move the carbon top, to transform the boat from open to coupé, and vice versa, in under a minute. Moved on both sides by a pair of arms also made of carbon, it lifts from the forward deckhouse and positions itself above the cockpit by hooking onto the windscreen and roll bar. The owner can also choose to fit side covers, ideal for fully protecting the cockpit in bad weather. The most obvious result is that this reveals an unexpected bow dinette, but what is even more surprising is how the lines drawn by Mauro Micheli remain intact in both configurations.
The layout features three en-suite cabins, with the master cabin amidships, the VIP one in the bow and, in the middle, the double cabin that extends along the starboard side, leaving the port side to a large lounge with an L-shaped sofa. At the foot of the stairs, also on the starboard side, we find the galley with a corner cabinet.
Another beautiful, unique piece of the 76’ Bahamas is the windscreen made of polished stainless steel and double-curved laminated glass. Highly complex and sophisticated to make, it is also a fundamental element designed not only to protect against the sea and wind but also to preserve the seamless profile desired by the designers. Once again in terms of movement and functionality combined with design, in addition to the C-Top, it is worth noting the ease with which the entire aft area can be transformed – the dashboard can be sunk and the garage opening can now be operated from the sundeck armrest control panel. It houses a 3.25-metre tender, with the possibility of stowing other water toys as well.
The cockpit is the nerve centre of the boat, with a large aft sundeck, an L-shaped sofa, a teak table with stainless steel insert and a bar area (with a grill if required). A TV screen is also an option in this area. There is an elegant chaise longue adjacent to the cockpit, where the main changes made to the 76’ Bahamas Super can be perceived in the technological interface. There are three new 16-inch Simrad touchscreen displays (although 19-inch versions are also available) for viewing navigation and manoeuvring instruments as well as monitoring onboard systems.
THE DÉCOR IS CHARACTERISED BY WHITE PAINTED STRIPES,
WITH OBSIDIAN LACQUER, AND BLACK LEATHER INSERTS WITH VISIBLE WHITE STITCHING.
The Xenta steering system has gone from hydraulic to electro-hydraulic for a better sailing experience. In this respect, the starting point is still the tried and tested and efficient naval platform of the first Bahamas, which in turn is the same as the Riva Perseo Super. It would be difficult to have more. No surprises then, and as always great comfort at all speeds, minimal trim adjustments and overall everything needed to meet the demanding requirements of Riva owners.
As always in Riva’s vessels, stainless steel is a dominant stylistic feature.
The dashboard is equipped with electro-hydraulic steering gear with independent rudder management for sporty turning optimisation, and an integrated Simrad Command panel that integrates on-board monitoring, navigation and manoeuvring instruments, from which the captain can manage the entire yacht via three 16” touchscreen displays.
There is a double choice of propulsion, still with V-Drive in-line transmission and still MAN V12, but you can choose between two 1,550 or 1,800 hp engines. In the first case, the top speed is 32 knots and the cruising speed is 28 knots, while in the second case, they climb to 37 and 32 respectively.
Engine room
In keeping with Riva tradition, it features classic V-Drive in-line transmission. You can opt for a pair of either 1,550 or 1,800-hp engines in the engine room. It has Humphree Interceptor trim tabs and an Aventics manoeuvring joystick is also available, thanks to which the engines and bow thruster work together when mooring.
RIVA
Via Predore, 30
I-24067 Sarnico (BG)
T. +39 035 9240111
www.riva-yacht.com
PROJECT
Officina Italiana Design, Strategic Product Committee, Ferretti Group Engineering management
HULL
LOA 23.32m • Length 22.49m • Maximum beam 5.68m • Draft 1.95m • Displacement 49,500 kg • Fuel tank volume 5,600 l • Water tank volume 840 l
MAIN PROPULSION
2 MAN V12 1800 • Outlet mechanical power 1,324 kW /1,800 hp • Bore&Stroke 128mm x 157mm • Swept volume 24.24 l • Cylinders 12 • Maximal rotational speed 2300/min • Weight 2,380 kg
EC CERTIFICATION
Cat A
(Riva 76’ Bahamas Super, unique details – Barchemagazine.com – April 2023)
