The fascinating world of RIVA boats. See. Feel. Experience. Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, Peter Sellers, Sean Connery. Monte Carlo, Cannes, St. Tropez, Venice. The fascinating world of the 50s’ and 60s’ jet set immediately comes alive when gazing at one of the classic wooden motorboats made by the noble Italian manufacturer RIVA.
During the peak of this glamorous era, a RIVA boat was a luxurious toy and “must- have” for the rich and famous. Of the ca. 4362 finely - crafted wooden runabouts made during this period (which were characterised by a focus on noble design and the highest quality details) only about half of them have survived until today. Those remaining have become extremely sought after collector’s objects, whose prestige as well as value can be equally compared to historic Ferraris or Bugattis.
Olaf Tamm has dedicated himself to the world of RIVA and this fascinating legends. In his extensive travels, he has journeyed to RIVA conventions in Europe and America, repeatedly visited the RIVA shipyard in Lago Iseo in northern Italy and personally talked with Carlo Riva. He has also interviewed important personalities who are just as closely tied to the world of RIVA boats today as they were back then. During the course of these talks, the idea of bringing out an entire RIVA book edition was born.
