Creator of a brand symbol of luxury and quality, Carlo Riva would have been 100 years old in 2022. In our tribute here, each letter of his name recalls the outlines of his exceptional pioneering career.
VISION
The genesis of so many success stories is often in the family environment. Carlo Riva was no exception to this, founding a world-famous brand as the heir to a long line of builders of transport and work boats originating from Lake Como. His father Serafino took the helm in the early 1920s, building himself a solid reputation in competition, both as a driver and as a craftsman. His speedboats won numerous trophies, attracting orders including from the Italian government for a small series of service boats destined for overseas operation. Located in Sarnico on Lake Iseo, the small Riva boatyard produced one boat at a time with rigor and consistency, a stream of vessels built with the traditional shipwright’s methods.
When World War II ended Carlo, then
