Riva Aquariva

Onboard the Riva Aquariva

The Riva Aquariva carries the marque's signature look almost unchanged: a mahogany deck laid tight and glossy, a low sheer line, and a hull shaped for speed rather than volume. At 10 metres she carries eight guests comfortably around the cockpit and sun pads, with enough room to move but not so much that the boat loses its intimacy. Push the throttle and she settles into a clean, fast run at close to 41 knots, the kind of pace that turns a short coastal hop into part of the day's pleasure rather than a means to get somewhere.

She suits a tight, fast loop along the Menorcan coast more than a long cruising day: out from the base after breakfast, a direct run to a cala such as Macarelleta while the light is still soft, an hour or two anchored off the sand, then back before the afternoon boat traffic builds. The single cabin below gives guests somewhere to change or get out of the sun rather than a place to sleep, which keeps the boat focused on what it does best — a fast, good-looking day out rather than an overnight stay.

With capacity for eight, the Aquariva works well for couples wanting a private run along the coast, small friend groups, or a family with older children who will appreciate the speed as much as the looks. Booking is straightforward for half-day or full-day charter from Menorca, and her size means she can reach coves that larger yachts skip past without a second thought.