she happens to score very highly in that last cat-
egory. Instead, she wins by presenting just about
every square inch of her many attributes in the
most exquisite of bundles. Few brands have such
caché. ¶ Her profi le doesn’t just imply class; it sings
it, with every design element contributing harmo-
niously, from her proud stem to stepped transom,
tinted wraparound windshield to arch mast, and
shark-gray metallic livery to gray-caulked decking.DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Gleam and glamor are DNA-defi ned when it comes
to Riva — hence, you can spot any one of the build-
er’s models a mile off. The distinctive nature of the
brand is not surprising, given that all of the mod-
els in the modern-day fl eet began life in the same
way: as electrical impulses in the brain of Mauro
Micheli, a colossal talent and, along with Sergio
Beretta, one of the founding partners of Riva’s
preferred creative studio, Offi cina Italiana Design.PIT STOP
The port side of the main deck consists of two back-
to-back, L-shaped settees, the larger one being aft
with a dinette. To starboard are a wet bar and helm
console. A sun pad is aft atop the tender garage. ¶ The
helm console, with its bezel-like, stainless-steel frame,
looks like a giant wristwatch. I particularly like the
Böning display, the transponder ignition key and the
adjustable AC vents. An electrically activated Bimini
top can protect the whole area from the elements.ULTIMATE SWIM
One standout feature aboard the 56 Rivale is the
combination swim platform and tender garage, which
accommodates a Williams Turbojet 325. The swim
platform raises and lowers at the press of a button. It
travels a couple of feet or more, making it useful in var-
ious conditions. The steps are beautifully engineered,
as is the garage, whose door has a properly molded
lining and whose interior has appropriate lighting
for use on the hook after the sun says goodnight.INSIDE PERSPECTIVES
Access to the main cabin is through a sliding door
amidships. Several steps descend into the salon, which
comprises a galley to port and a settee with dinette to
starboard, plus a day-head with shower. And owners
can choose two or three staterooms. My test 56 hadRelaxation spaces from the bow seating to the swim platform are designed to be f lexible, with adjustable heights and other features.