Marc Newson has put his design stamp on the iconic Italian-crafted Aquariva boat with Riva, one of the world’s oldest boatyards. Newson’s 22 limited-edition boats will be sold exclusively at the Gagosian Gallery and are a sumptuous take on Riva’s Aquarama speed boat, which had its heyday in the ’50s and ’60s.
Riva is one of the world’s oldest boat yards, and Newson was careful to preserve the nuances of the heritage, adding his own interpretation. The result is a classic, clean instrument panel with a wrap-around laminated glass windshield. The stern and state-of-the-art transmission add contemporary elements.
A wood-like, textile-based laminate (phenolic composite) was used for the deck area and instrument panel. This material was developed in the first half of the 20th century, and was a precursor to fibreglass. While having an ostensibly organic feel and aesthetic, it is significantly more durable than wood.
A limited edition of 22, Newson’s Aquariva will debut in September 2010 and will be available worldwide. All set to set you back by a ‘just’ $1.5million, this powerful mini-yacht is for the select few people of power only.