Riva 96′ Argo Super - Denarni Fokus

An Evolution of a Proven Platform

Riva has launched the first 96′ Argo Super, a 28.79-metre flybridge yacht developed from its existing 90′ Argo platform. The yacht was launched at the Italian builder’s La Spezia shipyard on July 20, 2026, ahead of its public debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.

Rather than introducing an entirely new platform, Riva has focused on improving space, comfort and the connection between indoor and outdoor living. The project brings together Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee and its engineering team.

Reworking the Stern

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The redesigned aft and beach areas are central to the update. A sunpad is integrated into the garage door, which provides access to a Williams 435 tender and a jet ski. The adjoining swim platform can be raised and lowered, improving access to the water.

The cockpit gains additional storage, a built-in refrigerator and adjustable backrests. On the flybridge, a new bar unit and mahogany-topped tables reinforce the yacht’s focus on outdoor entertaining.

More Space Below Deck

One of the most important changes is the addition of a day bathroom on the main deck. Moving this facility upstairs frees more space for guest accommodation below.

The owner’s suite spans the yacht’s full beam and features larger glazed surfaces to bring more natural light into the interior. The standard lower-deck arrangement includes three guest cabins, while an alternative layout offers four. The interior combines glossy wengé wood, pale matte oak, mirrored surfaces and polished steel details.

Performance Remains Central

The first yacht is equipped with twin MTU 12V 2000 M96X engines rated at 2,000 horsepower each. Riva’s preliminary specifications indicate a top speed of 26.5 knots and a cruising speed of 22.5 knots.

An optional engine configuration, using twin MTU M96Z units rated at 2,222 horsepower each, raises the stated top speed to 28 knots. The yacht also incorporates Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisers, a collision-prevention system and Xenta manoeuvring assistance.

What the Launch Signals

The 96′ Argo Super illustrates a product-development strategy common in the premium yacht market: extend the life of an established platform by refining the areas owners use most, rather than relying exclusively on a completely new model.

For Riva, the changes combine recognisable styling with practical improvements to the stern, guest layout and onboard comfort. The commercial test is whether these refinements give existing customers a compelling reason to upgrade and attract new buyers to the brand’s flybridge range.