Lanikea

Yachts For Sale

Yacht for sale

Yacht Builders

Content

Riva 90 Argo NOI: Italian Style, Serious Performance, and an Owner-Operator Edge

There are some yacht brands that don’t really need an introduction, and Riva is one of them. For decades, the name has been associated with glamour, elegance and that unmistakable Italian ability to make something feel both stylish and exciting at the same time. From the classic runabouts that became floating symbols of La Dolce Vita to the larger flybridge yachts of today, Riva has always managed to create boats that are technically capable while still looking like rolling works of art. That is not an easy balance to strike, but on the 2020 Riva 90 Argo NOI, it has been done extremely well. At 28.49 metres (93.6 feet), NOI sits in a very interesting part of the market. She is large enough to deliver proper superyacht comfort, credible guest accommodation and impressive deck spaces, but she also brings with her one of the biggest advantages an experienced buyer could want: her load waterline length comes in under 24 metres. In practical terms, that makes a real difference. It opens up more freedom in terms of operation, can reduce some regulatory burdens, and makes her especially attractive to an owner who wants a yacht that feels substantial without becoming unnecessarily complicated. And that, in many ways, is the story of this yacht. She is not trying to be the biggest yacht in the marina. She is trying to be one of the smartest.
There are some yacht brands that don’t really need an introduction, and Riva is one of them. For decades, the name has been associated with glamour, elegance and that unmistakable Italian ability to make something feel both stylish and exciting at the same time. From the classic runabouts that became floating symbols of La Dolce Vita to the larger flybridge yachts of today, Riva has always managed to create boats that are technically capable while still looking like rolling works of art. That is not an easy balance to strike, but on the 2020 Riva 90 Argo NOI, it has been done extremely well. At 28.49 metres (93.6 feet), NOI sits in a very interesting part of the market. She is large enough to deliver proper superyacht comfort, credible guest accommodation and impressive deck spaces, but she also brings with her one of the biggest advantages an experienced buyer could want: her load waterline length comes in under 24 metres. In practical terms, that makes a real difference. It opens up more freedom in terms of operation, can reduce some regulatory burdens, and makes her especially attractive to an owner who wants a yacht that feels substantial without becoming unnecessarily complicated. And that, in many ways, is the story of this yacht. She is not trying to be the biggest yacht in the marina. She is trying to be one of the smartest.

A Riva that knows exactly what it is

Built in 2020 as hull number seven in the Argo 90 series, NOI benefits from the maturity that comes when a model line has already had time to settle in. Early-series teething problems have usually been ironed out by that point, and what remains is a yacht that reflects the shipyard’s growing confidence in the platform. She was built in GRP, designed by Officina Italiana Design, and combines sleek, sporty exterior lines with an interior that feels contemporary without becoming cold or over-designed. That is one of the things I like most about this yacht. Some interiors shout at you. This one does not. The use of Italian walnut, marble accents and black detailing creates a look that feels sophisticated, but never fussy. There is a restraint to it. The styling is clearly premium, clearly deliberate, but it does not rely on gimmicks. It is the kind of interior that will still look attractive years from now because it has not tried too hard to be fashionable. The listing describes the finish as Italian walnut joinery with Calacatta Australe marble accents, and that combination gives NOI exactly the sort of understated richness that suits the Riva brand so well. There is also another design theme running all the way through the yacht: light. This was a period in yacht design when shipyards were putting a great deal of thought into how to bring more glass, more openness and more connection to the sea into their boats, and NOI is a very good example of that. The salon windows are generous, the dining area feels open and airy, and even the use of glass in structural and exterior elements helps the yacht feel less enclosed than many rivals in this size range. It all adds up to a yacht that feels bright and modern without losing the sense of comfort buyers in this category still expect.

A Riva that knows exactly what it is

Built in 2020 as hull number seven in the Argo 90 series, NOI benefits from the maturity that comes when a model line has already had time to settle in. Early-series teething problems have usually been ironed out by that point, and what remains is a yacht that reflects the shipyard’s growing confidence in the platform. She was built in GRP, designed by Officina Italiana Design, and combines sleek, sporty exterior lines with an interior that feels contemporary without becoming cold or over-designed. That is one of the things I like most about this yacht. Some interiors shout at you. This one does not. The use of Italian walnut, marble accents and black detailing creates a look that feels sophisticated, but never fussy. There is a restraint to it. The styling is clearly premium, clearly deliberate, but it does not rely on gimmicks. It is the kind of interior that will still look attractive years from now because it has not tried too hard to be fashionable. The listing describes the finish as Italian walnut joinery with Calacatta Australe marble accents, and that combination gives NOI exactly the sort of understated richness that suits the Riva brand so well. There is also another design theme running all the way through the yacht: light. This was a period in yacht design when shipyards were putting a great deal of thought into how to bring more glass, more openness and more connection to the sea into their boats, and NOI is a very good example of that. The salon windows are generous, the dining area feels open and airy, and even the use of glass in structural and exterior elements helps the yacht feel less enclosed than many rivals in this size range. It all adds up to a yacht that feels bright and modern without losing the sense of comfort buyers in this category still expect.

A Riva that knows exactly what it is

Built in 2020 as hull number seven in the Argo 90 series, NOI benefits from the maturity that comes when a model line has already had time to settle in. Early-series teething problems have usually been ironed out by that point, and what remains is a yacht that reflects the shipyard’s growing confidence in the platform. She was built in GRP, designed by Officina Italiana Design, and combines sleek, sporty exterior lines with an interior that feels contemporary without becoming cold or over-designed. That is one of the things I like most about this yacht. Some interiors shout at you. This one does not. The use of Italian walnut, marble accents and black detailing creates a look that feels sophisticated, but never fussy. There is a restraint to it. The styling is clearly premium, clearly deliberate, but it does not rely on gimmicks. It is the kind of interior that will still look attractive years from now because it has not tried too hard to be fashionable. The listing describes the finish as Italian walnut joinery with Calacatta Australe marble accents, and that combination gives NOI exactly the sort of understated richness that suits the Riva brand so well. There is also another design theme running all the way through the yacht: light. This was a period in yacht design when shipyards were putting a great deal of thought into how to bring more glass, more openness and more connection to the sea into their boats, and NOI is a very good example of that. The salon windows are generous, the dining area feels open and airy, and even the use of glass in structural and exterior elements helps the yacht feel less enclosed than many rivals in this size range. It all adds up to a yacht that feels bright and modern without losing the sense of comfort buyers in this category still expect.

The sort of layout buyers actually want

Accommodation on NOI is for eight guests in four cabins, with space for four crew in two crew cabins. That, in itself, is already a strong layout for a yacht of this size, but what makes it more compelling is how the volume has been used. The on-deck full-beam master suite is a real selling point, and below deck there is a full-beam VIP cabin that is unusually generous, plus two further guest cabins, one of which is convertible.

The master is exactly where many owners want it to be: forward on the main deck, private, bright and with a proper sense of separation from the guest spaces below. Storage has been well considered, with a walk-in wardrobe and clever compartmentalisation that makes the room feel practical as well as luxurious. The en suite also makes a strong impression, with twin sinks, marble finishes and a rainfall shower that reinforces the feeling that this is a proper owner’s space rather than simply the best cabin on a production yacht.

Then you move below and discover that the VIP is not just good. It is genuinely impressive.

Because it sits amidships, where the hull carries more beam, it enjoys a volume that almost makes it feel like a second master. That is a major plus if you cruise with another couple, grown-up children, or guests who expect a certain standard. The other two cabins continue the same design language, and that consistency matters. On too many yachts, the guest cabins feel like the budget was spent elsewhere. On NOI, the detailing still feels recognisably Riva, with the same textures, materials and finishing touches carrying through.

This is one of those yachts where guests are unlikely to feel they have drawn the short straw.

The sort of layout buyers actually want

Accommodation on NOI is for eight guests in four cabins, with space for four crew in two crew cabins. That, in itself, is already a strong layout for a yacht of this size, but what makes it more compelling is how the volume has been used. The on-deck full-beam master suite is a real selling point, and below deck there is a full-beam VIP cabin that is unusually generous, plus two further guest cabins, one of which is convertible.

The master is exactly where many owners want it to be: forward on the main deck, private, bright and with a proper sense of separation from the guest spaces below. Storage has been well considered, with a walk-in wardrobe and clever compartmentalisation that makes the room feel practical as well as luxurious. The en suite also makes a strong impression, with twin sinks, marble finishes and a rainfall shower that reinforces the feeling that this is a proper owner’s space rather than simply the best cabin on a production yacht.

Then you move below and discover that the VIP is not just good. It is genuinely impressive.

Because it sits amidships, where the hull carries more beam, it enjoys a volume that almost makes it feel like a second master. That is a major plus if you cruise with another couple, grown-up children, or guests who expect a certain standard. The other two cabins continue the same design language, and that consistency matters. On too many yachts, the guest cabins feel like the budget was spent elsewhere. On NOI, the detailing still feels recognisably Riva, with the same textures, materials and finishing touches carrying through.

This is one of those yachts where guests are unlikely to feel they have drawn the short straw.

The sort of layout buyers actually want

Accommodation on NOI is for eight guests in four cabins, with space for four crew in two crew cabins. That, in itself, is already a strong layout for a yacht of this size, but what makes it more compelling is how the volume has been used. The on-deck full-beam master suite is a real selling point, and below deck there is a full-beam VIP cabin that is unusually generous, plus two further guest cabins, one of which is convertible.

The master is exactly where many owners want it to be: forward on the main deck, private, bright and with a proper sense of separation from the guest spaces below. Storage has been well considered, with a walk-in wardrobe and clever compartmentalisation that makes the room feel practical as well as luxurious. The en suite also makes a strong impression, with twin sinks, marble finishes and a rainfall shower that reinforces the feeling that this is a proper owner’s space rather than simply the best cabin on a production yacht.

Then you move below and discover that the VIP is not just good. It is genuinely impressive.

Because it sits amidships, where the hull carries more beam, it enjoys a volume that almost makes it feel like a second master. That is a major plus if you cruise with another couple, grown-up children, or guests who expect a certain standard. The other two cabins continue the same design language, and that consistency matters. On too many yachts, the guest cabins feel like the budget was spent elsewhere. On NOI, the detailing still feels recognisably Riva, with the same textures, materials and finishing touches carrying through.

This is one of those yachts where guests are unlikely to feel they have drawn the short straw.

Deck spaces that are more than just decorative

A lot of yachts photograph well. Fewer actually look comfortable to use.

NOI appears to do both.

The aft cockpit is a good example. The seating arrangement is elegant and sociable, with opposing sofas, teak underfoot and enough space to sit a decent-sized group in genuine comfort. The glass balustrade keeps the area visually open, which is a small design decision but one that makes a big difference. It helps keep you connected to the sea rather than boxed into a stern lounge.

There are also little touches that tell you someone has thought about how people really use the boat. One of the seating areas can be moved at the touch of a button, allowing you either to increase the width of the walkway or create a slightly more intimate social setup. It is a small thing, but it is exactly the sort of detail that gives a yacht character.

Up on the flybridge, the atmosphere changes from elegant to effortlessly liveable. This is where much of life on board is likely to happen. There is a proper helm up there, a bar with folding counter space, dining area, lounge area, sunpads and loose furniture aft, all arranged in a way that feels versatile rather than crowded. The listing also notes an ice maker on the flybridge, which is the sort of practical addition that matters a lot more on a long summer day than it does in a brochure.

Forward, the bow lounge gives owners and guests another outdoor zone to enjoy, whether that means coffee in the morning, sunbathing later in the day, or simply a quieter space away from the main entertaining areas.

That variety is important.

It means the yacht is not relying on one standout deck to do all the work. She gives you options, and on a cruising yacht that makes all the difference.

Deck spaces that are more than just decorative

A lot of yachts photograph well. Fewer actually look comfortable to use.

NOI appears to do both.

The aft cockpit is a good example. The seating arrangement is elegant and sociable, with opposing sofas, teak underfoot and enough space to sit a decent-sized group in genuine comfort. The glass balustrade keeps the area visually open, which is a small design decision but one that makes a big difference. It helps keep you connected to the sea rather than boxed into a stern lounge.

There are also little touches that tell you someone has thought about how people really use the boat. One of the seating areas can be moved at the touch of a button, allowing you either to increase the width of the walkway or create a slightly more intimate social setup. It is a small thing, but it is exactly the sort of detail that gives a yacht character.

Up on the flybridge, the atmosphere changes from elegant to effortlessly liveable. This is where much of life on board is likely to happen. There is a proper helm up there, a bar with folding counter space, dining area, lounge area, sunpads and loose furniture aft, all arranged in a way that feels versatile rather than crowded. The listing also notes an ice maker on the flybridge, which is the sort of practical addition that matters a lot more on a long summer day than it does in a brochure.

Forward, the bow lounge gives owners and guests another outdoor zone to enjoy, whether that means coffee in the morning, sunbathing later in the day, or simply a quieter space away from the main entertaining areas.

That variety is important.

It means the yacht is not relying on one standout deck to do all the work. She gives you options, and on a cruising yacht that makes all the difference.

Deck spaces that are more than just decorative

A lot of yachts photograph well. Fewer actually look comfortable to use.

NOI appears to do both.

The aft cockpit is a good example. The seating arrangement is elegant and sociable, with opposing sofas, teak underfoot and enough space to sit a decent-sized group in genuine comfort. The glass balustrade keeps the area visually open, which is a small design decision but one that makes a big difference. It helps keep you connected to the sea rather than boxed into a stern lounge.

There are also little touches that tell you someone has thought about how people really use the boat. One of the seating areas can be moved at the touch of a button, allowing you either to increase the width of the walkway or create a slightly more intimate social setup. It is a small thing, but it is exactly the sort of detail that gives a yacht character.

Up on the flybridge, the atmosphere changes from elegant to effortlessly liveable. This is where much of life on board is likely to happen. There is a proper helm up there, a bar with folding counter space, dining area, lounge area, sunpads and loose furniture aft, all arranged in a way that feels versatile rather than crowded. The listing also notes an ice maker on the flybridge, which is the sort of practical addition that matters a lot more on a long summer day than it does in a brochure.

Forward, the bow lounge gives owners and guests another outdoor zone to enjoy, whether that means coffee in the morning, sunbathing later in the day, or simply a quieter space away from the main entertaining areas.

That variety is important.

It means the yacht is not relying on one standout deck to do all the work. She gives you options, and on a cruising yacht that makes all the difference.

Fast, capable, and much more robust than standard

Performance is another area where NOI becomes especially interesting. She is powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M96 engines, an upgraded engine package that pushes her to a top speed of 30 knots. Cruising speed is listed at approximately 26 knots, with a range of around 300 nautical miles at cruising speed. Those are strong numbers for a yacht that is also delivering this level of accommodation and comfort. But the real appeal is not just speed for the sake of speed. It is the fact that the yacht has been specified to be more complete, more robust and more comfortable than a standard example. The second generator was upgraded to a matching 27 kW Kohler unit, rather than the lower-output setup one might otherwise expect. The yacht also features dual Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisers, tropical-spec air conditioning, a watermaker, upgraded navigation and communication systems, and a hydraulic stern thruster in addition to the bow thruster. That is a serious list of upgrades. The dual Seakeeper arrangement in particular is noteworthy because it tells you the owner was thinking about comfort in a meaningful way. Stabilisation is one of those things that guests might not notice when it is working well, but they certainly notice when it is not there. On a yacht with sporty performance credentials, having that extra level of stability at rest and underway makes the whole ownership experience more enjoyable. There is also an owner-operator logic running through all of this. A yacht like this needs to be exciting to drive, yes, but it also needs to be dependable, manageable and confidence-inspiring. The third control station in the cockpit, the integrated navigation suite, the FLIR thermal night vision camera, and the overall manageable size all support that sense that NOI is a yacht you can truly use rather than merely admire.

Fast, capable, and much more robust than standard

Performance is another area where NOI becomes especially interesting. She is powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M96 engines, an upgraded engine package that pushes her to a top speed of 30 knots. Cruising speed is listed at approximately 26 knots, with a range of around 300 nautical miles at cruising speed. Those are strong numbers for a yacht that is also delivering this level of accommodation and comfort. But the real appeal is not just speed for the sake of speed. It is the fact that the yacht has been specified to be more complete, more robust and more comfortable than a standard example. The second generator was upgraded to a matching 27 kW Kohler unit, rather than the lower-output setup one might otherwise expect. The yacht also features dual Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisers, tropical-spec air conditioning, a watermaker, upgraded navigation and communication systems, and a hydraulic stern thruster in addition to the bow thruster. That is a serious list of upgrades. The dual Seakeeper arrangement in particular is noteworthy because it tells you the owner was thinking about comfort in a meaningful way. Stabilisation is one of those things that guests might not notice when it is working well, but they certainly notice when it is not there. On a yacht with sporty performance credentials, having that extra level of stability at rest and underway makes the whole ownership experience more enjoyable. There is also an owner-operator logic running through all of this. A yacht like this needs to be exciting to drive, yes, but it also needs to be dependable, manageable and confidence-inspiring. The third control station in the cockpit, the integrated navigation suite, the FLIR thermal night vision camera, and the overall manageable size all support that sense that NOI is a yacht you can truly use rather than merely admire.

Fast, capable, and much more robust than standard

Performance is another area where NOI becomes especially interesting. She is powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M96 engines, an upgraded engine package that pushes her to a top speed of 30 knots. Cruising speed is listed at approximately 26 knots, with a range of around 300 nautical miles at cruising speed. Those are strong numbers for a yacht that is also delivering this level of accommodation and comfort. But the real appeal is not just speed for the sake of speed. It is the fact that the yacht has been specified to be more complete, more robust and more comfortable than a standard example. The second generator was upgraded to a matching 27 kW Kohler unit, rather than the lower-output setup one might otherwise expect. The yacht also features dual Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisers, tropical-spec air conditioning, a watermaker, upgraded navigation and communication systems, and a hydraulic stern thruster in addition to the bow thruster. That is a serious list of upgrades. The dual Seakeeper arrangement in particular is noteworthy because it tells you the owner was thinking about comfort in a meaningful way. Stabilisation is one of those things that guests might not notice when it is working well, but they certainly notice when it is not there. On a yacht with sporty performance credentials, having that extra level of stability at rest and underway makes the whole ownership experience more enjoyable. There is also an owner-operator logic running through all of this. A yacht like this needs to be exciting to drive, yes, but it also needs to be dependable, manageable and confidence-inspiring. The third control station in the cockpit, the integrated navigation suite, the FLIR thermal night vision camera, and the overall manageable size all support that sense that NOI is a yacht you can truly use rather than merely admire.

Proper cruising credentials in a stylish package

Riva is sometimes still associated in people’s minds with glamorous dayboats and elegant open cruisers, but yachts like NOI show just how far that image needs updating.

This is not a boat that only makes sense for short hops and dockside admiration.

With 8,700 litres of fuel, 1,320 litres of fresh water, a watermaker, four proper guest cabins, separate crew accommodation, quality galley equipment, generous exterior living areas and a tender garage, this is a fully-fledged cruising yacht. The listing also highlights an electro-hydraulic swim platform, aft garage with electro-hydraulic door, Miele galley appliances and a 23-bottle wine cellar, all of which reinforce the point that this is a yacht built for enjoyable time on board rather than occasional use alone.

And perhaps that is where NOI makes her strongest case.

She gives you the looks people want from a Riva, the speed people hope for in a yacht of this style, and the practicality that too often gets overlooked when buyers become distracted by brand name and profile. She feels glamorous, but not fragile. Luxurious, but not overcomplicated. Fast, but not compromised.

That is a very attractive combination.

Proper cruising credentials in a stylish package

Riva is sometimes still associated in people’s minds with glamorous dayboats and elegant open cruisers, but yachts like NOI show just how far that image needs updating.

This is not a boat that only makes sense for short hops and dockside admiration.

With 8,700 litres of fuel, 1,320 litres of fresh water, a watermaker, four proper guest cabins, separate crew accommodation, quality galley equipment, generous exterior living areas and a tender garage, this is a fully-fledged cruising yacht. The listing also highlights an electro-hydraulic swim platform, aft garage with electro-hydraulic door, Miele galley appliances and a 23-bottle wine cellar, all of which reinforce the point that this is a yacht built for enjoyable time on board rather than occasional use alone.

And perhaps that is where NOI makes her strongest case.

She gives you the looks people want from a Riva, the speed people hope for in a yacht of this style, and the practicality that too often gets overlooked when buyers become distracted by brand name and profile. She feels glamorous, but not fragile. Luxurious, but not overcomplicated. Fast, but not compromised.

That is a very attractive combination.

Proper cruising credentials in a stylish package

Riva is sometimes still associated in people’s minds with glamorous dayboats and elegant open cruisers, but yachts like NOI show just how far that image needs updating.

This is not a boat that only makes sense for short hops and dockside admiration.

With 8,700 litres of fuel, 1,320 litres of fresh water, a watermaker, four proper guest cabins, separate crew accommodation, quality galley equipment, generous exterior living areas and a tender garage, this is a fully-fledged cruising yacht. The listing also highlights an electro-hydraulic swim platform, aft garage with electro-hydraulic door, Miele galley appliances and a 23-bottle wine cellar, all of which reinforce the point that this is a yacht built for enjoyable time on board rather than occasional use alone.

And perhaps that is where NOI makes her strongest case.

She gives you the looks people want from a Riva, the speed people hope for in a yacht of this style, and the practicality that too often gets overlooked when buyers become distracted by brand name and profile. She feels glamorous, but not fragile. Luxurious, but not overcomplicated. Fast, but not compromised.

That is a very attractive combination.

Final thoughts

There are plenty of 90-foot yachts on the market that offer one or two standout features. NOI feels more complete than that.

She has the pedigree of one of Italy’s best-known names, the styling to turn heads in any marina, a genuinely strong accommodation layout, excellent exterior living spaces and a specification that has clearly been pushed beyond standard. Add in the under-24-metre load line advantage and you have a yacht that makes a lot of sense for an owner who wants serious capability without stepping into a more demanding operational bracket.

In other words, this is not just a beautiful Riva.

It is a very clever one.

Final thoughts

There are plenty of 90-foot yachts on the market that offer one or two standout features. NOI feels more complete than that.

She has the pedigree of one of Italy’s best-known names, the styling to turn heads in any marina, a genuinely strong accommodation layout, excellent exterior living spaces and a specification that has clearly been pushed beyond standard. Add in the under-24-metre load line advantage and you have a yacht that makes a lot of sense for an owner who wants serious capability without stepping into a more demanding operational bracket.

In other words, this is not just a beautiful Riva.

It is a very clever one.

Final thoughts

There are plenty of 90-foot yachts on the market that offer one or two standout features. NOI feels more complete than that.

She has the pedigree of one of Italy’s best-known names, the styling to turn heads in any marina, a genuinely strong accommodation layout, excellent exterior living spaces and a specification that has clearly been pushed beyond standard. Add in the under-24-metre load line advantage and you have a yacht that makes a lot of sense for an owner who wants serious capability without stepping into a more demanding operational bracket.

In other words, this is not just a beautiful Riva.

It is a very clever one.