"I repeat what I said for the Domino: This craft comes from instincts; this is why it will be rewarded." Mauro Micheli, who founded Officina Italiana Design with Sergio Beretta, was talking about the Riva Mythos 122, which CRN will build in aluminum, beginning this year. Micheli's studio also designed the 86-foot Domino, and the DNA codes of these siblings leave no doubt about their family connection. In fact, a brief review of the entire modern Riva line shows how some characteristics evolved over time and fit beautifully within the Mythos.Courtesy Riva Yacht
"The careful but not aggressive design," Micheli said, "will make this yacht a milestone … just like the Aquariva, Rivarama and Rivale, which are still being produced after so many years post-launch." Every builder hopes for this level of staying power.Courtesy Riva Yacht
Her profile greets observers with a smile — really a long line of darkened windows that light the four staterooms in the main part of the general arrangement plan. In keeping with modern practice, Micheli, et al, drew a reverse sheer line to establish the Mythos' high-performance image. She is, after all, a relatively lightweight planing yacht. The rub rail enhances the sheer and visually lowers her profile. So does the break in the sheer near amidships. We see three elements in this treatment — the break followed by a sweep to the engine-room vents; a panel (for want of a better description); and the line formed by the bottom of the superstructure's windows. These are visual detours and add character to an otherwise conventional sheer. If you look closely at this relatively small rendering, you'll see how the details of the break interact with the rest of the structure — how quoted shapes create harmony in a complex design.Courtesy Riva Yacht
Start with the front fascia of the pilothouse bubble: its like appears at the leading edge of the superstructure's windows and at the leading edge of the panel in the break. Move to the after terminus of the panel to find a curvature that mimics the ones at the after end of the engine-room vent, the cockpit coaming and the trailing end of the bridge deck. The arch over the pilothouse bubble shares angles with the elements directly below it.Courtesy Riva Yacht
In the profile rendering, the design seems too complex — as though the folks who drew it tried too hard to create a unique identity. On the other hand, renderings that present the Mythos as we'd see her on the water pay homage to her overall pleasing aesthetics. Riva Yacht, Ferretti Group America, 954-462-5527; riva-yacht.com LOA: 123'0" DWL (full load): 106'2" BEAM: 24'11" DRAFT: 7'7" DISPL. (full load): 359,355 lb. DEADRISE: 12 degrees FUEL: 4,887 gal. WATER: 793 gal. ENGINES: 2 x 3,510 hp MTU 12V 4000 M 93L dieselsCourtesy Riva Yacht
