There are moments in the calendar of classic motoring and maritime splendour when tradition, elegance, and craftsmanship converge in spectacular harmony. Such was the case at the 2025 edition of Cavallino Classic Modena, held from 16 to 18 May amidst the pastoral charm of Casa Maria Luigia, the intimate Emilian retreat conceived by Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. Riva once again reaffirmed its indelible bond with timeless beauty in this hub of Italian excellence.
At the heart of this celebration stood an icon: the Aquarama Super. Painstakingly restored by Riva Classiche, the arm of the Ferretti Group dedicated to preserving the legacy of Riva’s legendary wooden motorboats, this masterpiece graced the estate’s lawns beside a gleaming assembly of Ferrari automobiles spanning decades of the marque’s storied history. The Aquarama Super, with its shimmering mahogany hull and polished chrome accents, did more than merely echo the automotive elegance of its surroundings. It spoke its own language, woven from the threads of craftsmanship, passion, and an unbroken tradition of excellence that has defined Riva for generations. The vessel was a silent, resplendent homage to the art of the possible, its presence resonating deeply with connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
The Cavallino Classic Modena, now in its fifth edition, is the Italian chapter of the internationally acclaimed Palm Beach Cavallino Classic. It is a Concours d’elegance revered for its dedication to the Ferrari legacy. Held in memory of Enzo Ferrari, the event gathered an exceptional array of both road and racing Ferraris in an ambience where aesthetic perfection and engineering precision are not simply appreciated, they are celebrated. Riva’s contribution to the event extended beyond the full-size Aquarama Super. Exquisite scale models of the brand’s most celebrated wooden yachts were also on display, offering guests a glimpse into the evolution of design that has made Riva synonymous with nautical sophistication.
Yet perhaps the most poignant moment came during Saturday evening’s prize-giving ceremony. As twilight descended and guests gathered for a gala dinner curated by Chef Bottura, whose Osteria Francescana continues to define the pinnacle of Italian cuisine, the owner of the winning 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Vignale, recipient of “The Ferrari Restoration Award”, was presented with a most unique honour: the iconic steering wheel of the Aquarama. A symbol of excellence passed from one form of Italian artistry to another. This symbolic gesture crystallised the spirit of the event. More than a celebration of cars or boats, the Cavallino Classic Modena 2025 became a tapestry of cultural heritage, where land and sea, design and performance, heritage and innovation found perfect equilibrium.
For Riva, whose roots stretch back to 1842, such participation is far more than ceremonial. It is a reaffirmation of the brand’s unwavering dedication to elegance and craftsmanship. As a jewel in the crown of the Ferretti Group, global leader in the design and construction of luxury yachts, Riva continues to write new chapters in a saga defined by refinement, emotion, and timeless allure.
And so, beneath the spring sun of Modena, in the company of sculpted metal and lacquered mahogany, a truth was once more revealed: true elegance knows no boundaries, only legacy.
Article edited by Mark Webber