It would be hard to find a more romantic spot for a cruise than Lake Como, the absolutely gorgeous, pristine body of water nestled up against the Alps in northern Italy. Many of the little villages have been there since the Roman Empire, while today it is the home (occasionally) of an international jet set that includes George Clooney and Richard Branson. And its waterfront villas and hotels (think Villa d’Este) are some of the best in the world. A few years ago, my wife and I cruised there on a new Hinckley 29, and it was one of the best times ever; the boat, a modern classic in its own right, drew admiring stares and salutes wherever we went. Indeed, when we wanted to tie up at a dock for lunch, the owner of the restaurant came down and said we could stay for free because the boat was so beautiful.
But here, in a great story from Canadian Yachting, the writer takes on Lake Como in a classic built closer to home: An iconic Riva, made nearby in the smaller Lago d’Iseo. Take a look at the 1960s-era Riva Aquarama, with its 22 coats of hand-rubbed varnish, its signature white-and-aqua sunpad, and an ownership list that includes Bridgette Bardot, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor. Heads will turn. Read more:
