The Riva story relives on Lake Iseo

On the shores of one of the major Italian lakes there is a one of a kind museum. It’s an ideal stop for anyone who appreciates beauty and exclusive objects related to boating. The history of Riva boats lives inside the Bellini Nautica space.

In the middle of the Franciacorta vineyards, near Montisola – voted one of the “Best European Destinations” in 2019 - and not far from the Torbiere del Sebino Unesco World Heritage Site, there is another treasure well known to nautical enthusiasts which is so unique it deserves to be discovered by more people.

We are talking about the Riva collection by Bellini Nautica, an exclusive collection of Riva boats, all made strictly in mahogany, born from the vision and dedication to boating of a boy who, in the early eighties, decided to use his savings to buy a Riva Sebino. That young man was Romano Bellini, and, with a passion handed down to him by his father, he grew up around boats. Today he is the owner of the boat construction yard on Lake Iseo which he manages together with his children Battista and Martina.

It looks like a story of the past, almost a fairy tale, yet that boat was the beginning of a great undertaking, the first piece of a single-brand collection that today has 24 models.

Over the years, restoration after restoration, Romano Bellini has revitalized real rarities signed by Riva, choosing from the most distinct and exclusive models. A passion born and strengthened over time, cultivated with deep respect for those boats that were often bought in poor condition and were reborn after meticulous renovations. So much so, that it led him to

relinquish his initial plan to sell them and kept them for himself.

After 40 years, what can be admired at the Nautica Bellini museum is, in all respects, the most complete and exclusive Riva collection in the world. All models, even the most retro ones, are exhibited to the public to be admired, photographed and even touched. The museum overlooking Lake Iseo houses a private collection of authentic masterpieces, including three unique pieces in the world, boats that marked the birth and fortune of the Riva shipyards now assembled in the Riva collection of Bellini Nautica in Clusane sul Lago Iseo. The guided tour, with Martina Bellini as an exceptional guide, explains the phases of the restoration which the boats go through along with technical explanations and inside information.

A tour recommended not only for boating enthusiasts, but also for all lovers of beauty or simple curious people attracted by the history that lies behind a brand that has become iconic. For those who want, there is also the opportunity to sit in a Riva Aquarama boat for a tour on the waters of Lake Iseo.

Bellini Nautica & Showroom Via Carlo Lanza 28, 25040 Clusane d’iseo - Brescia (Italy) www.bellininautica.it