THE COOL LIST

LOA 67ft 5in (20.54m) BEAM 17ft 4in (5.29m) ENGINES Twin 1,550hp MAN V12 TOP SPEED 37 knots PRICE FROM €2.9 million ex VAT

Our run down of the coolest new boats launched at the Cannes Boat Show

Even by Riva’s lofty standards the new 66 Ribelle is a very cool piece of kit made all the more impressive by it being a sport flybridge rather than one of its iconic open sportsboats. To be fair, the flybridge comprises little more than a collection of low-slung sunpads, a knee-level windscreen and not a backrest in sight. But come on, we’d happily put up with a little backache to look that good.

Part of the magic is the way the glossy blue hull colour offsets the mahogany grab rail that intersects the side windows, book-ended by fillets of stainless steel that sparkle like diamonds in the sun. If that sounds over the top wait until you see the interior. Even the saloon table is an orgy of satin mahogany, chrome bands, elaborate strut supports and an inset Riva logo that screams expense. It is by some margin the most richly finished 66-footer we’ve ever clapped eyes on.

Somewhere underneath it all is a proper boat with a pair of thumping great 1,550hp MAN V8s on vee drives powering it to a claimed top speed of 37 knots. An imposing carbon-fibre dashboard dominates the helm, ramming home its cutting-edge credentials with a widescreen display of virtual gauges and a four-spoke wheel wrapped in matching blue fabric. A mere sunroof would be too ordinary for this boat so the Ribelle has an optional electric air scoop that funnels air towards the helm.

The drama continues below decks with a lavish master suite and two guest suites as well as the galley, although it’s hard to imagine sullying the pristine surfaces with actual food.

Somehow the designers have still found room aft for a crew cabin and a tender garage with space for both a Williams 345 Turbojet and a Seabob. A clever hydraulic bathing platform that slides down the transom to reveal a hidden set of steps ensures guests can make an elegant entry to the water. Needless to say this level of luxury doesn’t come cheap, but if you need to ask… CONTACT Ventura UK Tel +44 (0)20 7495 2330, www.riva-yacht.com