An exclusive group of Ferrari race car collectors and Riva yacht owners had gathered at the Monaco Yacht Club recently when Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi said, “Love is more powerful than reason.” Now, that’s not what most CEOs would say in private, let alone in public.
Priceless Ferrari F1 race cars and Riva yachts gathered for the Cavallino Classic in Monaco 2026
Cavallino Classic Monaco
But, Alberto Galassi is simply not like most CEOs. And he was speaking at the opening night party of the first Cavallino Classic Monaco to bring a priceless collection of historic Ferrari Formula 1 race cars together before the recent Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.
Of course, there will always be lots to love when long line of iconic Ferrari red F1 racecars and the large variety of Riva yachts have gathered at the Monaco Yacht Club as the Principality transforms into the most famous Formula 1 racetrack in the world.
But what I loved about Alberto Galassi’s statement was the “reason” part. I think he was referring to the work, resources, and impossible logistics required to bring some of the biggest Rivas together with some of the most legendary Ferrari racecars together actually defies reason.
But, they did it anyway. For love. Love of the brands. And love of the owners and collectors who make the brands as authentic and iconic as they are.
A classic restored Riva aquarama is moored next to a much more modern Riva at the Cavallino Classic at the Monaco Yacht Club before the Monaco GP Historique
Riva
The Cavallino Classic allowed a lucky few to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most coveted, privately owned Ferrari race cars. Like this one driven by world champion Michael Schumacher
Cavallino Classic
Of course, the cars were more than just ornamental. Their owners actually got to see them drive them on Monaco’s famous grid. While Riva showcased a one-of-a-kind Aquarama Special from 1986 that was restored by Riva Classiche, the brand’s division specialising in the preservation of vintage boats.
Another big attraction was the largest Riva built to date, the new Riva 54METRI, along with a Riva 76’ Perseo Super and some of the most iconic yachts from the other Ferretti Group brands including: Custom Line Navetta 38, Custom Line Saetta 140’, wallywhy150, wallytender48, Ferretti Yachts INFYNITO 90 and Pershing GTX70, all brought to Monaco by their respective owners for the occasion.
But the symbiosis between Riva and Ferrari doesn’t stop there. In fact, Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has just took delivery of a new Riva 102′ Corsaro Super at Riva’s La Spezia shipyard. Of course, the intimate launching ceremony was attended by Alberto Galassi, Leclerc, and all the shipyard’s employees who contributed so passionately to the project.
Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc and his wife Alexandra christen their new Riva yacht
Riva
Charles Leclerc’s new Riva has been launched
Riva Yachts
“Charles’s passion for Riva, which is of course reciprocal, is a testament to quality and beauty that we welcome with boundless joy. If such a formidable driver and icon of style and elegance chooses once again one of our boats, it means that Riva, and in this case the magnificent 102’ Corsaro Super, offers unrivalled standards of beauty, livability and technology. Many thanks once again Charles, have fun and enjoy the water on your new Riva!” said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi.
But then again, I’m not surprised. Leclerc is already a Riva owner. And his boat is the result of collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, the studio founded by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta that has designed all Riva boats on an exclusive basis for over 30 years and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department.
All boats might require love and reason. But, I think Galassi is right. Love is more powerful.
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