In the world of luxury yachting, the Riva brand stands as a true icon of Italian craftsmanship, elegance, and performance. The 2012 Riva 86 Domino is no exception. Sleek, stylish, and full of thoughtful innovation, this yacht is a shining example of how luxury and functionality can go hand in hand.
More than just a pretty face, the Riva 86 Domino combines sophisticated design with impressive engineering. This yacht doesn’t just turn heads—it delivers a full package of comfort, accessibility, and performance that caters to a wide range of owners, including those with unique mobility needs.
A Design That Embodies Sporty Elegance
One of the first things you notice about the Riva 86 Domino is its commanding presence. The metallic copper hull, accented with black details, gives the vessel a striking and modern appearance. Unlike many yachts in the same class, the Domino doesn’t sacrifice sleek styling for function. In fact, its low-profile exterior conceals a surprisingly spacious and practical layout.
Step aboard and you’ll find the lines between indoor and outdoor living beautifully blurred. From the open aft cockpit to the versatile bow seating area, this yacht is designed for both entertaining and relaxing. Despite its sporty look, the Riva 86 Domino offers more usable outdoor space than you might expect, including a discreet flybridge that maintains the yacht’s streamlined silhouette.
Accessible Luxury—Thoughtfully Executed
What truly sets this 86 Domino apart is its innovative focus on accessibility. The original owner required full wheelchair access, and the yacht was custom-fitted to accommodate those needs seamlessly.
At the stern, a hydraulically powered gangway acts as a lift, enabling wheelchair users to board with ease. It lowers to dock level, allowing a smooth transition onto the yacht. The gangway then lifts and pivots, aligning perfectly with the deck to provide flat, safe passage to the main areas on board.
Inside, an integrated elevator discreetly connects the main saloon to the owner’s suite below. Hidden in plain sight, this lift was cleverly designed to blend into the yacht’s aesthetic. Today, it doubles as a storage space but can easily be reactivated if needed.
A Saloon Designed for Comfort and Style
Step through the sliding glass doors into the saloon, and you’re greeted by an atmosphere of cozy elegance. The décor is a masterclass in muted tones, rich textures, and ambient lighting. The neutral palette feels fresh yet timeless, avoiding both outdated finishes and overly minimalist trends.
A large, plush seating area invites guests to unwind in comfort. The oversized TV, thoughtful lighting, and refined furnishings create a true lounge experience. Side deck access on both port and starboard sides adds convenience and reinforces the open, connected flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Helm and Flybridge: Stylish Control
Forward of the saloon, the helm station features everything needed for confident command. Twin multifunction displays, autopilot, thruster controls, and throttle levers are all within easy reach. While the helm’s design focuses on function, it still reflects the stylish sensibilities seen throughout the yacht.
Above, the flybridge is a hidden gem. Often missed when viewing the yacht from afar, this raised deck area offers additional seating, sunbathing space, and a secondary helm. It’s a brilliant use of space that enhances the onboard experience without detracting from the yacht’s sleek profile.
Sophisticated Accommodation Layout
The lower deck houses four well-appointed cabins, each with its own en suite. Forward, the VIP cabin spans the beam with ample storage, a skylight hatch, and warm ambient lighting. Its decor matches the saloon—refined, understated, and elegant.
Aft, the guest accommodations include a spacious double cabin and a twin, both offering generous storage and cozy sleeping arrangements. The fourth guest cabin features two single berths and direct access to a shared en suite, which also functions as the yacht’s day head.
But the crown jewel of the accommodation is the full-beam owner’s suite. Located aft, this luxurious cabin offers abundant space, large windows, and a private en suite with rainfall shower. As part of the yacht’s accessibility features, the entrance is wide enough for wheelchair access, and the bathroom was originally configured for easy mobility—with a curtain instead of shower doors, which can be restored if needed.
Crew Comfort and Functionality
The Riva 86 Domino offers thoughtful accommodation for up to four crew members. Located aft with separate access, the crew quarters include two twin cabins, a shared head with shower, laundry facilities, and a compact mess area.
Interestingly, additional shelving has been added to the mess space, designed with hinged supports. These can be folded down to free up corner seating when needed—another example of smart, practical design.
Galley and Storage
The galley is positioned on the lower deck, tucked away to keep the main living spaces clean and uncluttered. It includes a full suite of appliances: cooktop, oven, dishwasher, and refrigeration, all integrated into a streamlined workspace.
Additional storage is available throughout the yacht, including cleverly concealed lockers and cupboards in every cabin, as well as flexible shelving in the tender garage.
Tender Garage and Aft Features
The tender garage is located at the stern and is currently set up to house two jet skis. Ramps are already in place, and shelving has been added for storage. If the owner prefers a tender, the space can be easily reconfigured.
Above the garage, a hydraulic gangway adds another layer of accessibility and utility, doubling as a swim platform or passerelle depending on how it’s deployed. It’s a well-executed solution that enhances the yacht’s versatility without compromising style.
Engine Room and Performance
This yacht isn’t just about comfort—it packs serious performance. Powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M93 engines, each producing 2,435 hp, the 86 Domino reaches top speeds of 36 knots. She cruises comfortably at 30 knots, making her one of the fastest yachts in her class.
Despite the power, the engine room is neatly laid out and easily accessible. There’s also a camera system for remote monitoring, twin generators, and a watermaker. With a fuel-efficient design, the yacht offers a range of approximately 400 nautical miles at cruising speed. At displacement speeds, that figure doubles or even triples, giving impressive cruising versatility.
Final Thoughts: Italian Mastery on the Water
The 2012 Riva 86 Domino is more than a stylish vessel—it’s a thoughtful, high-performance yacht that caters to both aesthetic taste and practical needs. With customized accessibility features, a luxurious interior, and powerful engines, this yacht truly offers the best of all worlds.
Whether you’re cruising the Mediterranean or anchoring off the Côte d’Azur, the Riva 86 Domino ensures you arrive in unmatched style. It’s a statement of sophistication, designed for owners who appreciate Italian craftsmanship, modern functionality, and timeless appeal.
