Boats by Rio Yachts, the historic Italian shipyard born on the shores of Lake Iseo in 1961, have become a regular presence at both Cannes Yachting Festival and Genoa International Boat Show.
When it was founded, the company was named Avionautica Rio and manufactured both sailplanes and powerboats. Today, it still preserves its original technological culture and craftsmanship and it dominates the high end of the market with boats from 10 to 20 meters in length.
Based in the province of Bergamo, Rio Yachts also owns a production facility specialized in the development of prototypes in the province of Parma and a showroom in Naples.
The shipyard will join the September boat shows with three bestsellers:  Colorado 44, Paranà 38 and Espera 34. We’ve already tested them for you.
Colorado 44
The Colorado 44 is the biggest of the models which will be exhibited. During our sea trial, we’ve particularly appreciated her easy handling and the qualities of her hull that, despite the large spaces offered inside, is extremely soft when sailing and gives an excellent sense of safety and seaworthiness.
On board, space arrangement is really impressive and provides continuity to that feeling of freedom that is typical of “open” boats. Livability is, indeed, the main concern of the Italian shipyard and materializes in a very wide teak area that joins the cockpit and the helm station together in order to favour the access to exterior spaces and create a very enjoyable terrace. The secret is the concealable door that can be closed to offer more safety or to enjoy the full benefits of air conditioning; but when open it almost disappears completely, creating one large open space.
Interiors, too, provide a sense of openness, with the three cabins and the two bathrooms flooded with a huge amount of natural light by panoramic windows, located just above the waterline.
Power comes from twin Cummins QSB 6.7 shaft drive engines which offer great speed and low fuel consumption. Alternatively, for clients with specific requirements, the craft can be fitted with the stern drive Volvo Penta D6 370 or two Volvo Penta IPS 600 435hp engines.
Paranà 38
The forefather of the Rio catalogue, the 
Paranà 38 features new original contents and renewed design. She is a 12-meter boat with sporty style, fully equipped and practical.
During our sea trial, we were impressed by her very low fuel consumption, despite a high cruising speed. In terms of livability, the cockpit is the core area: it extends to the pilot station, creating a unique space. Inside, too, attention to details confirms the tradition of the shipyard, always bound to the quality of materials – elegant woods, in particular – and finishes.
Despite her intermediate size, stability and comfort make this craft a perfect cruiser where to enjoy open-air spaces with family or friends.
Espera 34
The name, Espera, is the same as the first wooden boat built by Rio in 1961 and is the concept that paves the way for the new line: pure open boats with dynamic lines, modern and elegant at the same time. It is no coincidence that this project has been nominated for the Golden Compass Award for its design.
Even in the smallest version – the Espera 34 – the Rio Yacht’s style is easily recognizable from the use of spaces, especially in the cockpit which is made an elegant comfortable environment thanks to the extensive use of teak and colour contrasts.
During our tests, this perfect day cruiser proved to be suitable for both weekends and short/medium-range cruises. It is exactly at sea that this boat shows its sporty soul, cleverly hidden – as usual for Rio boats – under the elegance of lines. Acceleration is really impressive for a 6-ton yacht like this and cruising speed features a really advantageous efficiency/fuel consumption ratio.
Three boats perfect for a stop made of relax and beauty’s admiration, not only in the port but also in the boat shows, waiting to see them in action at full speed.
