Riela Delivered
Late April witnessed the launch of the 56m aluminium ketch Riela, the 46th unit in the Perini Navi fleet. Designed by Perini Navi’s in-house naval architects together with New Zealander Ron Holland, the ketch boasts an ultra-light streamlined aluminium hull with maximum displacement optimized at 545 t in order to guarantee both excellent sailing performances and extreme comfort. Both masts, the 58.8m main mast and the 48.26m mizzen, are also in aluminium, while the furling boom is in carbon fibre. On 4 June the hand-over took place. The formal delivery was held in the aft-cockpit of Riela in the presence of the owner and the team of Perini Navi. Following the formal procedure, the crew proceeded with the flag substitution. In a few days, Riela will depart Viareggio towards the Mediterranean waters for her maiden cruise. This summer she will share her time between her owner’s use and charter activity. Riela will be attending the Perini Navi Cup in September and will be officially presented to the public at the Monaco Yacht Show 2009.