Acclaimed Italian naval architect and yacht designer Valerio Rivellini has begun 2026 with plans to spend extended time in Sydney, drawn by its boating lifestyle, climate and design inspiration.
Rivellini first visited Australia in November 2025 for the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show, attending at the invitation of Boatology, Australian distributor for Evo Yachts and Cantiere Mimì. Captivated by Sydney Harbour and its expansive waterways, he has since decided to relocate to Sydney for several months each year.
During his 10-day visit, Rivellini attended the show as a guest of Boatology founder Zain Moloobhoy, alongside Cantiere Mimì director Domenico Senese. Boatology showcased the Mimì Libeccio 8.5 Cabin, which sold during the four-day event and generated strong interest across the Libeccio range.
“It was a major coup to welcome a designer of Valerio’s stature to Australia,” said Moloobhoy, noting the strong response from prospective owners, boating enthusiasts and media.
Rivellini, who has spent nearly 25 years designing motor yachts for Evo Yachts and Cantiere Mimì, said Sydney had reignited his creative passion.
“It’s the most beautiful city you can imagine, with boats everywhere,” he said. “In just two hours on the Harbour, you see a variety of boats that in Europe you would only see across many locations. It’s the perfect city for inspiration.”
Having been immersed in boating since childhood, Rivellini studied naval architecture after sailing competitively and working as a sailing instructor.
“My life and career are based around the water,” he said. “My dream became my job.”
He described his design philosophy as balancing creativity and engineering, starting each project by understanding how owners will actually use their boat.
“There is always an internal fight between the designer and the naval architect,” he explained. “We begin without limits, then solve it through engineering.”
Rivellini praised Boatology’s approach to the Australian market, calling it “more than a dealership”.
“It’s a philosophy of life around boats, driven by emotion and passion,” he said. “The aim is not just to sell boats, but to create a boating culture.”
Discussing Evo Yachts, Rivellini highlighted the brand’s versatility and innovation, from the Evo R4 with its transforming XTensions bulwarks, to the R6 and flagship V8. The latest Evo R4 Icone, unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival, represents a decade of refinement, with a longer hull, redesigned profile and an innovative XT platform that creates a seafront terrace at the stern.
Boatology expects delivery of an Evo R4 Icone in 2026 and is preparing for the arrival of several new Mimì models in the coming months.
Now back in Naples, Rivellini says his future — and inspiration — increasingly includes Australia. “Sydney is a beautiful city,” he said. “To work here and see more of my boats on the Harbour — that is my dream.”
www.boatology.com.au
