The Art Of Refreshment

There’s Something in the Air—the Rio Yachts 42 Air—that Brings the Cool When Things Heat Up.

- Alan Harper

I’m not saying Americans are demanding, but it’s nevertheless an interesting fact that, according to her manufacturers, a Rio 42 Air fitted out to U.S. specification—which includes more powerful air-conditioning, a bigger generator, and an extra 12-inch monitor at the helm station, among various other refinements— comes out ten percent heavier than the same boat built for the European market.

Which perhaps explains why Rio chose to fit my test boat, the first one built for the U.S., with the larger of the two engine options—a pair of 435-horsepower Volvo IPS600s. On glassy seas off the Côte d’Azur at the tail end of summer, these proved more than adequate to push the boat through the 30-knot barrier. In fact, in a two-way speed trial—not that there was any tide to counteract, or even any wind during the hottest Cannes Yachting Festival anyone could remember—we averaged just over 32 knots.

Rio Yachts might not have tracked across your radar before, but this family-run boatbuilder from northern Italy has carved out a solid reputation for its runabouts, weekenders, and sports cruisers for more than 50 years. While its main focus down the decades has been the domestic market, the company now seems determined to make a splash over on the more demanding side of the pond.

It’s certainly taking the challenge seriously. European customers would generally expect three cabins in a 42-footer, but this first example of Rio’s new model was fitted out American style, with just the two. There’s much to recommend it. All boat layouts involve compromise, but there’s little of that in evidence here in the en suite double forward, which has a roomy head compartment, and a fullsize berth with 6 feet of headroom at its foot.