David Beckham and Riva will auction a limited-edition runabout

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Beckham and Riva, the Italian yacht and luxury speedboat manufacturer (owned by the Ferretti Group), join forces again. In support of UNICEF and the British football player's fund, the Italian shipyard will auction the yacht Riva Anniversario.

For nearly two decades, Beckham has been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, providing health care and education to children around the world. A glittering event was recently held in Venice to commemorate Riva's 180th anniversary, which was attended by the British footballer, naturally, on the yacht Riva Anniversario for auction.

In 2000, the Ferretti Group acquired the historic brand, which was founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo in Sarnik.

A tribute to Riva's Aquarama

The limited edition is also a tribute to Riva's Aquarama, which debuted 60 years ago and remains the most famous motor yacht in the world to this day.

The new yacht also borrows elements from the Riva Aquariva introduced in 2000 and reflects the classic yachts of the 1950s and 1960s. Like its timeless predecessors, Anniversario exudes timeless elegance. The mahogany hull is contrasted with gleaming steel accents, while the interior is dressed in a mix of gray and white leather.

At the stern of the boat, two engines produce 740 horsepower for a top speed of 40.5 knots, a cruising speed of 36 knots and a range of 155 nautical miles. Only 18 Riva Anniversario pieces will be made and one of them is reserved for the upcoming auction.

All proceeds will be used to help vulnerable children in El Salvador. Fund 7 is currently working in six areas of the country to prevent and respond to acts of violence against young people. “I am so pleased to see how we are helping children in El Salvador,” Beckham said in a statement.

“The projects we support there protect the many children who live in the shadow of violence. Thank you to the Ferretti Group for supporting this cause, which is so close to my heart”. The auction will open for the next four months and will conclude in Miami on February 16, 2023.

Although the Ferretti Group did not specify how much the Riva Anniversario is expected to cost, Aqvarama is known to sell for around $1.15 million.