Ferrari star Charles Leclerc has made a significant investment in luxury, acquiring a new 102-foot super-yacht from the exclusive Italian manufacturer Riva. The Monegasque driver and his influencer wife, Alexandra Saint-Mleux, took delivery of the vessel just days after the Miami Grand Prix, marking another milestone in their recent marriage.
A Strong Start to the Season
Leclerc, 28, has enjoyed a promising start to the 2025 Formula One season, rising to third in the drivers' standings after securing podium finishes at the Australian and Japanese Grands Prix. His performance on the track has been complemented by personal happiness, having celebrated a civil wedding with Saint-Mleux two months ago. The couple's honeymoon period was extended due to the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which were originally scheduled for the spring but were called off amid the conflict in Iran.
Delivery and Traditional Ceremony
Instead of racing, Leclerc and his bride spent time finalising their latest purchase. Last week, the Italian manufacturer Riva handed over the keys to their new yacht at the company's shipyard in La Spezia. Footage circulated on Riva's social media pages shows the couple touring the vessel, followed by an inaugural speech delivered by the builders to the assembled workers. In keeping with maritime tradition, Saint-Mleux smashed a bottle of champagne over the hull, before the pair were seen enjoying the sea air on their new acquisition.
Leclerc is no stranger to Riva yachts, already owning a smaller 82-foot Diva model and a 48-foot Dolceriva named Monza, a tribute to his team's home circuit. The latest purchase, valued at approximately £15 million, has been christened Sedici, Italian for sixteen, in reference to his racing number. Leclerc, the third-highest paid driver on the grid with an estimated salary of up to £39 million including bonuses, chose the number for his birthday, which falls on October 16.
Luxury Features and Specifications
The new Corsaro Super yacht is state-of-the-art, boasting four cabins that can accommodate up to 10 guests. It also features a 'beach club' area with a swimming platform. The interior is fitted with high-end details, including Poliform furniture, Frette linens, Christofle tableware, Calacatta marble, and a Bang & Olufsen multimedia system. The yacht can reach a top speed of 28 knots, but Leclerc's decision was likely influenced by his team's close relationship with Riva, who are one of Ferrari's sponsors.
Social Media Impact
In the wake of Leclerc's purchase, Riva has gained significant exposure to a broader audience. Both Leclerc and Saint-Mleux command enormous followings on Instagram, with a combined total of over 28 million followers. A post showcasing the couple enjoying their new boat garnered 91,000 likes, a stark contrast to the company's earlier offering, which received only 1,259 likes. This demonstrates the power of celebrity endorsements in the luxury goods market.
