The latest models from Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder were a shining example of meticulous design, attractive styling, sleek lines, innovation and technological advancements at the 2014 Sydney International Boat Show.
The opulent flagship of Riviera’s award-winning Sport Yacht Collection, the new 6000 Sport Yacht, which made her world premiere at the show, was clearly a favourite among show goers with her supremely comfortable, clever and convenient alfresco lifestyle concepts, ultramodern technology and palatial appointments – it is in fact a high-performance vessel akin to a floating six-star resort and this sleek and stylish new model recorded multiple sales at the show.
“Her sleek lines and confident poise are complemented by contemporary stateroom port holes, large fixed skylights and sliding electric sunroof built into the strong fibreglass hardtop, together with our attention to every detail that confirms this magnificent vessel is indeed an Australian-built Riviera,” exclaims Riviera’s chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst.
Mr Longhurst says the dignified composure of the 6000 Sport Yacht is just as evident offshore as it is at anchor. “Her solid and robust hull with keel is the evolution of Riviera’s rich 34-year heritage in building world-class luxury powerboats that are proven in the tough Australian conditions,” he said.
The strong support for Riviera’s new models is apparent in the company’s sales success at the Sydney show with 10 new boat sales across all models from buyers in Australia and halfway around the world, including a 50 Enclosed Flybridge, two 6000 Sport Yachts, one 63 Enclosed Flybridge and one 43 Open Flybridge all for Sydney based owners, one 5000 Sport Yacht and one 445 SUV destined for Melbourne, one 565 SUV bound for the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, a Belize 54 Daybridge for Perth, and a 53 Enclosed Flybridge for a new Panama owner.
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Mr Longhurst said Riviera’s efforts in designing a new generation of stylish, luxury boats had certainly excited serious boating enthusiasts with the trend for high quality boats evident in the sales results with eight out of the 10 boats sold being valued over AUD$1 million each.
“Indeed seven of the nine boats on display were launched within the last two years,” he said.
“It’s very exciting to see more people rewarding their hard efforts with a beautiful new Riviera. The results from the Sydney International Boat Show are very encouraging with the company recording a sizeable number of sales across the five-day event.”
Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne said Riviera was certainly the shining light of the show when its floating display was illuminated in myriad colours and four giant 4x3m outdoor video screens for the VIP Glow event held on the Saturday night of the show.
“Over 300 people attended our Glow function, which was a sell out event and further highlights the loyalty of our Riviera owners and enthusiasts who so passionately support our company at these events. We had owners flying in from around Australia and overseas to inspect our exciting model line-up and party with fellow Riviera and Belize family members,” he said.
“Glow was a spectacular display of colour and light with each and every one of our boats illuminated and casting bright lights across the Darling Harbour night sky. In fact, it was so attractive that there were hundreds of onlookers observing from the Cockle Bay shoreline enjoying our show.
“We had roving musicians who entertained our guests as they enjoyed a selection of fine delicacies with matched wines. To really spark the Saturday night mood, we had a countdown and then 300 raised voices in unison cried out ‘I Luv Riv’ across the harbour. It was a very moving moment and the Riviera Family was truly united and ready to party.”
Simon and Ros Earthrowl said, “We have just recently purchased a 4400 Sport Yacht and this being our first Riviera, the Glow evening was the first opportunity we have had to meet other Riviera owners. It was a fantastic event and we really enjoyed listening to the Riviera stories from other owners. The evening was all style and class – we had a great time.”
Long time Riviera owners Denise and Peter Haig had this to say about the Glow event.
“Whatever Riviera does, it’s quality. When I think of Riviera, I think of friendship, families, and quality. Riviera to me is on the same level as Rolls Royce in the car industry. Saturday’s Glow event was just superb. The way in which the band moved around each boat really brought your attention to each model, the food was fantastic and the staff were brilliant. It is great to see that Rodney (Riviera’s chairman and owner) and his family have such involvement within the company itself and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”
Samantha Callinan said, “Another great night and event from Riviera and the R Marine Riley team. We love all their events, they are always terrific and entertaining and we appreciate the hospitality and genuine friendship.”
Barry Robertson congratulated the Riviera team “for putting on such a beautiful and professional show on Saturday night at the Glow Party. The presentation of your boats and your helpful staff were exceptional too.”
Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said the success of the Sydney International Boat Show was a credit to the entire Riviera team who put in an enormous effort in the months leading up to the show.
“There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure our boats and floating display are impressive and reflect Riviera’s commitment to creating the ultimate boating experience. I am very proud of our dedicated crew,” he said.
“And their hard work did not go unnoticed with our display winning the esteemed Boating Industry Association’s Overall Best Marina Display Award, a real credit to our team and I commend them on their efforts at the show.
“Riviera’s sales at the Sydney International Boat Show have increased on last year, which I believe is a reflection of our commitment to continuous improvement in both design and build. We have a very busy production schedule as we move into the last half of the year and with a host of major national and international boat shows including the Yachting Festival Cannes, Newport International Boat Show in Rhode Island, Barcelona International Boat Show, Auckland On Water Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the Gold Coast International Marine Expo, to name just a few, our forward production commitments stretch well into 2015.”
Preparations are already underway for these upcoming boat shows with new models, such as the 515 SUV and 6000 Sport Yacht both having their Americas premiere in the coming months.
Riviera offers 15 different models from 36 to 75 feet across three model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht and the new SUV collection.
In 2012 Riviera celebrated the launch of its 5000th boat, the 445 SUV, a significant achievement in the company’s rich 34-year history.
Riviera also offers the bespoke Belize Motoryachts. Inspired by classic luxury details and timeless style, Belize Motoryachts has recently released the new 54-foot Sedan and Daybridge models.