he entire 580-strong team at Riviera, Australia’s most awarded luxury motor yacht builder, celebrated a momentous 2017 with a Christmas party today at the company’s Gold Coast headquarters.
Riviera Chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst thanked the team, saying the standout achievement of the year was the resoundingly successful launch and World Premiere of the Sports Motor Yacht collection, both the 68 and 72 models.
He said the launch was greeted with admiration by discerning owners and motor yachting enthusiasts as well as with glowing reviews by the worldwide boating media.
“You should all be proud of this extraordinary achievement,” said Mr Longhurst. “The quality demonstrated in the new Sports Motor Yacht collection is reflected in the work that every individual does here every day.
“You can also be proud of the continued growth in the worldwide Riviera Family of luxury motor yacht owners.
“More than half of all our production in the past year has been exported and we are delighted that almost 100 motor yachting aficionados around the world have joined the Riviera family this year.
“This is a magnificent achievement and a great reflection on our entire team and on the dedicated worldwide dealer network we have developed.”
Mr Longhurst said that Riviera will enhance first-class owner care through its active program of boating education, cruising in company and social events worldwide in 2018.
“In partnership with our dealers we look forward to creating many more memorable cruising experiences for the Riviera Family throughout 2018,” he said.
2017 – A year of highlights
Riviera Sports Motor Yacht World Premiere – The Sydney International Boat Show was the venue for the World Premiere of the 68 Sports Motor Yacht and for a red-carpet celebration of the Riviera lifestyle for more than 400 guests.
In September the 68 Sports Motor Yacht travelled to make her European Premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival alongside the 4800 Sport Yacht. The Sports Motor Yacht went on to star at the Genoa Boat Show in Italy and then at the Barcelona Boat Show in Spain.
Festival of Boating – In March, Riviera staged the largest-ever Festival of Boating at the company’s headquarters on Queensland’s Gold Coast. The event included the Queensland Premiere of the 4800 Sport Yacht and saw a record number of educational workshops and tutorials eagerly embraced by visitors over the three-day event.
International boat shows – Northern hemisphere boat show season began for Riviera with a stunning eight-model display at the Miami International Boat Show, including the show Premieres of the 4800 Sport Yacht and 575 SUV.
In Dubai, Riviera Premiered its 6000 Sport Yacht to the middle east.
Riviera continued to showcase its world-class motor yachts in boat show displays across the United States, in Europe, Asia and South Africa as well as throughout Australia and New Zealand. Visitors to some 26 shows worldwide were given the opportunity to step aboard and experience the exclusive luxury that is Riviera.
The show year culminated for Riviera with a jubilant eight-model display at the world’s largest boat show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
New model development – The company announced development of the magnificent new Belize 66 motor yacht during the Festival of Boating in March and work began immediately with a schedule for its World Premiere in 2018.
At the Sydney International Boat Show, Riviera announced the development of its first under-forty-foot motor yacht in nearly a decade – the 395 SUV model scheduled for her World Premiere in 2018.
International awards – Recognition of the elite calibre of Australia’s Riviera continued in 2017 with the Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht receiving the “Best Sportcruiser (above 45 feet)” at the prestigious Asia Boating Awards.
Commitment to training and human development – The year began with a strong increase in the company’s apprentice intake, up to 74, reflecting an ongoing commitment to training, creating a new generation of master craftspeople. Riviera continues to lead marine industry training and enhance the lives of talented boat builders, marine electricians and carpenters, upholsterers and designers.
Riviera owners around Australia came together in the lead-up to Christmas to stage a series of spectacular celebration mega raft-ups and share the real joy of being a part of the Riviera family.
On Queensland’s Gold Coast the team at R Marine Jones hosted 26 Rivieras to create a spectacular horseshoe raft-up. Whilst Martha Cove on Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay was the site for another mega raft-up of 24 Riviera motor yachts to welcome Riviera’s magnificent new 72 Sports Motor Yacht to her new home hosted by R Marine Jacksons.
In Western Australia, Riviera and Belize owners gathered in enthusiastic numbers to set a new Riviera world record on Perth’s Swan River with a very impressive 48 Riviera and Belize motor yachts all safely rafted up.
Looking forward to 2018
Festival of Boating – The company has also announced that the 2018 Festival of Boating will be held from May 24 to 27 in parallel with an inspiring display at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
“We are proud to return to Sanctuary Cove next year and May 2018 will certainly provide great stimulus for motor yacht devotees to visit the Gold Coast,” said Mr Longhurst.
“The Festival of Boating provides Riviera and Belize owners with a wide choice of theoretical and hands–on boating education workshops as well as a signature social event on the Saturday evening.
“Everyone at Riviera is looking forward with great anticipation to an exciting and rewarding 2018, with the Premieres of our flagship Belize 66 and our sporty and adventurous new Riviera 395 SUV.”