Many Riviera ladies are essential crewmates working alongside their partners in handling their luxury motor yachts, and like all wise seafaring women they know there’s always something new to learn. Which is why the Ladies Day hosted by R Marine Perth books out so fast every year. Twenty ladies joined the annual event this year for a day of skill revision, learning and fun on (and off!) the water.
Kirsty Verbrugge and Michelle Hollings are experienced mariners, and like all wise seafaring women they know there’s always something new to learn. Which is why they were the first of 20 women to sign up for the Ladies Day in May, an annual booked-out event hosted by R Marine Perth. The experience offers women a chance to learn and practise fundamental boat handling skills; reinforcing safety considerations and keeping them abreast of the latest Riviera marine technology.
Many Riviera ladies are essential crewmates, says Kirsty. “I believe it’s critical for the crew to be educated to a point where they can foresee what needs to be done next. Often it’s partners working together for it to be a successful and enjoyable adventure, so there needs to be good preparation and understanding of how to go about things. We are not here just to serve champagne and seafood. We need to know how to start, drive and manage the boat.”
“We are not here just to serve champagne and seafood. We need to know how to start, drive and manage the boat.” Kristy Verbrugge
Kirsty has plenty of experience on the water with their Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge, Legend III, including an extraordinary relocation voyage from Sandringham in Melbourne to Port Geographe in south Western Australia, earlier this year.
“Most of the time the partners are at the helm, so everyone enjoyed the boat handling part of the day using the IPS system, brushing up with our knot tying and reviewing navigation and channel markers. There are always new learnings, little pearls of wisdom to take in.
“The ladies also had a laugh when I told them about the number of times we’ve been out fishing and for the last hour I’ve heard, ‘Just one more drop’…on those occasions it’s handy to know how to start the engines and get ready to head home! Something could happen to the skipper and you need to know what to do, or sometimes you just need to put your foot down,” laughs Kirsty.
“The Riviera family is a very special thing,” she continues. “It’s like a sisterhood. We’re all in the same boat – pun intended – no one’s competing and we’re just there to support each other for the same shared interests, learnings and common experiences. It was a really lovely day.”
“We can ask questions without fear of judgement or frustration. It’s fantastic actually.” Michelle Hollings
Michelle and her husband Peter have owned Riviera motor yachts for a decade and currently own a luxury 4800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, Runaway. “We started the day early with training on the correct use of lifejackets and flares. Most of us hadn’t set off a flare before and it’s good to know what to expect. Then we hopped on the 505 SUV [Berry Sweet] and headed out to Carnac Island,” says Michelle.
A few miles south-west of Fremantle, the sheltered and sandy bottom off Carnac is perfect for practising anchoring. “It was a great refresher about what to consider when dropping the anchor, the length of line to use, and how to use the snubber. We also reviewed the different knots and had time to practise three different knots used for tying up fenders.”
Then each of the crew took turns to drive, where everyone had a chance to bring the Riviera up to a jetty in the Fremantle Harbour. “It helps to make us feel comfortable with our skills. We can ask questions without fear of judgement or frustration. It’s fantastic actually. You also get a chance to meet other ladies that enjoy similar hobbies with similar boats. It’s a good way for those new to Riviera to meet people, get advice and be shown the ropes, so to speak,” says Michelle.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Riviera experience without a splash of luxury. The ladies were welcomed back to a harbourside luncheon and champagne at Cha Cha Restaurant, with entertainment from violinist Cheralyn.
“Ryan and all of the team from R Marine Perth are the most amazing people; they’re so passionate about the Riviera brand. You can tell that they all just love it; it’s not just work for them, it’s a pleasure,” says Kirsty.
