Australian luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has accomplished an inspiring display at the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show drawing Riviera owners from around Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Americas to share in four days of exuberant Riviera family celebrations in dazzling Queensland autumn weather.
With a record number of visitors this year, the Riviera showcase of exceptional, Australian-designed and built yachts included select models from 39 to 78 feet across the Sports Motor Yacht, SUV, Sport Yacht and Motor Yacht collections, and featured the world premiere of the 585 SUV and the announcement of the new 58 Sports Motor Yacht. The Riviera showcase was the Boat Show’s largest display and valued at more than $30 million.
Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst said: “The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show was a wonderful opportunity to exhibit 11-luxury yachts from our magnificent fleet while celebrating our global family of Riviera owners.
“We are humbled at the record number of visitors to our display and the excitement they expressed as they experienced Riviera today.
“Our 900-strong Riviera team, in partnership with our network of dealer representatives, have spent and enormous amount of effort creating this outstanding exhibition, and I’m immensely thankful for their passion and commitment,” said Rodney.
Stephen Milne, Riviera Brand & Communications Director, with Riviera owner Debbie who was guest speaker at the Women of Riviera Luncheon on Friday 26th May.
As part of Riviera’s Festival of Boating, over 300 Riviera owners attended a program of educational workshops including the ‘Ladies Skipper Program’ and ‘Offshore Seamanship’.
Running concurrently with the Boat Show, the exclusive Riviera owners Festival of Boating was exceptional with fully subscribed seminars and social events including educational workshops, the Women of Riviera Luncheon, the Galley Master’s Lunch with celebrity chef Sally Jenyns, and the stunning Grand Table Candlelight Dinners held over three consecutive nights along the entire length of the Riviera display.
Florida couple Joe and Heidi, who travelled to Australia specifically to attend Riviera’s showcase to view the new 585 SUV and undertake the personalisation stage for their new yacht selecting interior timber, décor and finishes, said Riviera is regarded among the best motor yacht builders in the world. “We love the Riviera brand. We have 40 years’ experience in boating and examined twenty to thirty different types of boats before we got here – Riviera just gave us the fit and finish inside the boat, the excellent engine room and the overall level of detail we were looking for,” said Joe.
Riviera Sport Yacht owners Peter and Denise travelled from Sydney to be a part of all the Riviera celebrations. “Your display was fantastic, and we just loved Saturday night. You made it so very special for all the Riviera family.”
While Ashley and Rachel, Australian expats based in Papua New Guinea, said Riviera is the catalyst for their most treasured family memories. “I don’t think there’s too much in the world that equals a Riviera. We’ll always be a Riviera family,” they said.
The star of the show, the 585 SUV, was met with great praise and admiration from Boat Show visitors and will enjoy her Americas premiere in the latter part of 2023 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, from 25th – 29th October. The newly announced 58 Sports Motor Yacht will have her premiere at the 2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Rodney Longhurst, Riviera Australia Owner, speaking to guests at the Grand Table Candlelight Dinner.
Stephen Milne, Riviera’s Brand & Communications Director, said it was a tremendous show for Riviera. “It has been wonderful to host Riviera’s Festival of Boating with our extensive boating education program for over 300 Riviera owners and of course, our exclusive signature events.
“Our Grand Table Candlelight Dinners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights – for 180 people each night – were elegant and wonderful evenings and a highlight of the showcase this year. The 2023 Boat Show certainly created a memorable opportunity to bring the Riviera family together,” Stephen said.
For more information visit: www.rivieraaustralia.com
