7 Riviera cruisers take on Bass Strait

Named after Thomas Wilson, a little-known English merchant and friend of explorer Matthew Flinders, Refuge Cove is a popular stopover for boats travelling along the Victorian coast or waiting for a weather window to cross Bass Strait to Tasmania.

The small bay at Wilsons Promontory lies 145 nautical miles
east of Port Phillip Bay and the city of Melbourne, where the destination necessities a voyage into Bass Strait between the Australian mainland and the island state of
Tasmania.

But for a flotilla of seven Rivieras, Refuge Cove provided a
memorable adventure with R Marine Jackson on a weekend voyage to remember.

Eager to explore the famous anchorage,  which is also the most southerly point of mainland Australia, the Riviera flotilla left various homeports in Port Phillip Bay to meet at Queenscliff Harbour near Port Phillip Bay's heads on a Friday night in early October, 2017.

Everyone enjoyed a dinner at the local hotel before returning to their motor yachts to prepare for an 8am start the next morning.

"Six owners had never taken their motor yachts outside the Bay before and were eager to explore the sights of the coast," said Ray Haddrell aboard his Riviera 565 SUV, Rayzaway V.

Haddrell has owned five Riviera boats and has voyaged along much of the Victorian coastline as well, as travelling north to the Riviera yard in Queensland on a number of occasions, we hear.

"The Refuge Cove Experience organised by Stuart [Jackon] and his team has given all the owners the confidence to voyage further afield," he said.

Phil Cozens, aboard his Riviera 3600 Sport Yacht, Cara Mia, said he felt comfortable travelling with the flotilla.

"The weekend has given me great confidence in our Sport Yacht. She handled the conditions perfectly," he said. "It was a great adventure."

After an uneventful five-hour voyage, the flotilla anchored at Refuge Cove. A leisurely afternoon was spent taking in the sights of the Cove — the spectacular scenery includes huge granite mountains, rainforest, sweeping beaches and coastlines.

The R Marine team set up a barbecue on the beach and the group enjoyed a hearty meal and great conversation, discussing the events of the day.

"It was great to spend time with like-minded motor yacht owners," said Phil Cozens. "We shared experiences and information. Stuart and his team were fantastic, imparting their knowledge of yachting and of the capabilities of our Rivieras."

"The trip of a lifetime," was how Tom and Marianne Sonsini aboard their Riviera 3000 Series II Offshore Pescara summed up the weekend.

Jake Reed said he learned why the other Riviera boats are all powered by diesel engines.

"We have large twin petrol engines powering my Riviera M430 Sports Cruiser. After the weekend, I decided to name her Thirsty.

"The weekend was a fantastic experience. I took a couple of friends on this voyage. Next time I want to bring my wife and young children along. They would have loved the beach."

Sunday was spent fishing, swimming and walking in the national park before the group came together in the evening aboard Ray Haddrell's Rayzaway V for drinks and food.

Despite the party, Monday morning was an early start for everyone.

"We roused the skippers at around five o'clock to depart at 6.30am and head back to our home ports," said Jackson. "We were rewarded by a calm sea all the way home."

R Marine Jacksons has a Riviera Raft up planned for Saturday November 25 at Mt. Martha/Martha Cove Harbour, plus plenty of other Riviera events for Melbourne boaters.

More at
R Marine Jacksons.