Belize on the march

Australian couple Richard and Annette Barnes took delivery of the very first Belize 54 Sedan in April 2012.

As seasoned seafarers with 10 long-distance voyages under their belts, the Runaway Bay couple ordered their new Belize 54 Sedan off the plan and worked closely with designers to ensure their dream boat met all of their cruising requirements.

Mr Barnes said the boat building process was an exciting journey.

"We had exacting criteria drawn from our cruising experiences, and the Belize was built to accommodate our boating idiosyncrasies, such is the bespoke nature of the build," he said.

"A key item for us is the ability to manoeuvre in close quarters and the Cummins Zeus Drive system with the joystick control work well. No more jumping onto marinas, just step off the boat as it approaches a pontoon."

The couple selected a stainless steel bench for the galley and a host of electronics and navigation aids including two 15in G Series Raymarine screens plus AIS, radar, a second depth sounder, a weather station showing wind speed and direction, thermal night vision camera, engine room and anchor cameras.

"Boating is a hobby for Annette and I and it acts as therapy -- it keeps us agile and ensures we are constantly using our faculties. Boating also provides us with a plethora of experiences," Mr Barnes said.

 "With all three children married and three grandchildren, and counting, we decided it was time for a larger vessel. A top priority for us was to have a vessel with speed and performance to enable us to run for shelter as the need arose, and we decided that 54 feet with a tender garage would be perfect."

Mr and Mrs Barnes tested out their new Belize 54 on her maiden voyage from the Gold Coast to Bait Reef in tropical North Queensland, a round trip of some 1400 nautical miles.

Mr Barnes said the Belize was a class act: "She is a very comfortable sea boat, dry, smooth and whilst our previous boats were fine, we find the Belize superb," he said.

"The east coast of Australia can get rough with the Pacific Ocean rolling in, particularly along the NSW Coast. We have found the Belize handles the seas with varying wind and swell directions comfortably"

Meanwhile, the first Belize 54 Sedan has now arrived in Florida in the United States where she will make her American debut.

Riviera’s International Sales Director, Chris McCafferty said the new Belize Motoryacht line had attracted a lot of interest from boating enthusiasts in the Americas.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have the first Belize here in the US and our dealers look forward to presenting this stunning vessel ahead of her Fort Lauderdale debut," Mr McCafferty said.

"The Belize 54 that has just arrived in the US is hull number eight which demonstrates the immediate acceptance of Belize and is a huge vote of confidence for the Belize Motoryacht brand.

"With less than four months until the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, our U.S. dealer network is busy preparing for America’s most esteemed boat show and we look forward to showcasing the new Belize 54 Sedan for the first time in the US."