Moreton weekend for Riv owners

Like the fabled Pied Piper, the Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge Riv1 led the R Marine Jones fleet of 15 motor yachts as it snaked its way past Calypso Bay, Horizon Shores and Brisbane en-route to a safe anchorage in Moreton Bay.

Admirably, and undeterred by her husband Peter’s prior commitments, Melissa Woods and her daughter Lilly set off down the Coomera River in their Riviera M400 Sports Cruiser to make the most of a guided and supported trip into magnificent Moreton Bay, with Peter joining them the next day by personal water craft.

"I knew I could do it, and the support provided by R Marine Jones allowed me to feel secure," said Melissa. "Now having completed the trip, I would encourage more women to take up the challenge and build their confidence and skill in a safe and supported environment of an R Marine Jones Experience.”

The decision to head to ‘Club Mud’, an uninhabited mangrove island in the centre of Moreton Bay, was rewarded with a secure anchorage and excellent protection from prevailing winds.

With the anchors settled in and the wind abated, the extended Riviera family of over 42 adults and 12 kids congregated on the back of three rafted-up Rivieras.

A smooth transition from anchor to catch-up was provided by the R Marine Jones tender valet, bringing any fleet members to the impromptu social headquarters where dealer principal Randall Jones and his wife Melinda provided wine and beautiful food prepared by the Riviera Motor Yacht Club Restaurant & Bar located at the Riviera factory.

"As everyone returned to their boats at sunset, on cue the moon rose from the east, brightly illuminating the 15-strong fleet of Riviera’s gently dancing around their anchors," said Randall.

For those who love a little adventure, a small flotilla of tenders headed off to explore the relatively flat Mud Island where tidal flow and a network of mangroves have created creek-like tributaries to the surrounding Moreton Bay.

"Later that morning, the wind changed direction and opened up the anchorage further down Moreton Bay on the south side of Peel Island.

"Historically significant to mariners, Peel Island was the first port of call for vessels arriving in Queensland. Previous quarantine and isolation functions have left this island undeveloped and allowed a return to natural beauty with only a few reminders of its functional past."

The crystal-clear waters and the sweeping beach of Horseshoe Bay provided the idyllic backdrop for the fleet of Rivieras to drop their picks. Mid afternoon was spent stretching the legs, followed by refreshing sundowners and snacks.

"The next morning, as the light of the rising sun cast its golden rays across the Riviera line-up, unhurried late breakfasts were complemented by the deep blue skies of the perfect winter’s morning.

"Some members of the fleet chose to explore a nearby wreck while others dropped a line over the side for some casual fishing."

As the sun passed over the yard arm, the flotilla pointed their bows towards home.

Randall reports that all Rivieras performed very well and the trip has inspired bookings for the next R Marine Jones trip: The Great Sandy Strait Experience from 24-27 September 2015.

"Already 21 boats have booked for a trip where we will explore Lady Musgrave Island and the surrounding islands on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef," he said.