New Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht in build

It's full steam ahead at Riviera as the busy motor-yacht manufacturer races to meet its 100 boat-a-year order book, while advancing the exciting new 68 and 72 Sports Motor Yachts now more than half way through their build, and covertly working on two "secret boats" that will also be launched at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show from August 3-7.

The aftermarket part of the business is also flat strap no thanks to Cyclone Debbie whacking the Whitsundays' marinas — damaged boats will be repaired and launched like new again — while other staff are knee-deep in logistics ahead of international dealer meetings from Europe to North America, as boat show deadlines from Sydney to Cannes and Fort Lauderdale loom.

All this bodes well for the boat-building business bought by Rodney Longhurst on March 8, 2012, after it fell into receivership. From about 60 boats a year back then, Longhurst (52) has hit 100 boats. But they are mightier, more hedonistic and technologically advanced than ever before. More than half are exported by what has become an internationally acclaimed and coveted luxury brand in strong demand.

NEW 68 AND 72 SPORTS MOTOR YACHTS
The launch of the all-new Riviera 68 and 72 Sports Motor Yacht will mark a new era for the Gold Coast boatbuilder. Ten of the $5m loaded boats have been presold ahead of the first 68’s planned debut at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show on August 3, 2017.

With a Frank Mulder hull and V12 MAN 1550hp-1800hp engines, coupled with V-drives and a Seatorque oil-filled shaft system that reduces engine vibration, these are big, powerful, highly engineered motor yachts that take Riviera to a new realm.

These all-new Sports Motor Yachts are now well advanced, with four in build at the time of our visit. The flybridge has been fitted to the first 68, which recently hit the water to confirm stability and balance levels in accord with the computer projections, and now the fit-out is in full swing.

"It’s a very handsome boat. Everything is huge and when you get on board, well, you’ll notice it’s a real ship," says Stephen Milne, Director of Brand & Communications at Riviera, as we stand dwarfed by the bow.

BUILT TO CE CATEGORY A
The 68 and 72 are the first boats built by Riviera to CE Category A*, which demands certain things from hull lay-up to engineering and safety. That’s because these are intended as true long-range motor yachts, destined for the hands of experienced boaters, rather than just the Sunday champagne set.

"We have owners who have crossed oceans, circumnavigated Tasmania, and undertaken huge passages to places like Fiji. Existing Riviera owners are now coming to us with their wish-lists for these new personalised boats," Milne says.

The 10 sales of the 68 and 72 stretch from Queensland to New Zealand, Spain to the US. The difference between the two luxury models is essentially a stretched cockpit.

The first Riviera 68 — swarming with boat builders, sparkies, and engineers and photographed above during our visit — is headed to a North Queensland owner seeking the ultimate long-range explorer.

The boat has beautiful high-gloss walnut joinery, a unique TV arrangement, Lithium house batteries, beds to sleep 11 people, and is now on track to undergo its first internal sea trials in June. The 1550hp MAN engines with V-drives and Seatorque shafts are expected to give 30-32 knots.

$5M LOADED BOATS
Flip though the diagrammatic books, look at the engines and engineering, and considering the in-depth R&D program, which includes a life-sized walk-through model of the interior, and you can see where the $5m goes.

Needless to say, a lot is riding on the new class of Riviera. In this league and calibre, luxury boats attract intense public, industry and expert scrutiny at international level. A lot is riding on the new Sports Motor Yachts, not least Riv's enviable reputation.

The 68 Sports Motor Yacht #1 will be launched at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show from August 3-7, along with news of two secret boats currently underway in another shed.

With the new Belize 66 in build overseas, and the strongest forward order book in five years, Riviera riding the crest of a wave.

"There’s a buzz everywhere and now we’re developing two brand new boats that we’ll announce at Sydney boat show," Milne says.

"The 68 and 72 are the most sophisticated boats Riviera has ever built. They’ve gone to another level."