Record Riviera raft-up

While Easter is all but a fading memory for most of us, the Riviera owners who rafted-up in record numbers on the Eyre Peninsula, SA, for their  cruising 'eggs-perience' have memories to last them a lifetime.

The impressive line-up of 24 Rivieras shown here – worth some $25 million we're told – was apparently the largest number ever seen in a raft-up at one of brand's popular Experience cruise-in-company events.

Riviera says the rollicking raft-up was a highlight for a truly memorable long-weekend cruise attended by more than 130 Riviera boat owners and their crews.

Hosted annually by R Marine South Australia, the Port Lincoln Easter Experience is part of the marque’s global calendar of fun cruising events for the growing Riviera family.

"We actually had a total of 35 yachts take part in a number of organised activities throughout the weekend," said R Marine South Australia dealer principal, Paul Harrop.

"For our team, it’s incredibly satisfying to see our clients enjoying themselves and using their yachts to their full potential," he said.

Among the Riv owners, Ray Baddeley, who with his wife Anne owns the Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge Reel Action, said the Port Lincoln locals were quite impressed with such a large line-up luxury Rivieras.

"The whole town was buzzing," he said. "They were saying: ‘look at all those Rivieras.' It really was a great sight and it was great to catch up with people you only get to see once every 12 months."

While the temptation to fish saw some crews head out to chase the prized Southern Bluefin Tuna, others undertook a casual cruise in convoy to Reevesby Island.

The 25-metre trawler Challenge was filled with provisions and then dropped a 400-kilogram anchor for the fleet to rope off and begin to raft up.

Whilst enjoying lunch, guests successfully fished for whiting and enjoyed a spot of kayaking, while a drone was launched to capture the historic occasion.

Meantime, Riviera has announced its most comprehensive educational program ever for the 2016 Riviera Festival of Boating from May 19-22, with some 110 workshops created to help luxury motor yacht owners, and aspiring owners, to develop confidence and skill on the water.

At the 2016 Festival, Riviera will showcase 12 of its latest luxury motor yachts including the world premiere of the 575 SUV, the Australian premiere of the 5400 Sport Yacht, and the Queensland premiere of the 57 Enclosed Flybridge.

Riviera’s 2016 Festival of Boating coincides with the 2016 Gold Coast International Marine Expo and both will be staged right in the heart of Australia’s Boating Industry Capital: the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera, Queensland, from May 19-22.

Registration for the Festival’s educational workshops and social events is essential and places are limited. See festivalofboating.com.