Riviera 78, the biggest, most expensive Riviera yet, revealed

Described as the boat that will usher in a new era for the brand, the new model was revealed last night at the global launch of the Riviera 645 SUV at the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

More than 17 months in development and a closely guarded secret known to few people outside of the Gold Coast luxury motor yacht maker, the new flybridge model will cost around $5.5 million in standard trim.

On release, the boat will have a high level of standard equipment including carbon-fibre stabiliser fins – the Riviera 78 will be a true long-range bluewater cruiser.

Hull No.1 will be specified for the US market and will include two 27kW gensets. The model teased last night features an enclosed flybridge, but Riviera will also offer an "open fly" version for owners who prefer the open air.

Styled by Italian superyacht designer Luca Vallebona, it features a single hull window, four staterooms, a highly user-friendly cockpit, a bow lounge, and a large flybridge that can bring the outdoors inside via large drop-down windows, a sunroof, and a glass bulkhead that folds away.

The Riviera 78 uses an extended version of the hull that sits under the smaller Riviera 68 and 72 models.

Just like other Rivieras, this will be a sports yacht that will happily stretch its legs. The standard MAN 1550s that will power it will be good for extracting between 1000 to 1500 nautical miles out of the 10,500-litre onboard fuel capacity, yet will still hit a top speed of around 28 knots when asked.

An upgrade to V12 MAN 2000s also will be available, with the Riviera 78’s top speed estimated at around 34 knots. Cruising speed for this configuration is expected to be around 26 knots.

Riviera said options for the main saloon will include dining and lounge spaces or simply acting as the grand lounge with dining focused on the aft deck which can be semi-enclosed, covered entirely by the bridge deck overhang and protected by optional clears. 

“The large U-shape galley, with twin ovens, four-burner hob, comprehensive refrigeration and storage capabilities, has been positioned as a centrepiece of the entertaining spaces,” it said.

“An internal timber staircase leads from the port side of the main saloon to the bridge deck which also offers lounge, entertaining and dining spaces. A bar is built into the aft deck and a day head is optional.

It said the highly versatile foredeck offered a number of entertaining layouts and a Euro sun awning with the option to carry a tender or jetski and davit.

“An elegant curved timber staircase from the forward end of the main saloon leads to the accommodation deck with its four staterooms and three bathrooms. 

“The full-beam master suite amidships is bathed with natural light from extended hull windows. It provides an electrically adjustable king-size bed and extended his-and-hers en-suite bathroom. 

“The VIP guest stateroom fitted with a queen double bed and also benefiting from hull windows is forward, with an en-suite bathroom. 

“The port stateroom offers the option of a double bed or twin beds that can slide together. The starboard stateroom includes two single cross-over berths. 

“A third bathroom is shared and can act as a day head.”

The ability to upsize comes as Riviera further expands its Gold Coast manufacturing plant to add a 110-metre-long laminating shed and increase its workforce by another 34 apprentices.

The 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show starts today.