Riviera Experiences to Remember: Cruising Queensland

Over two fun-filled weeks, the R Marine Crawley Whitsundays Experience saw 10 Rivieras travel in convoy for the 630-nautical mile journey from the Gold Coast via Wide Bay Bar, Kingfisher Resort, Lady Musgrave Island, Lady Percy Island before arriving at Hamilton Island.

On the surface of it, that might seem like nothing new. But R Marine Crawley dealer principal Ben Crawley said this year’s Whitsundays Experience saw some participants undertaking the extended passage for the first time.

And unlike a lot of Whitsunday's visitors, these Riviera owners had the freedom to enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters, calm cruising conditions and secluded anchorages of the iconic Great Barrier Reef in the premium luxury of their own world-class motor yacht.

"Our aim is to help Riviera owners cruise north to enjoy the warmer weather with the security and comfort of knowing help is always at hand if they need it," said R Marine Crawley principal Ben Crawley.

"Along the way we visit all the popular places, and many more that are not so well known. But what really satisfies me is knowing that we are playing a role in helping people use their boats to their full potential and witnessing them creating memories – and friendships – that will last a lifetime.

"And it’s always great to have kids along for the trip – they had an absolute ball."

THE ADVENTUROUS OWNERS
John McDonald, who with wife Jill has owned a 51 Riviera Enclosed Flybridge for about five years, said the Whitsundays Experience was the farthest north he had cruised.

"We had previously been as far as Hervey Bay and this was all new to us – it was the first time we have gone with a group as well," said John, who said Devil’s Lair will remain at Abell Point Marina for four months before returning to Southport.

"It’s a real comfort knowing that there are experienced marine professionals right there if something happens.

"I’d recommend the Riviera Experience trips to everyone, you see sights you might not find yourself and Lady Musgrave Island was a real eye-opener.

"We’ll be using our Riviera a lot more now."

RIVIERA 47
Greg Rekers, who owns his Riviera 47 Open Flybridge Rastus with wife Vicki, said being able to enjoy blue-water cruising and inspiring experiences was definitely a highlight.

"You get to enjoy this with like-minded people who love boating and love the Riviera life – the ladies have formed a bit of a social set and are still catching up for coffees.

"The restaurants we visited along the way were all prepared for us as well – the Riviera name is very widely respected.

"I won’t forget seeing a marine mechanic leap from one yacht to another to render assistance 30-nautical miles out to sea with all the confidence in the world – that’s the degree of boating experience you have as back-up."

RIVIERA 51
Andy Smith, who has owned his third Riviera, the 51 Enclosed Flybridge Reel Dynamic, for four months, said he and wife Kristen enjoyed their first Experience journey immensely.

"I’ve been as far north as Bundaberg and I’ve never made the passage in my own yacht," said Andy.

"I’ve been boating all my life and quite often thought I knew everything … but I’d totally recommend to anyone to pick any Riviera Experience trip and just do it.

"You will learn a great deal, especially about your own boat.

"Ben, Nick, Jason and the team are just a wealth of knowledge and they are very happy to share that with you."

"That’s the funniest thing," Smith said. "I was hysterical watching our tender being towed around the bay by a four-metre tiger shark."

Ben Crawley thanked all those who took part in the 2016 Whitsundays Experience, adding that $7500 had been raised to support SANDS, a charity that works with families that have experienced the loss of little one.

"We now have our Riviera 47 The Boatman in the Whitsundays and we will be officially opening our new Whitsundays office at Abell Point Marina in the next few weeks," said Crawley.

"And then, of course, in December, will be the Homeward Bound Experience returning from the Whitsundays to the Gold Coast – that is always great fun too." More at R Marine Crawley.