Riviera finds boating bliss in the Great Sandy Straits

Now in its 10th year, this popular Great Sandy Straits Experience cruising event attracted an 18-strong fleet yachts for a week-long adventure exploring the southern anchorages of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in late September, 2016.

A proving ground for new and experienced boaters, the Great Sandy Straits Experience once again saw a mix of enthusiastic new Riv' owners cruise alongside seasoned skippers and the host R Marine Jones team.

Dealer principal Randall Jones and his team plotted a fun course that swung by Peel Island, Garry’s Anchorage on Fraser, Bundaberg and picturesque Lady Musgrave Island.

RIVIERA 4700 SPORT YACHT
Emma Weel, who had twice been a guest of Randall and Melinda Jones on previous Experience events, took delivery of her ‘dream boat’ just two weeks before this year’s Great Sandy Straits Experience.

With husband Paul and children Mila (4) and Abby (6), the happy family set off on their new Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht named Satisfaction for the cruise.

"We always knew that one day we would own a Riviera and as a family we had an absolute ball," said Emma.

"The kids loved snorkelling, jumping off the bow of the boat and that they had their own space in the portside cabin. They especially loved mingling with the other kids of the same age — they were always off socialising."

The cruise in company provided Emma her first opportunity to drive Satisfaction, which she enjoyed as much as learning how to prepare a fresh meal of crab.

"I’ve only ever eaten crab served on a plate so it was fun learning where to crack them, when to squeeze them to ensure you get the best bits of flesh," she said.

"I can’t wait to learn more about boating — channels and markers and tying up the ropes — it’s all new and it’s great fun!"

Emma's favourite aspect of the 4700 Sport Yacht is the layout, with the galley being ideally positioned to ensure the host is an integral part of the entertainment, inside and out.

"I can’t wait to go back to Lady Musgrave, and I know Paul would love to venture even further north to the Whitsundays.

"Now we’ve done this first trip, we have greater confidence to go even further afield."

ANOTHER SMITTEN 4700 OWNER
These comments were echoed by fellow Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht owner Ben, who took delivery of Seashaw just four weeks prior to the Experience trip.

"It was really comforting to do something as amazing as this as part of a group — there’s always strength in numbers — and the experienced team from R Marine Jones gave us great confidence," he said.

"This was definitely the farthest we have ever cruised — we had only really done bay cruising previously so Steve (McPherson) was onboard with us as we left Peel Island for the five-hour run to Wide Bay Bar, at the bottom of Fraser Island.

"I really can’t speak highly enough of Steve and, in fact, Randall and the entire R Marine Jones team. The level of service was terrific, everything was so well organised and they really made us feel like part of a family."

Ben said the adventure had also reaffirmed the family’s decision to purchase their 4700 Sport Yacht, which handled the longer distances with ease.

"She is a very capable yacht and travelled really well — no issues at all at the optimal cruising speed of 24-25 knots which is the speed I like to travel," he said.

"We also love the inside/outside feel of the Sport Yacht design and the way it flows freely from the back deck. It is very well thought-out, very practical.

"We love the way we can tuck the tender away in the garage and use the swim platform for fishing – she just ticks all the boxes for us.

"And then there’s the way we were able to bond together as a family … we have all definitely got the cruising bug now!"

Riviera and R Marine Jones regularly stage social, educational and cruising-in-company events for the enjoyment of Riviera owners, their friends and family. For further information, email info@rmarinejones.com.au or call +61 7 5502 9544. More about Riviera boats at