Riviera launches 40th celebrations with record-breaking raft-up

The flotilla of 106 Riviera models spanning 33 to 72 feet was assembled at New Zealand’s Awaawaroa Bay on the southern side of Waiheke Island.

Rafted up, the boats created a circle measuring 234 metres in diameter – the equivalent of 10 Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yachts stretched end-to-end.

The 106 boats eclipse the previous record of 48 boats set in Perth in 2017.

Dean Horgan, the managing director of New Zealand-based R Marine Flagship, said the chance to surpass an Australian raft-up record motivated New Zealand Riviera owners.

“... Our New Zealand owners have really wanted to take the title from our Australian friends,” Horgan said.

“People travelled from as far south as Gisborne and Whangaroain the north to take part.

“Fun for the whole family was the theme for the weekend, and it was a fantastic opportunity to reunite the New Zealand Riviera Family of motor yacht owners.

“Over the years, these motor yachts travel far and wide and it’s wonderful to have everyone together to share this incredibly unique experience.”

A team of 30 R Marine Flagship staffers was on hand to help the Riviera owners raft up. The template for the circle was made up of three Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yachts and a 63 Enclosed Flybridge dropping anchors at each of the four points of the compass.

Riviera said more than 600 enthusiasts were treated to a highly memorable day and evening on the water, with local stars performing on a purpose-built floating stage in the centre of the circle.

“Fun for the whole family was the theme for the weekend, and it was a fantastic opportunity to reunite the New Zealand Riviera Family of motor yacht owners,” Horgan said.

“Over the years, these motor yachts travel far and wide and it’s wonderful to have everyone together to share this incredibly unique experience.”

Of the 5600 Riviera motor yachts built over the last 40 years and delivered the world over, more than 600 call New Zealand their home port.

Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the record-breaking raft-up was a “bucket list moment” for the Gold Coast-based company.

“It’s been my dream to build a world-class company that builds world-class boats,” Longhurst said.

“But for it all to come together, we have to have world-class distribution and world-class customers who can come together and put on an impressive spectacle like this.”

The New Zealand raft-up marks the first in a series of galas planned globally by Riviera and its representatives to celebrate its milestone 40th anniversary in 2020.

Part of the celebration will include the launch of the Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht at the 2020 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on the Gold Coast in May.

Tickets for the May 21-24 show are already on sale online.