The 580-strong team at Riviera is celebrating a momentous 2017 after the world premiere of the 68 and 72 Sports Motor Yacht, a successful showing in European markets, and continuing export success in the U.S.
Meantime, the new Belize 66 advanced in the Taiwan facility, and the first under-40-foot boat in nearly a decade - the 395 SUV — prepares to launch in 2018.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the launch of the Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht (our full boat test) and 72 in the Sports Motor Yacht collection was a highlight, drawing the admiration of discerning owners and motor yachting enthusiasts as well as with glowing reviews by the worldwide boating media.
"You should all be proud of this extraordinary achievement," he said. "The quality demonstrated in the new Sports Motor Yacht collection is reflected in the work that every individual does here every day.
"You can also be proud of the continued growth in the worldwide Riviera family of luxury motoryacht owners.
"More than half of all our production in the past year has been exported and we are delighted that almost 100 motor yachting aficionados around the world have joined the Riviera family this year."
"This is a magnificent achievement and a great reflection on our entire team and on the dedicated worldwide dealer network we have developed," Mr Longhurst said.
The 50th Sydney International Boat Show was the venue for the premiere of the new 68 Sports Motor Yacht with a red-carpet celebration of the Riviera lifestyle for more than 400 guests.
In September, the 68 Sports Motor Yacht made her European premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival, alongside the 4800 Sport Yacht. The Sports Motor Yacht went on to star at the Genoa Boat Show in Italy and then at the Barcelona Boat Show in Spain.
In March, Riviera staged the largest-ever Festival of Boating at the company's headquarters on Queensland's Gold Coast. The event saw a record number of educational workshops and tutorials held during the three-day event.
TWO KEY NEW RIVIERA MODELS
The company announced development of the magnificent new Belize 66 motor yacht during the Festival of Boating in March, which is scheduled for its launch in 2018.
In July, Riviera announced the development of its first under-forty-foot motor yacht in nearly a decade - the 395 SUV on time for a mid-2018 release.
MASTERS AND APPRENTICES
Meantime, the year began with a strong increase in the company's apprentice intake, up to 74, reflecting an ongoing commitment to training, creating a new generation of master craftspeople.
Riviera owners around Australia came together in the lead-up to Christmas to stage a series of spectacular celebration mega raft-ups and share the real joy of being a part of the Riviera family.
On Queensland’s Gold Coast, R Marine Jones hosted 26 Rivieras to create a spectacular horseshoe raft-up.
Martha Cove on Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay was the site for another mega raft-up of 24 Riviera motor yachts to welcome Riviera’s magnificent new 72 Sports Motor Yacht to her new home hosted by R Marine Jacksons.
In WA, Riviera and Belize owners gathered in enthusiastic numbers to set a new Riviera world record on Perth’s Swan River with a very impressive 48 Riviera and Belize motor yachts all safely rafted up.
RIVIERA IN 2018
The 2018 Festival of Boating will be held from May 24 to 27 in parallel with an inspiring Riviera display at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
“We are proud to return to Sanctuary Cove next year and May 2018 will certainly provide great stimulus for motor yacht devotees to visit the Gold Coast,” said Mr Longhurst.
"The Festival of Boating provides Riviera and Belize owners with a wide choice of theoretical and hands-on boating education workshops as well as a signature social event on the Saturday evening.
"Everyone at Riviera is looking forward with great anticipation to an exciting and rewarding 2018, with the Premieres of our flagship Belize 66 and our sporty and adventurous new Riviera 395 SUV."
All the Riviera News on our sites.