Riviera owner, Rodney Longhurst describes the new Sports Express as “Highly versatile, a yacht designed for all of us who wish we could spend more time on the water and want to make the most of every opportunity.”
“After a worldwide search, the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht was the only yacht we found which could offer the sophistication and quality we required for a luxury cruising experience around our home island of Mauritius and in the Indian Ocean.”
With these words, Arnaud Dalais announced the launch of Le Mercoeur.
More than 100 VIP guests including Mauritius tourism officials and operators, as well as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius, Kate Chamley, applauded from the deck of Le Suffren Hotel as the magnificent navy blue-hulled Riviera came into view on the waterfront of Port Louis, the nation’s capital.
On arrival at Le Suffren Hotel, guests were offered a special range of spectacular hors d’oeuvres and champagne before being asked to turn and face to the sparking evening water and the anticipated arrival of something special.
The Riviera Sports Motor Yacht impressively glided into view, accompanied by a crescendo of music and a vivid light show that lit up the night sky above La Marina at Le Caudan Waterfront.
Enjoy this launch event video of the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht, Le Mercoeur.
Le Mercoeur performed a graceful 180-degree turn to dock in front of the guests, allowing the proud owner, Arnaud Dalais, the Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Donald Payen, and Riviera’s International Sales Director, Chris McCafferty, to board and welcome the invited guests.
M Dalais told the audience that the yacht’s name was derived from two elements. Mercoeur is the small village in France from which the first Dalais came to Mauritius in 1760.
“He left his hometown at the age of 17, leaving behind his parents and family – a real pioneering spirit,” he said.
“Mercoeur also includes Mer and Coeur – translated from French, meaning sea and heart. She is a yacht that will know how to go to sea in her heart! ‘The Heart of the Sea’ or ‘The Sea at Heart’.
“The logo on the side of Le Mercoeur is shaped like the island of Mauritius with waves extending from east to west. The east is the village of Trou d’Eau Douce, which is very dear to us, and Mauritius is our homeland that we love so much.”
Mr Dalais said that Le Mercoeur would be available for charter, complete with a highly skilled captain, crew and chef, to cruise in the waters around Mauritius.
He said Le Mercoeur included a range of special modifications designed for the unique challenges of Mauritius and outer island cruising destinations.
(Click the arrows on the left or right of the image to view the full picture gallery)
Dominique Dalais christened Le Mercoeur in traditional style.
(Left) Arnaud and Dominique Dalais, welcome to the Riviera family. (Middle) Chris McCafferty, Riviera’s International Sales director.
“After a worldwide search, the Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht was the only yacht we found which could offer the sophistication and quality we required.”
ARNAUD DALAIS
“The Riviera team worked closely with us on many modifications due to the operating conditions in Mauritius,” he said. “I don’t know many shipyards that would have gone so far to please us.”
He explained that Le Mercoeur was fitted with long range fuel tanks to allow for extended cruises without any opportunities to re-fuel.
“We replaced the flybridge sunroof with photovoltaic panels, giving the boat autonomy in terms of electrical energy when it is anchored,” he said.
“Redundancy was a top priority. We included twin identical generators, twin stabiliser systems – Humphree and Seakeeper – and twin pumps where feasible. She has twin water-makers, additional bilge pumps and extra battery chargers to enhance autonomy.
“For convenience and practicality during long offshore adventures, we added features such as a trash compactor.
“In Mauritius we have minimal technical support, a single basic marina located 70 nautical miles from where the boat is based, and no shore power or facilities.
“Riviera truly outdid themselves by creating a motor yacht that combines reliability, autonomy, and heavy-duty performance with the luxurious finish expected of their yachts. Their attention to detail, backup systems, and redundancies exceeded all my expectations.”
Chris McCafferty thanked M Dalais for his support for Riviera and his entrepreneurship in offering Le Mercoeur to discerning luxury boating enthusiasts.
The turquoise waters Mauritius is renowned for. Le Mercoeur is fitted with long range fuel tanks to allow for extended passagemaking.
“I would like to say a big thank you to my wife Dominique. Thank you for always allowing me to realise my wildest dreams . . . of which Le Mercoeur is the best example.”
ARNAUD DALAIS
The guests were then invited in groups of five to board Le Mercoeur and inspect the high level of quality and luxury on display throughout the yacht. They appreciated the vast cockpit, covered alfresco deck and fabulous foredeck entertainment area as well as the ultra-luxurious interior including the fully enclosed flybridge with internal stairs, a comprehensively equipped galley, luxurious living and dining spaces and four magnificent staterooms including a full-beam master amidships.
As the festivities ended, Le Mercoeur was christened with the traditional bottle of champagne, this time broken over the anchor windlass on the foredeck by Arnaud’s wife Dominique Dalais.
Arnaud Dalais concluded: “I have no doubt that Le Mercoeur will contribute in a great manner to our national economy by attracting special holiday-seekers to our little paradise.
“I would like to say a big thank you to my wife Dominique. Thank you for always allowing me to realise my wildest dreams . . . of which Le Mercoeur is the best example.”
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