A refined occasion celebrating the style and stories of Riviera’s remarkable women on the water.
Each seminar and on-water workshop at the Festival of Boating offers a hands-on learning experience led by Riviera experts.
Each May, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show transforms Queensland’s Gold Coast into the vibrant heart of Australia’s marine lifestyle. But for Riviera owners, it’s more than a showcase of boating – it’s a homecoming. Held alongside Riviera’s spectacular showcase, the Festival of Boating is a four-day celebration of confident yacht ownership, community, and enjoyment. With over 30 seminars, hands-on workshops, and exclusive social gatherings, the festival reflects Riviera’s enduring commitment to not only building world-class motor yachts but also cultivating a world-class boating experience.
“No matter how many years you’ve been boating or how experienced you are, a one-hour Riviera training seminar always offers something new to learn.” – Riviera owner, Michael Moraza.
For Brian and Laura Walsh of Hope Island in Queensland, owners of the Riviera 445 SUV Sundance, the Festival has become a cherished annual tradition. “As owners, Riviera provided us with four days filled with learning and unforgettable experiences,” Brian shared. “The professionalism and support from the entire Riviera team – whether from reception, course presenters, sales staff, or even the apprentices – was truly outstanding.”
Enjoy our highlights video of the Festival of Boating educational workshops and seminars from 2025.
“The Ladies’ Skipper Program was incredibly helpful - it really boosted Laura’s confidence behind the helm.”
Brian Walsh, Riviera Owner
The Festival of Boating sessions deliver practical education that enhances knowledge and confidence in navigation, safety and line work to the Riviera Ladies’ Skipper Program, empowering women at the helm with practical, confidence-building training in a supportive environment.
Now in their fourth consecutive year attending, the Walshes eagerly immerse themselves in the festival’s educational sessions, covering everything from power management to weather forecasting and engine room checks. “The courses continue to build our boating confidence year after year,” Brian shared. Laura was inspired by the Ladies’ Skipper Program, describing it as “incredibly helpful” in boosting her confidence behind the helm, while also honing her skills in driving, anchoring, and rope handling. Both of them participated in the weather, CZone, power management, and engine room courses. “Every year, we’ve built on our knowledge of the Riviera systems, while also increasing our understanding of the external factors affecting our boating, such as the weather and tides,” Brian continued. “We now feel quite confident with our 445, albeit never over-confident!”
Riviera’s expert team delivered key insights into cutting-edge marine innovation – from advanced stabilisation and Garmin navigation to interior care and maintenance across the Riviera range.
“The safety seminar really opened my eyes to what I didn’t know.”
David O’Rourke, Riviera Owner
Their experience was further enriched by a memorable behind-the-scenes tour of the Riviera manufacturing facility. “We were amazed by the scale, quality, and attention to detail,” Brian said. “If you haven’t done this tour before, we highly recommend it.” He added, “We were impressed by the professionalism of the entire operation, which produces around 130 motor yachts a year – a phenomenal achievement when you consider the co-ordination required across all the trades involved.” What truly surprised them was learning that most of Riviera’s finishing trades, such as cabinetry and stainless-steel fittings, are crafted in-house rather than outsourced, as they had assumed. “As always, we left the show wanting a bigger and newer boat. Isn’t that just the way it goes? Bravo, Riviera.”
A Riviera guided factory tour reveals the craftsmanship, scale and production timing precision behind every motor yacht .
The spirit of discovery and shared passion resonated throughout the festival. Michael Moraza, a member of the Riviera family for over 15 years and owner of the 43 Open Flybridge Lanai from Pittwater, Sydney, found this year’s Festival of Boating just as rewarding as ever. “No matter how many years you’ve been boating or how experienced you are, a one-hour Riviera training seminar always offers something new to learn,” he shared.
“Boating reinvents itself every five years – you must keep up to date.” Michael attended several sessions, including an insightful Garmin seminar and workshops on preventative maintenance. He was particularly impressed with new product advancements, such as the fully automated Rainman watermaker system. But for Michael, it wasn’t just about learning – it was about the team culture. “I like that the apprentices and tradespeople acted as hosts on the yachts on display and also shared valuable insights – it’s a great customer experience for these proud apprentices to be involved, and it creates a sense of synergy meeting the tradespeople who actually build these boats.”
He praised the factory tour with notable visual enhancements and enjoyed how it offered an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and innovation that go into every Riviera yacht. The interactive Q&A sessions, he added, provided deeper insights and fostered meaningful conversations with the experts who bring these vessels to life. Reflecting on the entire experience, Michael summed it up with conviction: “The Riviera Festival of Boating at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show isn’t just another event – it’s the highlight of my year. The opportunity to connect with fellow owners, learn directly from the masters, and see firsthand the passion that drives Riviera. This is something I look forward to every time.”
“The Riviera Festival of Boating at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show isn’t just another event - it’s the highlight of my year!”
Michael Moraza, Riviera Owner
With over 30 on-water workshops and technical sessions, the festival reflects Riviera’s deep commitment to owner support. (Click the arrows on the left or right of the image to view the full picture gallery)
Riviera’s dedication to education, safety, and connection was felt by all who attended, including David O’Rourke, owner of a 4800 Sport Yacht, residing in Hope Island, just minutes from the Riviera manufacturing facility. “What Riviera offers in terms of training for owners is absolutely fantastic,” David said. “The weather and Garmin seminars were particularly eye-opening. You just don’t know what you don’t know.” Safety was a core focus, with sessions designed to build confidence and real-world preparedness. “The safety seminar really opened my eyes to what I didn’t know,” David admitted. “I feel confident now about what to do in an emergency. I like to think I wouldn’t just panic.”
Riviera’s unwavering commitment to education, safety, and community has once again proven why the Festival of Boating is more than just an event – it’s an experience that empowers, elevates, and connects. As owners like David, Michael, Brian and Laura leave the festival with newfound confidence and knowledge, it’s clear that Riviera is crafting not just exceptional yachts but helping to create the ultimate boating experience for its owners. The sense of excitement and anticipation as to what Riviera will create next, continues to be on everyone’s radar.
To pre-register for the Festival of Boating 2026 at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, please visit https://www.rivieraaustralia.com/the-riviera-festival-of-boating/
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