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eturning to your berth or arriving at a new marina should be the rewarding conclusion to a perfect day or longer on the water. Yet docking—particularly in tight berths, strong crosswinds or currents, or in busy marinas—can be a demanding aspect of boating. Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking system, available as an option on new Riviera motor yachts, transforms this experience into one that is calm, precise and confidently controlled. Everything you want your boating to be.
At its heart, Assisted Docking is a shared experience. It combines the captain’s intentions with advanced marine technology to make close-quarters manoeuvring smoother and far less stressful, without taking control away from the person at the helm.
Tap the joystick fore or aft (or any desired direction) and the screen will indicate the command and direction on the compass diagram.
Tap the joystick to port or starboard (or any desired direction) and the screen will indicate the command and direction on the compass diagram.
Release the joystick and that immediately becomes the new GPS location, and the yacht will hold station.
“For each movement of the joystick, the yacht will move one metre in the direction desired and will then automatically station hold”.
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
Assisted Docking builds on Volvo Penta’s proven joystick control, integrating it with the company’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system and GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System (DPS). Together, these systems continuously monitor the yacht’s position and heading, reading data many times per second.
When the system is activated, the captain simply uses the joystick to indicate the desired direction and speed. Push the joystick forward, and the yacht moves in a straight line. Slide it sideways, and the yacht translates laterally. Rotate the joystick, and the yacht turns precisely around its own axis. For each movement of the joystick, the yacht will move one metre in the direction desired and will then automatically station hold. While the operator controls the movement, the system automatically compensates for external forces such as wind and current, keeping the yacht on its intended path.
If the joystick is released, Assisted Docking can hold the yacht in position—ideal when waiting for a berth to clear or preparing lines and fenders. A dedicated “Side Push” function allows the yacht to be gently held against the dock, making line handling safer and easier for crew and guests alike.
Assisted Docking allows for the prepatation and easy deployment of lines fenders.
Once lines and fenders deployed, the push function allows you to simply move sideways to the dock.
WHY ASSISTED DOCKING ENHANCES YOUR BOATING EXPERIENCE
Crucially, Assisted Docking does not attempt to automate docking entirely. Instead, it enhances the captain’s control by removing the need to constantly counteract environmental forces. The result is a docking process that feels intuitive, deliberate, and unhurried—even in challenging conditions.
For Riviera owners, this makes boating so much easier and more pleasurable. Whether entering a bustling marina whilst cruising or returning to your blustery home berth, Assisted Docking allows owners to focus less on stress and more on enjoyment, crew communication, and situational awareness. This is true luxury boating.
In tight berths, strong crosswinds or currents, or in busy marinas, Assisted Docking makes close-quarters manoeuvring smoother and stress free.
CONFIDENCE FOR OWNERS AND NEW BOATERS
Assisted Docking benefits both experienced skippers and those newer to larger yachts. Seasoned captains appreciate the precision and reduced fatigue, while newer owners gain confidence more quickly, knowing the yacht is actively helping maintain control during low-speed manoeuvring.
With Assisted Docking, Riviera owners discover that docking no longer defines the most challenging moment of the journey—but instead becomes one of the most satisfying.
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