The vast arena of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre at Broadbeach was bathed in azure blue with walls draped in velvet, while five enormous crystal chandeliers, indicated that a very special occasion was about to commence. Blue light filled the room with a gentle ambience as more than 550 enthusiastic Riviera owners entered to take their seats for an historic Riviera Gala evening.
The evening had begun with pre-dinner drinks in the foyer, offering guests an opportunity to mingle, catch up with old friends and meet new friends.
Then the doors of the arena opened, and the celebration began.
Queenslanders Clinten and Marie Darby reflected the opinion of many of the guests.
“The doors opened, we looked into the arena and WOW! It was spectacular,” they said.
Entitled ‘Celebrating the Evolution of Australia’s Riviera’, the evening honoured 42 years of history told through a series of documentary presentations reflecting across the decades. Each decade was introduced by legendary Australian musician Glenn Shorrock performing some of Little River Band’s best-known hits.
“Glenn Shorrock is an absolute legend,” said Christine Purcell from Sydney. “The entire event felt a bit like Hollywood.”
The evening began with an introduction by Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst.
“Boating and the water have always been a big part of my own history,” he said. “Our family was always on the water and my connection with it started before I was born.”
“To the very special Riviera family I say a huge thank-you. We couldn’t do this without you. You inspire us to be different and you inspire us to be better.”
West Australians David and Ann Upstone had been delayed in their arrival and walked into the arena to hear Rodney talking.
“His story was incredibly interesting,” said David. “We have seen first-hand the impact he has had. Even in the past two years, the build quality at Riviera has improved. We have a new 4600 Sport Yacht on order and saw it for the first time at the boat show. She is amazing.”
“We come from the UK and know the British brands well. Riviera now stands as a world-class builder equal to, or better than, any international brand.”
Boating and the water have always been a big part of my own history.
Rodney Longhurst
The first presentation of the evening was suitably introduced by the Little River Band’s hit Reminiscing and took guests through Riviera’s first decade, beginning with the first-ever Riviera, the 38 Open Flybridge. The documentary also included an interview with CEO Wes Moxey who joined the company as a newly graduated boatbuilder.
Clinten and Marie Darby were fascinated by the history of the business.
“We are relative newcomers to the Riviera family having bought our 5000 Sport Yacht just two years ago,” said Clinten. “The richness of the business over more than 40 years was very interesting.”
Between each of the four documentaries, guests were served a course of the evening meal, accompanied by fine wines and music by local band The Accidents.
Gold Coast residents Mark and Sue Lawry recently sold their Riviera 445 SUV and have a 545 SUV on order.
Sue said: “Catering so well for so many guests was a great feat.”
Christine Purcell and husband Richard agreed.
They have owned Rivieras for the past 14 years and took delivery of their 6000 Sport Yacht a year ago. Their yacht was part of the Riviera showcase at the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Australian music legend Glen Shorrock and ‘The Little Riviera Band’ performed hit after hit as Riviera celebrated 42 years of evolution.
“The full three-course meal was wonderful,” said Christine. “Not only was the food delicious but it was extraordinary that the caterers were able to provide for so many of us in such a timely way.”
Richard commented: “We learned a lot about CEO Wes Moxey through the presentation. We enjoyed the interview segments with him. Riviera has really stepped up since 2008 when we took delivery of our 4700 Sport Yacht.”
Sue Lawry felt that the continuity of Wes Moxey through the decades and his stories through the presentations of the development of the business since he joined in 1982 provided a real sense of stability.
The second documentary, Riviera Through the 1990s, was introduced by Glenn Shorrock with his song: It’s a Long Way There. The presentation showed a decade of growth and challenges.
Alec and Glenda Parker have owned Riviera yachts since 1998.
“The venue was magnificent, and the music was great – as it always is with Riviera,” said Glenda.
Alec said: “We know much of the history of Riviera, but it was great to see it presented in such a visual and succinct way. However, no matter how long your Riviera journey is, there is always some new knowledge or interesting information to acquire.”
The presentation that took guests from the Millennium Riviera 40 Open Flybridge to the start of a new Longhurst era in 2012 began with Glenn Shorrock singing: “With every day of my life, I can surely see now where I am going.”
There was standing room only for the Riviera Gala revellers who enjoyed an evening of great music and fine food.
Victorian Riviera owners Phil and Victoria Ridgeway particularly enjoy catching up with Riviera friends at the Gala evenings.
“We have attended three or four Galas and each one is a wonderful experience,” said Phil.
“We were at a table with fellow Victorians and took the opportunity to talk about our various cruising adventures. We learn a great deal from these conversations.”
“We loved Glenn Shorrock’s music. He is at the heart of our generation!”
Mark and Sue Lawry also enjoyed the camaraderie of the evening as they were introduced to new Riviera friends.
The final documentary began with Glenn Shorrock singing a song that most of the guests would immediately have identified: Sailing on the cool and bright clear water from the first verse of LRB’s Cool Change.
Guests learned of the rebirth of Riviera as Rodney Longhurst stepped up to secure the future of the business.
The formal presentation of the evening was concluded with a concert by Shorrock and the ‘Little Riviera Band’ followed by more dancing music courtesy of The Accidents. Guests danced the night away.
Glenda Parker and Christine Purcell had one complaint. “No dancing girls! We love the Riviera dancing girls. We love the pizzazz of the Riviera dancing girls.”
