A record of 15 Riviera motor yachts were shipped to the United States ahead of Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show that starts on October 29 in Florida.
Fostering camaraderie and discovering new destinations were top of the agenda for R Marine Crawley’s two-week Hawkesbury Experience in February. The expert Crawley team united 11 Riviera luxury motor yachts for the unforgettable trip, with seven vessels departing the Gold Coast and making their way down the stunning east coast of New South Wales (NSW), and four more joining at Sydney’s northern waterway.
Enjoy some of the highlights of the R Marine Crawley Experience with this short film.
“I love the new fridge in the 5400 SY and as you get older, your eyes aren’t as good, so you end up wanting the 19-inch screen instead of a 17-inch.”
Phil
Whether seasoned Riviera owners or first-time participants with R Marine Crawley, the late summer sojourn offered owners a chance to bond over shared experiences, explore hidden gems, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural surrounds of the Hawkesbury River.
They may be Riviera veterans, but Philip and Marina are new to Crawley gang, having only recently upgraded to the latest Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht, Anesi.
“We only took delivery of our new Riviera in December,” says Phil, reflecting on the start of their first R Marine Crawley trip. “I love the new fridge in the 5400 SY and as you get older, your eyes aren’t as good, so you end up wanting the 19-inch screen instead of a 17-inch,” he laughs.
The Hawkesbury Experience was one of great friendships and contrast from the calm and relaxation of superb anchorages to the fine dining of Peats Bite restaurant, right on the edge of the mighty Hawkesbury River.
“We’ve done extended trips in our previous 5400 SY, but on this trip we ventured into new territory with the first overnight stop at Iluka. We crossed the Yamba bar and anchored in Iluka overnight, after fuelling up and enjoying sunset drinks at the bar there. It was just perfect. That first night away was really special; it was our first night sleeping on the new Riviera, at the end of its inaugural launch day.”
Sand bar entries in NSW can be intimidating for any skipper, no matter their experience, and especially in unfamiliar waters – for good reason: crossing sand bars can be extremely dangerous as the access channels are frequently shifting, explains Marina.
“It was just perfect. That first night away was really special; it was our first night sleeping on the new Riviera, at the end of its inaugural launch day.”
Phil from Anesi
From Sydney Harbour to Pittwater, the fleet was spoilt for choice with great anchorages and restaurants, amazing scenery and some idle time spent just enjoying the Riviera life.
“Travelling south, compared to north in Queensland, means that to get into pretty much every port, you have a sand bar to cross first. Yamba, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens – they can be daunting, but the Crawley boys, credit to them, made us all feel very comfortable,” says Marina. “They picked the times with the right tides, and led us in. That made it easy for us, plus we had good weather on our side,” adds Phil.
Extended journeys require precise planning with marina stays, refuelling, weather, tides, and restaurant bookings. That’s why Riviera Experience trips are so popular. With the practical details taken care of, owners can focus on what they love, boating with like-minded people. The Crawley team handles it all with humour and class.
“We had so much fun along the way; they’re a real funny lot, the banter was great. The team put so much fun and effort into the trip,” says Marina.
And this was even before the fleet arrived at the Hawkesbury River.
From leaving the Gold Coast the fleet travelled south to Yamba, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens before reaching Broken Bay and Pittwater. This 400 nm journey is an ideal opportunity to learn new offshore skills, from weather prediction to navigating bar entrances, all in the comfort of cruising in company.
“But in the Hawkesbury, it’s more about the camaraderie… getting everyone together, having fun, and enjoying the social aspect. It’s just not the same doing it alone.”
Jo Payne
Jo and Steve Payne joined the fleet in Newcastle, on their new Riviera 545 SUV, Crusher. “Our trip was a little different to start,” explains Jo. “We were already on holiday when the rest set off. So, the R Marine Crawley staff took our Riviera down to Newcastle and we flew in to meet them there. We jumped on board and found that our groceries were done and unpacked, it was such a lovely touch. That’s the kind of service Crawley offer.
“While it can be daunting out on the open ocean, you always have someone close by who can help. But in the Hawkesbury, it’s more about the camaraderie… getting everyone together, having fun, and enjoying the social aspect. It’s just not the same doing it alone.”
The Hawkesbury Experience provided the perfect balance of adventure, new locations, quiet time and social occasions from informal sunset drinks to dining ashore.
The dramatic scenes of the entry into the Hawkesbury, and the vast waterway itself, left a breathtaking impression on the luxury cruisers.
“The sheer beauty of the cliffs and waterfalls, and hidden valleys in the Hawkesbury is a unique experience, and extremely picturesque. It’s a special place – so peaceful and beautiful. The moorings there are plentiful and comfortable – perfect for boating without the stress of worrying about anchoring,” says Jo.
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Peats Bite, a family-operated restaurant since the early 1980s. It offers unforgettable long lunch experiences, showcasing fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Always a favourite is a long lunch at the Cottage Point Inn Restaurant, savouring a degustation menu of modern Australian cuisine.
“We took all 11 Rivieras and lined them up along the pontoon – it was such a beautiful sight, on a beautiful, social day. The long lunch was fantastic. The Hawkesbury just has this relaxed vibe, and spending the day there with the group was really enjoyable.”
After a couple of days of relaxation, the fleet headed on to Cottage Point, nestled in the serene Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The restaurant provided an exquisite eight-course tasting menu, delivering a culinary experience as refined as the journey itself.
“We enjoyed an amazing eight-course degustation meal. It was a great spot, and everyone did their own thing during the day before we gathered again in the evening. The sense of community was wonderful.”
Throughout their time in the Hawkesbury River, people had the opportunity to simply unwind, or embark on tender explorations, try paddleboarding, swim, enjoy beach gatherings, and savour sunset drinks – making the world their oyster on this leisurely adventure.
The Hawkesbury Experience has once again highlighted that these adventures are about more than just the destinations, they’re about the friendships and shared experiences that make being a Riviera owner so extraordinary.
An impressive sight, especially from the air, the fleet runs line astern up the Hawkesbury River bound for Sunny Corner and the fabled Peats Bite Restaurant.
Click on the gallery below to enjoy more images from the R Marine Crawley Hawkesbury Experience.
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