Cocktails & Dreams - a glittering success at Sanctuary Cove
Cocktails & Dreams - a spectacular VIP waterfront dinner celebration against the backdrop of the illuminated Riviera 6200 World Premiere.
Riviera welcomed owners, families and friends to a fabulous waterfront celebration during the 2026 Festival of Boating. Set over three nights and against a dazzling display of Riviera yachts, Cocktails & Dreams combined a cocktail bar, fine dining, live entertainment and nightclub, creating one of the most anticipated social experiences of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Riviera creates a unique marina experience
As twilight settled over Sanctuary Cove, the Riviera showcase transformed into something truly remarkable. Surrounded by 12 illuminated Riviera yachts and framed by the glittering marina, Cocktails & Dreams delivered an immersive evening of elegance, connection and celebration for more than 500 Riviera owners, families and friends across three exclusive evenings of the show.
Created as one of the signature social events of the 2026 Riviera Festival of Boating, Cocktails & Dreams offered guests a unique Riviera experience – blending the sophistication of the luxury yachting lifestyle with the warmth and friendships that define the Riviera family.
Guests embraced an elegant evening surrounded by Riviera’s stunning display of luxury motor yachts, enjoying signature cocktails, gourmet canapés and the vibrant atmosphere of Sanctuary Cove after dark.
Arriving at the Riviera showcase on the marina, guests embraced the evening’s theme with their individual interpretation of ‘cocktail glamour’. The atmosphere on arrival was immediately electric. Guests paused for photographs before gathering around the central bar where a selection of refreshing cocktails was being mixed, shaken and stirred, including the popular Riviera Platinum cocktail. A selection of gourmet canapés was served, such as seared Wagyu beef crostini, Titan prawn cocktail, Moroccan cauliflower bites and wild mushroom arancini.
“We absolutely love being part of the Riviera family – it really is the only brand for us, and we are super proud it’s Australian.”
Robyn and Brad
“This is the fourth year that we’ve attended this dinner event. We absolutely love being part of the Riviera family – it really is the only brand for us, and we are super proud it’s Australian. We feel so well looked after in every respect and we come to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show especially to be part of Riviera,” said Riviera owners Robyn and Brad from Newcastle in New South Wales.
Cocktail & Dreams themed performances transformed the Riviera pontoon into a dazzling outdoor dining destination with live entertainment.
A celebration where Riviera owners became the stars of the show
The Riviera showcase, a display by day, was transformed each night into a spectacular dining destination. Elegant tables adorned with gold centrepieces were set on each axis of the display stretching as far as you could see, creating a memorable setting beneath the autumn evening sky.
As conversations flowed, performers emerged among the crowd in a dazzling display of sequins, music and dancing. Weaving effortlessly through groups of guests, they brought the glamour and energy of the evening’s Cocktails & Dreams theme to life.
Riviera owners, families and friends celebrated their shared passion for life on the water, creating a memorable evening as part of the Riviera family.
“You allow us to be the great Australian motor yacht builder and that is something we’re extremely grateful for and enormously proud of.”
Rodney Longhurst
Following the welcome cocktail hour, guests were then seated for dinner where Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst welcomed everyone.
“Tonight is about you, our VIPs and what you all allow us to do,” said Rodney.
“We strive to have a world-class manufacturing facility. We strive to create world-class motor yachts. But without world-class people to build them and amazing yacht owners like each of you, we cannot achieve any of this. It all must work together, and you allow us to do just this. You allow us to be the great Australian motor yacht builder and that is something we’re extremely grateful for and enormously proud of.
“You allow us to employ over 100 apprentices right here on the Gold Coast. They are the master craftspeople of tomorrow and they’ll be looking after your boats well into the future. So, I thank you all very much. We are very humbled by your support and are always grateful for your support and that is something we never forget.”
Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst welcomed guests and thanked Riviera owners for their ongoing support.
Riviera Yachts and exceptional hospitality
Dinner highlighted the same attention to detail that distinguishes Riviera yachts. Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated menu beginning with NSW Kingfish Crudo, Spanish Jamon salad or Roasted Japanese Pumpkin before progressing to a selection of premium main courses, including Smoked Angus Eye Fillet, Roasted Tasmanian Salmon Fillet and Caponata Risotto.
Complementing the menu was a delightful wine selection featuring Chandon Brut, The Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, Arc du Soleil Rosé from Provence and Bleasdale Mulberry Tree Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia.
Guests enjoyed a carefully curated dining experience inspired by premium Australian produce and fine wines against the illuminated luxury Riviera yachts.
“It is such a fantastic company. It’s a great product, well built and the team are proud of what they do…”
Simon
Throughout the evening, conversations naturally turned to boating adventures, future cruising plans and the experiences that unite Riviera owners across generations and destinations.
“My wife and I come to this event every year. It is such a fantastic company. It’s a great product, well built and the team are proud of what they do, and it is wonderful that the boats are manufactured in Queensland. A particular strength of the company is the aftercare they offer and that you can speak to someone at Riviera any time,” said Riviera owner Simon from Brisbane.
More than a social gathering, these events reinforced the strong sense of belonging that sits at the heart of Riviera. Owners who had met years earlier reconnected, while first-time guests were warmly welcomed into the family.
Celebrations continued aboard the YOT Club, where live music, dancing and vibrant marina views provided the perfect finale to an unforgettable Riviera evening.
The spirit of the Riviera family
As dinner concluded, attention shifted to the third part of the evening’s experience. Moored alongside the showcase, the impressive YOT Club catamaran, utilised during the show as the Riviera Owners’ Lounge, had been transformed into a vibrant floating nightclub and entertainment venue.
Bathed in atmospheric lighting and live music, the two-level venue became a further celebration. Guests danced late into the evening as the band filled the marina with energy, while petit fours provided a sweet finale to an already memorable dinner.
Each evening was a seamless progression from sophisticated cocktail reception to waterfront dining and spirited nightlife – all set within Australia’s finest luxury yacht showcases.
For many attendees, Cocktails & Dreams represented far more than a night of entertainment. It was a celebration of friendships formed through a shared passion for boating, a recognition of the journeys already enjoyed and an invitation to create new memories together.
Against the backdrop of Riviera’s stunning luxury motor yacht display, the three evenings encapsulated everything the Festival of Boating has come to represent: connection, hospitality and the opportunity to experience the very best of the Riviera lifestyle.
As the final songs echoed across the marina and guests departed beneath the glow of the yachts, one sentiment remained clear – Cocktails & Dreams had become a defining highlight of the 2026 Festival of Boating.
Highlights from the exclusive owners' preview of the new Riviera 6200 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition – a milestone evening destined to be remembered.
Enjoy our gallery of highlights from the three nights of Cocktails & Dreams
Photographs are grouped by evening. To view the full gallery of night, click on any image below. Your Riviera dealership will be arranging to send you a high resolution copy of your photo shortly.
