High flying apprentices launch 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition

Edition 5 - 2024 Special Celebration Edition

HIGH FLYING APPRENTICES HELP LAUNCH THE 6800 SPORT YACHT PLATINUM EDITION

Published June 4, 2024

Two Riviera apprentices enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the new 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition as she cruised on the Gold Coast’s Broadwater.

Up, up and away … apprentices Luke Burgess and Laura Hillman had the best seat in the house as the 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition cruised the Gold Coast’s Broadwater.

Riviera apprentices Luke Burgess and Laura Hillman took to the skies over the Gold Coast waterways to celebrate the launch of the luxury motor yacht builder’s new 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition.

With the Australian and Riviera flags proudly flying from the rigging two metres below their feet, the pair parasailed above the luxurious 6800 as she made her way along the Gold Coast Broadwater towards the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for her world premiere.

Despite a few nerves at the beginning, Luke (a third-year Marine Craft Construction apprentice) and Laura (a second-year Diesel Fitting Engineer apprentice) said they thoroughly enjoyed the incredible view from 30 metres above the 6800 as she cruised on a beautiful autumn morning.

“Luke and I were super excited to be a part of this launch. It was awesome. We couldn’t get the smiles off our faces as we took off,’’ Laura said moments after landing.

“The adrenaline was pumping but once we were up there it was relaxing to see the 6800 cruising on the Broadwater.’’

Enjoy this highlight film and hold tight! Luke and Laura moments before their parasail takes flight.
Please click the play button to view this video.

"I’ve worked on our boats and even under our boats, but I’ve never been above one like this. It is such an incredible opportunity to do this as part of the launch of the 6800."

LAURA HILLMAN

Luke and Laura get a great view as they fly high above the Gold Coast.

Back to earth … Laura and Luke are all smiles after completing their flight.

Neither Luke nor Laura had parasailed before, but both said they were thrilled to be able to tick this activity off their adventure bucket lists.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,’’ Luke said. “Who would have thought that an apprentice like me would be asked to do this. Not every company, or even every person in a company, gets an honour like this. It is amazing.’’

Laura said she’s worked on and even under Riviera boats, but she’d never seen them from this angle. “It is such an incredible opportunity and honour to do this as part of the launch of the 6800,” she said.

“It is my first-time parasailing. I’ve watched them do it when I’ve been out on the water in my tinnie, and I’ve always wondered what it would be like.’’

Riviera apprentice and training manager Keira Badke said the pair were chosen from Riviera’s 150-strong apprentice team for the honour of playing a part in the yachts’ launch because of their outstanding performance and commitment in the workplace.

“They always put their hands up when help is required and they really do go beyond what is expected of them,’’ she said. “They both had looks of shock on their faces when I told them that they would be parasailing on the Broadwater to help us launch our new 6800.”