Riviera will showcase the adventurous 465 and 505 SUVs and the sophisticated 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 10 to 15.
Fifteen Riviera motor yachts set off in a stunning line-up of models for a captivating 1.5-hour cruise along Sydney Harbour’s best vantage points to view the Vivid Light Festival.
Fifteen Riviera motor yachts attended the annual Vivid on the Water event on Sydney Harbour on Saturday, June 8.
Hosted for the third consecutive year by R Marine Sydney, the event continues to gain popularity with each passing year.
Yachts started arriving at the wharf in the early afternoon, and guests enjoyed drinks while being assigned their overnight berths. The departure was scheduled for 6pm, preceded by a safety briefing on navigating Sydney Harbour after dark, ensuring the utmost safety of all attendees.
With preparations complete, the yachts set off in a stunning line-up of Riviera models for a captivating 1.5-hour cruise along Sydney Harbour’s best vantage points to view the Vivid lights.
The weather that evening was ideal – a perfect Sydney winter night with clear skies and calm seas. Every Riviera was filled with family and friends enjoying the sights on the harbour. Some were relishing the Vivid lights from the foredeck of their boats.
Callum Rogers from Crog Films captured stunning footage of the fleet cruising the harbour – with much admiration received from both onlookers on land and fellow boaters on the water.
Journey with our flotilla of Rivieras as drones capture the kaleidoscope of Riviera underwater lights and the evening unfolds on a breathtaking spectacle which is Riviera’s Vivid on the water.
"Every Riviera was filled with family and friends enjoying the sights on the harbour."
After the enjoyable cruise, the 100 guests gathered on the wharf in front of the Rozelle office, for live music and a sumptuous winter feast. This year, there was a collaboration with the company Ever Safe Electrical, which illuminated the Opera Bar for Vivid. They transformed the wharf into a vibrant and colourful atmosphere for owners and their families and friends to enjoy. The night unfolded with laughter and music, with some guests enjoying the festivities until well into the early hours.
The following morning, owners were treated to Sunday newspapers, coffee, freshly baked croissants, and pastries before they departed for home. The overnight location is just a leisurely 2 km walk from Darling Harbour and the City Centre and, as it was a long weekend, many opted to extend their stay on the wharf, providing them with the perfect opportunity to have a city escape.
Among those taking part were Josh, Samantha and their kids Max, Mia, and Evie, on Casa Aqua.
Samantha said the family travelled down from their home berth on Lake Macquarie around 76 nautical miles north of Sydney Harbour.
“Due to an approaching weather system we decided to set off the day before the event. After clearing the Swansea Bridge, we travelled at a comfortable 25 knots in calm seas through what I would call the whale super-highway. An annual Humpback whale migration that makes its way from Antarctica to the Barrier Reef in the Autumn and returns in the Spring was one of the many highlights for the kids. We arrived at our berth at Riviera Sydney just before dark after a very comfortable three-hour voyage.”
(Click the arrows on the left or right of the image to view the full picture gallery)
(Left) Josh, with children Max, Mia, Evie and Benny the Spoodle. (Middle and Right) The Sydney Opera House played a starring role.
(Left) The food by Smokey Mary BBQ was a delight on this winter’s evening. (Right) The Sydney Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour was included in the projection spectacular.
Samantha said it was hard to choose just one highlight from the event.
“However, the cruise around the bustling harbour, amongst a fleet of other Rivieras, taking in the unique vista of all the Vivid lights and the passing parade of well-decorated ferries and cruise boats was a great experience for the whole family away from the crowds on the shore – all in the luxury of our own yacht.
“The second highlight would have to be the hospitality and how welcomed we felt as part of the Riviera family. After the harbour cruise it was back to Riviera HQ for a delicious smoked barbecue and live entertainment. An unforgettable and memorable night.”
Samantha also gave a special thanks to fleet leader Martin and Mary, Mike, Simon and Lucas, for their generosity and work in making it such a great event.
Another owner, Christine, said it was great to have their Riviera out at night, encouraged by R Marine Sydney.
“We usually watch Vivid on the ferry as we live in Mosman and travel to Circular Quay. We then walk to the Rocks area or visit Vivid in the Botanical Gardens.”
Christine said they also enjoyed meeting other Riviera owners.
“On the night we brought along my husband’s brother who has always been a boatie but doesn’t have a boat these days. He enjoyed the night. It was also lovely to be able to have a few drinks and stay at the marina at Rozelle.”
And the highlight for Christine? “The food by Smokey Mary BBQ!”
2024 R Marine Sydney's Vivid social gallery
To enjoy the social gallery, click on the first image on the top left-hand corner to enlarge the preview
and then click the arrow on the centre of the right side to advance through the full gallery.
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