A mix of boat hopping, boating education, golfing, kayaking, relaxing and dining filled the last days of January at Captiva Island as 55 Riviera and Belize enthusiasts aboard 17 luxury motor yachts converged for the 2021 Riviera Rendezvous.
Organised by Jason Mashke from SYS International Yacht Sales, the inaugural celebration held in Florida’s Gulf Coast welcomed all Riviera and Belize owners from far and wide.
One of the first to arrive to Captiva’s South Seas Island Resort were Bryce and Mary Pat Peterson on their Belize 54 Daybridge, Water Gate. It’s the couple’s first foray in the Riviera family and the opportunity to make new boating friends was not to be missed.
Bryce and Mary Pat Peterson with their Riviera Ambassador Award (left) and aboard their much-admired Belize 54 Daybridge, Water Gate
“We’d already signed up for a cruise with our yacht club so when we received the invitation for the Rendezvous we changed plans, cut the other cruise short and arrived two days early at Captiva Island,” says Mary Pat. “It was fun to see people arrive and to meet new friends.”
Accustomed to making plans in the sand at low tide, a change in the weather didn’t phase these mariners.
“The weather wasn’t ideal – for Florida – it was cool and windy. So we enjoyed our time visiting Riviera friends, seeing other boats, eating and drinking!” says Mary Pat.
Everything about our Belize is different. This is not just a run-of-the-mill boat; it’s bespoke, boutique, like having something that very few people have.
Bryce Peterson
“It was really fun to hook up with new Riviera friends,” says Bryce. “We also rented a golf cart on the Saturday and drove into the island’s little town for a walk before coming back to the resort for the dinner with everyone. We really enjoy boating events as it’s a great opportunity to make new friends.”
The Petersons took delivery of Water Gate in March 2020.
“We’ve been boating all our lives,” says Bryce. “I couldn’t count how many boats we’ve had – but none at the level of the Belize. Everything about our Belize is different. This is not just a run-of-the-mill boat; it’s bespoke, boutique, like having something that very few people have.”
The Petersons can relate a long list of favourite qualities of their beloved Belize. It’s little wonder the couple were bestowed with the Riviera Ambassador Award, which was presented to them at the Saturday night dinner.
“It was a surprise for us. But I suppose we received the award because we’re so happy to chat to people if they have any questions about purchasing a Belize,” says Mary Pat. “Sometimes people want to hear an honest appraisal from an actual boat owner.”
Longtime Riviera owners Walt and Heather Smith were also delighted to be a part of the Rendezvous on their Riviera 48 Flybridge, Island Fever.
“We love these events,” says Heather. “Jason at SYS Yachts and the team are all wonderful, fabulous people and we’ve really gotten to know them over the years.”
“You meet boaters from all over the country and from all walks of life, some not as familiar with boats and others who are experienced yachtsmen. Boaters are such wonderful, warm, friendly, helpful and outgoing people.”
“From breakfast to cocktails and a beautiful Saturday night dinner, it was all handled very well and it was a lot of fun!”
“And informative,” adds Walt. “The SYS crew educate us on new or different systems, and mechanical aspects we might be interested in. We were able to meet a couple of the guys from the Riviera factory in Australia and got some technical advice, and learned more about how the motor yachts are made.”
“Boating has been a focal point in our family, particularly in the Bahamas. Our Riviera is reliable, comfortable and it’s got everything you could possibly want on a vessel with kids and grandchildren on deep blue water. It’s taken us to some beautiful places with our family – we have great love for our Riviera.”
Dropping in on the Rendezvous as part of their Great Loop voyage were Skip and Alison Payne on their 565 SUV, Legacy G2. Understandably, the couple took out the Riviera Adventurer’s Award.
“The award was such a surprise and so special,” says Alison. “And it was great to meet some of the Riviera personnel and other Riviera owners. They made us feel very welcome. It was an excellent event, very well organised.”
Skip and Alison embarked on their Great Loop from Michigan in October 2020, immediately after having purchased Legacy G2. In fact, it was the lure of the 565 SUV in Michigan that took them there in the first place. They paused for two months in the Gulf Coast to enjoy the holiday season with family before throwing the ropes and continuing to the Florida Keys and Atlantic Coast.
“We actually had a 445 SUV in mind to do the Great Loop,” says Skip.
“Boating is really so important to us as a family activity. We started with a 20-foot with two kids, then a 30-foot with three kids and I’d joke that we needed another 10 feet for each child we had.”
“Now we have four adult boys and have ended up with a 56-foot boat! Our sons all love boating as much as we do and now there’s room for us all and they will join us along the way.”