The iconic family restaurant of Peats Bite on the Hawkesbury River is arrived at exclusively by water or air — not that it’s had the pleasure of hosting guests for some time.
The restaurant’s famous long lunches have been on hiatus since a fire destroyed its building in September last year. Undeterred, R Marine Dillon in collaboration with Peats Bite, organised huge marquees to host a memorable afternoon for some 20 Riviera owners with their family and friends.
Robert and Erica Porter were among the first to cruise into the event earlier this year on their Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht, Serenity, from the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Broken Bay.
“We’d arrived from Newport, but there were Rivieras from other marinas and as far as Lake Macquarie. Peats Bite has a little jetty where we all rafted up alongside each other,” says Robert. “If living a happy life is a matter of perspective, the perspective from a Riviera must be fabulous. Not even persistent rain could dampen the mood. The weather was shocking! But it was all set up so well with the marquees it didn’t make a difference. We went to rekindle the friendships that we’d made on other trips with like-minded people. They’re a very happy crew, all delighted with their boats and it’s quite a bonding experience.”
If living a happy life is a matter of perspective, the perspective from a Riviera must be fabulous.
- Robert Porter
Fine fare and beverages were also the order of the day. “The catered lunch was done so well,” says Erica. “There was a paella tent which was lovely and there were hot as well as antipasto platters of prawns, oysters, smoked salmon and cheeses. The alcohol was thoughtfully provided, it was very civilised with good quality wine and cocktails. We finished late in the afternoon and ended up with half a dozen or so people on our boat before continuing on — we enjoy that cementing of friendship,” says Erica.
“We, like so many others, bought our Riviera because of the ability to entertain so easily on it and because of the single-level living. You can fit a lot of people very comfortably between the saloon and the outdoor areas. They’re all-weather boats,” says Robert.
Another not bothered by the weather was Nic Cooper, who has a Riviera 445 SUV on order. “We didn’t care at all what the weather was like,” says Nic. “The rain didn’t dampen our spirits one bit. Everyone had a big smile on their face; it was a high-spirited event, really fun.”
Nic had travelled in for the night with Scott Dillon who introduced Nic to many new people. “Everyone’s quite down to earth and easy to hang out with; it was good fun to talk about boats and have a laugh. The event itself was smooth and it seemed to come together effortlessly; it feels good when the organiser is not run off his feet. There was great entertainment with a comedian and a band, which was very well executed. And I just love that place, Peats Bite; it’s very unique and an awesome location. The team at Peats Bite is very hospitable and looked after us under the marquees as you’d expect at the original building. It was a total credit to them.”
Having spent the night with the Rivera crew, Nic is more excited than ever to take possession of his 445 SUV.
The tranquil shores of the Hawkesbury River where Riviera owners enjoyed a welcome escape.
“I grew up on the Pittwater and always loved Riviera; as a kid, I knew every model and from a mile away I’d point them out to my dad. I love the look of the SUV; it’s a solidly built boat that’s sporty and luxurious, and single level which is social. Now I’m even more excited. I’ve bought two smaller boats just to tide me over until the 445 is ready next June. The boat bug has definitely bitten me!”
