Riviera has proudly announced the outstanding achievements of its apprentices in the 2023 Riviera Apprentice of the Year Awards.
A truly extraordinary raft-up featuring 79 Riviera luxury motor yachts rang in the Western Australia summer boating season with all the style, class and fun that has become synonymous with R Marine Perth.
The annual R Marine Perth Riviera raft-up has become the most coveted event to attend in the boating calendar.
A truly extraordinary raft-up featuring 79 Riviera luxury motor yachts rang in the Western Australia summer boating season with all the style, class and fun that has become synonymous with R Marine Perth. A spectacle of luxury and a symbol of elegance – the recently delivered Belize 66 Daybridge was the first yacht to anchor and start the 2023 raft-up, turning heads and capturing hearts.
Impeccably organised and orchestrated by Dealer Principal Ryan Lloyd with a local support network and the much-appreciated assistance of Peter Welch, Chris Attard and Simon McLean who flew over to support the raft up from the Riviera factory. The day started early for some owners, who were ready for positioning at the entrance of Matilda Bay, off Perth’s Swan River.
The day started without a hitch, says Natalie Butterworth. “We were one of the first to raft up. All the instructions were delivered really clearly. We got into a zone and about six Rivieras lined up down the river in a row and headed to the bay,” says Natalie, who owns a 545 SUV blue lines with husband Craig.
“Ryan and Raylee [from Marine Rescue Fremantle] were on the radio and in a tender overseeing the operation; the crews were brilliant as they hopped from yacht to yacht helping with fenders and the tying up. It was so professional and managed so quickly. Once we were in position we sat back and cracked open the champagne.”
blue lines is Natalie and Craig’s first Riviera, which they took possession of in September. “The whole build-up to the event was amazing, especially the posts on Instagram which really fed the anticipation. R Marine Perth had given us a whopping great jeroboam of Laurent-Perrier, so we opened that at lunch and with our 20 guests aboard all had a glass, which was absolutely delicious.
“Honestly, I felt like I was in a parallel world. I was completely blown away by the day. It was an extraordinary event; it felt very special, very classy, and it felt very whole-of-community. I loved seeing the evolving design from older models with very proud owners to the new lines. Rivieras are elegant and classic, no matter which model from any year.”
A truly extraordinary raft-up featuring 79 Riviera luxury motor yachts rang in the Western Australia summer boating season.
Meticulous organisation by the R Marine Perth team means owners can relax and completely enjoy themselves.
(Click the arrows on the left or right of the image to view the full picture gallery)
Even for long time Riviera owners Michelle and Peter Hollings, the raft-up was exceptional. Aboard a 4800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, Runaway, Michelle says it’s the most anticipated event of the year.
“You could feel the buzz in the air as we approached Matilda Bay and hear the champagne bottles popping from a distance. There was a lot of energy on the water; it was incredible, electrifying. The smiles on everyone’s faces really said it all!” says Michelle.
“As we rafted up there was a soloist singing, then later in the middle of the raft-up there was a crayfishing boat with a band playing for the afternoon so there was entertainment throughout the day. People were hopping from boat-to-boat socialising, as is the usual thing to do. “Ryan had even organised a terrific raffle with very generous sponsored prizes – I won a Garmin smartwatch! As it was my birthday later that weekend, it was a lovely early birthday present.”
(Click the arrows on the left or right of the image to view the full picture gallery)
All styles of merriment are on display during the raft-up, their one common theme: joyfulness!
(Click the pictures above to view in full-screen mode)
The perfect weather day provided a splendid backdrop for the tight-knit Riviera family to enjoy each other’s company aboard the comfort of their luxury motor yachts.
“We’re so proud to be part of the Riviera family,” says David Upstone. It was the first raft-up for David and his wife Ann on their 4600 Sport Yacht Moet on Ice. “The 4600SY is fabulous and we had lots of guests coming and going, my daughter and her friends – people all day long.
“The Riviera family is the mainstay of our social life, being on the boat with like-minded people, and this was the event of the year without a doubt. We even had friends in Europe return to Australia a week early just to make sure that they were ready for the raft-up. It just has this effect on everyone.”
Like most business owners, the logistical exercise of such a massive raft-up and the planning and preparation is not lost on David. “The way Ryan organised it all, and Riviera even sent support crew over from the factory in Queensland, was impressive. Everything was planned, the order of the Rivieras in the raft-up by size, the anchor points, the timings for all those boats to arrive, the support crew tying up and with fenders. It all meant that we were able to maximise the enjoyment of the day. It ran like clockwork. Ryan did a fantastic job and should be so proud. We’re already looking forward to 2024,” he said.
The R Marine Perth Riviera Raft-Up 2023 was enthusiastically supported by Boia, Club Marine, Italboats, Garmin, Bartlett, Flite, Pleisure Marine and Jobe.
MORE RIVIERA NEWS
Riviera has proudly announced the outstanding achievements of its apprentices in the 2023 Riviera Apprentice of the Year Awards.
A truly extraordinary raft-up featuring 79 Riviera luxury motor yachts rang in the Western Australian summer boating season with all the style, class and fun that has become synonymous with R Marine Perth.