More than 400 members of ‘The Riviera Family’ have walked the red carpet, caught up with old friends, made new ones and partied under the stars at a spectacular gala function at the Sydney International Boat Show.
Held on the Saturday evening of the five-day show, the event saw Riviera and Belize owners from across Australia and New Zealand come together amid the bright lights of our exceptional nine-boat display on Darling Harbour for the most festive of occasions.
An array of talented performers transformed the luxury motor yachts’ cockpits into temporary stages, while their enthusiastic audience feasted on culinary treats and fine wines.
Gerard Verge and partner Janelle were among the countless Riviera owners who relished the chance to socialise with fellow boating enthusiasts.
“It’s always great to walk in and see so many familiar faces,” said Gerard, the proud owner of Great Escape, a Riviera 53.
“We do the Whitsundays trip with Ben Crawley from R Marine Crawley each year and you build such great friendships. I love that you get to meet other owners at these events and build relationships through your boats.
“Riviera always does such a great job with their boat show functions and it’s one of the main reasons I stay with the brand. We love Rivs and we love going to their events.
“The music is great, the canapes are delicious and the beer is cold. What more could you ask for?”
The boat show heralded the Sydney premiere of four world-class models, with the new Riviera 545 SUV and three Platinum Edition Sport Yachts – the 6000, 5400 and 4800 Series II – attracting plenty of admirers.
Given their stunning debuts, it’s little wonder the atmosphere at the gala was particularly buoyant for Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst, who joined CEO Wes Moxey in welcoming a number of new owners into the Riviera family at the show.
“These nights are always special but they are particularly so for those people receiving their first taste of what it means to be a Riviera owner,” Rodney said.
“Owning a boat is one thing. Being able to enjoy the Riviera family with great people in great locations is another and we are privileged that so many of our owners choose Riviera for their seafaring journeys.
“Whether we’re socialising on the water or under the bright lights of Darling Harbour, we’re all part of one very special community.”