Owners celebrate the private launch of their much anticipated 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition with an evening of fireworks spectacular in the Riviera Yacht Club.
In a series of Christmas events across Australia and New Zealand, the Riviera family has once again come together in the spirit of celebration, friendship and living the best Riviera life. From marina soirées to on-water showcases, these events highlighted the joy, craftsmanship and community that define Riviera’s world of luxury motor yachts. While each event had its own flavour, they were united by the same joyful spirit and the shared pride of being part of the Riviera family.
Berth Restaurant on the Yarra River was selected for R Marine Jacksons Christmas celebration.
“We got to meet people we hadn’t met before and re-engage with others we’d met at raft-ups.”
Jenni Modra
Victoria – R Marine Jacksons
Berth Restaurant on the Yarra River was perfect for Riviera owners to tie up, with delicious canapés and stunning views of the city skyline to boot. It was Tim and Jenni Modra’s first R Marine Jacksons Christmas event aboard their own Riviera, MT Bank, a 4600 Sport Yacht, and the journey to Melbourne became part of the celebration itself.
“R Marine Jacksons are a gun when it comes to this sort of event,” says Jenni. “They’re very personable. The food was delicious and it was a really nice venue. The hospitality, having us all on one arm and looking after us, was really great.”
With MT Bank berthed alongside, the pair settled in among friends old and new. “It’s nice to have your own Riviera there, sit on the arm and have drinks. We got to meet people we hadn’t met before and re-engage with others we’d met at raft-ups. We pretty much lived on our Riviera last summer, and it’ll be the same again this year.”
The evening felt like a fitting close to their first year aboard their 4600 SY. “We’re social people and being able to go to Riviera events has been fantastic. We’re very much looking forward to the summer.”
The dealership in Holdfast Shores in Glenelg was the venue for the R Marine South Australia Christmas celebration.
“Great to catch up with a lot of the Riviera community, and we brought along some friends who we’re encouraging to buy a Riviera.”
Marissa Cunningham
South Australia – R Marine South Australia
A warm South Australian evening set the scene for close to 70 Riviera owners and guests gathered at Holdfast Shores. The event began with an exclusive viewing of the new Riviera 58 Sports Motor Yacht, drawing enthusiastic interest from owners eager to step aboard. An evening of canapés, chilled refreshments and easy conversation followed, said Marissa and Greg Cunningham, owners of a Riviera 52 Flybridge, No Ragrets.
“It was awesome,” says Marissa. “Great to catch up with a lot of the Riviera community, and we brought along some friends who we’re encouraging to buy a Riviera. They were already very interested, and after last night…well, you can imagine! It’s a great community they’ve put together, and it keeps people boating. My friend said she could really get used to this lifestyle — she absolutely loved it, didn’t want to leave!
“We caught up with old friends, and all the experiences in Port Lincoln are amazing. Next year will be bigger and better. Everyone was in very good spirits, very happy, looking forward to the boating season and discussing their plans.”
R Marine Sydney held their Christmas celebration on the marina and in a venue overlooking Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour.
New South Wales – R Marine Sydney
Darling Harbour and its signature fireworks offered a spectacular backdrop for R Marine Sydney’s celebration. Pre-drinks aboard the new Riviera 4300 Sports Express drew owners together on the marina first, where cocktails and conversation set the mood for the night ahead. Over 140 guests enjoyed the elegant evening of live music, canapés and champagne, and a warm Riviera welcome by Riviera Australia owner, Rodney Longhurst.
Keith and Dana Harris made a weekend out of the event, staying a couple of nights aboard their 6000 Sport Yacht, D&K.
“It was fabulous, an absolutely fantastic spot and event,” says Keith. “There was a real celebratory mood, as you always have when you’re in a nice spot on a nice boat with nice people. The girls frocked up, the fireworks came on and they were marvellous, exactly what you’d expect at Darling Harbour.
“It’s great fostering friendships with people with similar interests.”
Ken and Linda Thomas
“It was good catching up with people I hadn’t seen for years, and great to see Rodney there; we were blessed with all of his kind words. All round it was just a good vibe.”
Ken and Linda Thomas also joined the celebration, owners of Iris, a new 6000 Sport Yacht they took delivery of in October.
“It was a really great evening. We met a lot of people at R Marine Sydney and it’s good to catch up in a social atmosphere. We were there for the whole night and then carried on with some friends afterwards. We’re keen to go along with R Marine Sydney on all their excursions if we can. We go up to the Whitsundays every couple of years. It’s good to meet others with Rivieras because they do the same trip and you end up seeing them in marinas and out in the islands. It’s great fostering friendships with people with similar interests.”
The R Marine Flagship floating office was the perfect venue for their Christmas celebration.
“It’s really lovely to share family favourites, like a lot of families do on Christmas day.”
Paul and Lynette Subritzky
New Zealand – R Marine Flagship
Across the Tasman, more than 100 owners gathered for a relaxed celebration and the NZ premiere of the Riviera 4300 Sports Express. Paul and Lynette Subritzky, owners of a Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht, Little Ritz, enjoyed the night’s blend of warmth and discovery. “The 4300 Sports Express was really interesting to look over, loved it,” says Lynette. The evening was held at R Marine Flagship’s floating dock office, purpose-built at the marina. “It’s a very clever design,” Lynette says. “We were straight out and onto the new 4300, which was really neat.”
For the Subritzkys, the evening was a chance to reconnect and meet new faces. “We heard about a four-month Pacific Island trip that some owners had just come back from, and their tales sparked plenty of interest and talk in a possible circumnavigation of New Zealand and Stewart Island.” In true Kiwi style, the Christmas gathering included shared plates. “Everyone brings something, hors d’oeuvres, salads, desserts and R Marine puts on the main meal. It’s really lovely to share family favourites, like a lot of families do on Christmas day.”
A weekend boating trip to the Little Ship Club at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island was a fabulous Christmas celebration for R Marine Crawley.
“We’ve had a wonderful time, and we’ve caught up with a lot of people, met new friends.”
Drew and Genevieve Sellick
Queensland – R Marine Crawley
Experience Magazine managed to catch Drew and Genevieve Sellick at North Stradbroke Island in the middle of a “very Riviera Christmas” weekend. “We’ve just finished up a long lunch at the Little Ship Club at Dunwich,” says Drew. The 130 guests had the option of arriving just for the Saturday lunch or joining the R Marine Crawley team for a whole weekend getaway departing from Sovereign Islands on the Thursday morning prior. The Sellicks arrived a couple of days earlier in their new Riviera 505 SUV, S.A.M.M.
“We’re having a fantastic day,” he continues. “We had a leisurely morning and then this big feast. We’ve been looked after extremely well.”
Genevieve agrees. “Yes, we’ve had a wonderful time, and we’ve caught up with a lot of people, met new friends, and just really are enjoying the natural environment of being on North Stradbroke.”
Drew adds that the support from the R Marine Crawley team has been a standout. “They are all exceptional people; they make everything a great experience. It’s the ongoing after-service care that we really enjoy.”
Overlooking the marina at Southport Yacht Club was the venue for the R Marine Jones Christmas celebration.
“It’s great for them to build long-lasting relationships through events such as this.”
Randall Jones
Queensland – R Marine Jones
The final Christmas celebration for the season at the Southport Yacht Club came after this article was published. Still, Experience Magazine found a moment with Dealer Principal Randall Jones ahead of the event to hear what his 60 guests will have to look forward to.
“The outlook from the indoor–outdoor deck has a lot of boating charm, it’s shaded and breezy, which is perfect for this time of year. With plenty of bubbles and nibbles, and light music in the background, it’s the perfect opportunity to chat and catch up with friends. We’ve welcomed many new people to the Riviera family this year and it’s great for them to build long-lasting relationships through events such as this. We’ve had a very busy year, and we’re looking forward to setting our calendar of events for next year.”
MORE RIVIERA NEWS
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Riviera owners across Australia and New Zealand gathered to celebrate Christmas and their shared passion for the luxury yacht lifestyle.