Riviera Ladies Luncheon in full bloom
Guests at the Riviera Yacht Club for the exclusive Ladies Luncheon, a highlight of the 2026 Riviera Festival of Boating, where friendship, elegance and the Riviera lifestyle were celebrated in spectacular waterfront surroundings.
Riviera welcomed owners to an elegant Ladies Luncheon during the 2026 Festival of Boating. Hosted at the Riviera Yacht Club at the company’s facility, the exclusive event combined exceptional cuisine, waterfront luxury and warm hospitality, creating one of the most anticipated social gatherings of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
A celebration of friendship, elegance and the Riviera lifestyle.
The journey to an exceptional afternoon began on the sparkling waters of the Coomera River.
On Friday, May 22, guests gathered for the exclusive Ladies Luncheon at the Riviera Yacht Club, one of the most anticipated social occasions of the 2026 Riviera Festival of Boating. Part of their VIP program during the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the event brought together owners and their guests for an afternoon of fine dining and special connection.
Many guests arrived via the Riviera ferry transfer service from Sanctuary Cove, enjoying a leisurely 25-minute cruise up the picturesque Coomera River. Music drifted across the deck as friends reunited, introductions were made and anticipation grew for the gastronomic delight ahead.
The scenic journey offered a unique perspective of Riviera’s world-class facilities before guests arrived at the private waterfront venue. Overlooking the marina where yachts are undergoing their final QC checks whilst other yachts are awaiting delivery, the Riviera Yacht Club provided a superb venue for the occasion.
The Riviera team welcomed guests with a refreshing Floradora pink-hued gin cocktail whilst the floor-to-ceiling glass framed the river views. The two long tables were elegantly decorated with pink and peach flowers, whilst the pastel-coloured table runners created a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere.
Beautifully styled tables adorned with pastel florals with backdrop river views set the scene for an unforgettable afternoon of fine dining, warm hospitality and meaningful connection among the ladies of the Riviera family.
A celebration of the waterfront
The Yacht Club quickly filled with lively conversation as guests exchanged stories, shared travel experiences and forged new friendships. The luncheon reflected the enduring sense of belonging that has become synonymous with the Riviera family, bringing together women from around Australia and overseas through a shared appreciation for life on the water.
“I’ve made some wonderful new friendships, swapped stories, talked interiors, best marinas and places to cruise.”
Tara
“We spend at least 12 weeks per year on board where our yacht is based at Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays. We’re actually sailors at heart, my parents have a sailing yacht in Cornwall in the UK. It was easy to choose Riviera as we visited all the main yacht brands at the Miami International Boat Show but knew the Riviera 4600 was the one. It has an incredible layout with clever use of space – it’s the Goldilocks of boats,” said Riviera owner Tara from Melbourne.
“We come to the Sanctuary Cove show every year and especially enjoy attending the special Riviera events.
“It’s wonderful of Riviera to organise this special lunch – recognising the ladies of the Riviera family. A very sophisticated lunch, lovely food and amazing setting, and to be at the home of Riviera at their factory, is just fantastic.
“I’ve made some wonderful new friendships, swapped stories, talked interiors, best marinas and places to cruise.”
Owners and guests sharing stories and cruising experiences while enjoying one of the most anticipated social events of the Riviera Festival of Boating.
“The Riviera family is built on special connections, shared experiences and lifelong friendships.”
Stephen Milne
The Ladies Luncheon brought together Riviera owners from across Australia and around the world, united by a shared passion for boating and the exceptional Riviera lifestyle.
Brand & Communications Director Stephen Milne welcomed the ladies of Riviera and provided an insight into the role of the Yacht Club.
“This building is a vision of Rodney Longhurst’s and reflects his passion for quality. The Riviera Yacht Club is a private venue, exclusive for Riviera owners who can come here to select their individual interior furnishings for their new yacht, for boating education training and where owners can come for an in-depth three-day handover and briefing to ensure they are familiar and confident with their new yacht. This building can also be the venue for fabulous owner events just like this, and where we can host the world premiere of new models,” said Stephen Milne.
“The Riviera family is built on special connections, shared experiences and lifelong friendships. Events such as today reinforce and inspire this unique bond and we are grateful that you have all joined us to celebrate and share your love for your motor yachts and the best life on the water.”
The gathering then transitioned into a culinary experience curated exclusively for Riviera guests
Guests forming new friendships at the private waterfront venue created exclusively for Riviera owners while enjoying a memorable culinary experience.
Culinary excellence
Queensland celebrity chef Alastair McLeod was given creative freedom to design a bespoke menu celebrating contemporary Australian cuisine.
“Good food is simple food. While it may not be easy to do or quick to do, it is food that tastes of itself, with nothing to mask the flavour. This transparent way of cooking allows the produce to be the star,” said Alastair McLeod whilst preparing the feast.
Queensland celebrity chef Alastair McLeod curated a bespoke menu celebrating the finest seasonal Australian produce.
Guests enjoyed an elegant selection of canapés including Spanner crab, Smoked curd, Seared peppered beef and Smoked Yarra Valley caviar before a generous feast-style main course was served to each table, encouraging a shared, sociable dining experience. Roasted South Burnett chicken breast and Ora King salmon were accompanied by roasted baby potatoes, seasonal beans and oven-fresh Sourdough bread.
The broad wine selection complemented the menu, including Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux Brut from France, Brokenwood Cricket Pitch Sauvignon Blanc Semillon from the Hunter Valley and Petaluma Hanlin Hill Riesling from the Clare Valley. A choice of Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé from France, Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz Mourvedre from the Barossa Valley and Nanny Goat Pinot Noir from Central Otago in New Zealand also tempted the tastebuds.
“…the colours, flowers and décor have made a fabulous setting for a lovely ladies afternoon.”
Dores
Guests enjoyed an exquisite selection of canapés and shared feast-style dining, complemented by premium wines and sparkling conversation throughout the afternoon.
Throughout the afternoon, conversation flowed as naturally as the river beyond. Stories of cruising adventures aboard Riviera yachts mingled with discussions of business, family and future travel plans.
“My husband is currently on one of the Riviera training courses back at the show. So, I’ve brought my sisters and son’s girlfriend to this beautiful lunch. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, lovely food and presentation. It’s the first time we’ve been to this event, and the colours, flowers and décor have made a fabulous setting for a lovely ladies afternoon.
“Susie and Dean from the dealership in Auckland are very inclusive of the Riviera family. They organise monthly get-togethers for social drinks and invite guest speakers along,” said Riviera owner Dores from Auckland.
The finale was as memorable as the opening, with raspberry tart and white chocolate crème brûlée, chocolate and salted caramel tart, and passionfruit marshmallows providing a sweet conclusion to a wonderful culinary journey.
Every detail reflects the Riviera experience
For many, the luncheon represented far more than an elegant social occasion. It was an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet fellow yacht owners and celebrate the unique camaraderie that defines the Riviera lifestyle.
Set against a backdrop of waterfront luxury, exceptional cuisine and effortless hospitality, the exclusive Ladies Luncheon became a highlight of Riviera’s 2026 Festival of Boating and a memorable celebration for the Riviera family.
Highlights from the exclusive owners' preview of the new Riviera 6200 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition – a milestone evening destined to be remembered.
Enjoy our gallery of highlights from the Ladies Luncheon
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