Riviera owners build confidence
Riviera owners gain valuable knowledge and practical skills during expert-led workshops at the Festival of Boating, enhancing knowledge and safety on the water.
Riviera yacht ownership extends beyond purchasing a yacht, as Riviera helps develop the skills that assist owners to operate their luxury yacht with confidence. At the Festival of Boating during the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, owners accessed expert-led training designed to enhance safety, seamanship and enjoyment on the water.
Beyond delivery: Building confidence
For many owners, taking delivery of their new luxury yacht is the realisation of a lifelong dream. Yet for Riviera, the commissioning, handover and delivery are just the beginning. New owners can access a comprehensive three-day handover at the Riviera Yacht Club, complete with full systems familiarisation and skipper training, ensuring they leave with the confidence to enjoy their yacht fully and safely from day one.
That commitment to owner education continues at the Festival of Boating held annually at both the Sanctuary Cove and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Shows. Spanning three days, the bespoke training program offers Riviera owners access to more than 30 expert-led workshops and seminars designed to deepen knowledge, enhance safety and maximise their enjoyment on the water.
Covering everything from skipper courses and anchoring to offshore seamanship, navigation, radar, weather, CZone, stabilisation, solar power, power management and safety, the program reflects Riviera’s dedication to supporting owners long after their purchase. Specialist training was also delivered by leading partners including Volvo Penta, Garmin, Humphree, Seakeeper and Muir.
Sound seamanship and confidence-building remain at the heart of the Riviera ownership experience and the Anchoring and Mooring course proved popular.
“Empowering our yacht owners to enjoy their ultimate boating experience is what our team is firmly focused on.”
Rodney Longhurst
At the heart of every session was a simple objective: helping owners become more confident, capable and prepared on the water.
“Empowering our yacht owners to enjoy their ultimate boating experience is what our team is firmly focused on. Whether owners are seasoned boaters or new to this wonderful boating life, there is always knowledge and skills to refresh or learn,” said Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst.
“It is fantastic to see our ladies skipper program growing in popularity each year. When we receive feedback following the festival and hear that more ladies are confidently taking the helm and sharing in docking, running and anchoring their yacht as a team with their partners, it is just so rewarding.”
Riviera trainers escorted groups of Riviera owners out onto the Coomera River to learn and practise the art of anchoring.
“I wanted to understand as much as possible – what it takes to drive and dock the yacht to allow me to enjoy boating as much as my husband does.”
Jacqui
Riviera owners participate in hands-on skipper workshops, gaining practical experience aboard Riviera yachts under the guidance of expert trainers.
Hands-on training aboard Riviera yachts
Alongside classroom seminars at the dedicated Riviera Boating Academy, owners took part in practical workshops aboard Riviera yachts, transforming the rear of the showcase into a dynamic learning environment.
One of the most popular initiatives was the ladies-only skipper, mooring and anchoring workshop, designed to help women gain confidence operating their yachts independently.
“We have just purchased our first Riviera, a 6000 Sport Yacht four weeks ago, and I wanted to understand as much as possible – what it takes to drive and dock the yacht to allow me to enjoy boating as much as my husband does. Also, I want to be able to help if something goes wrong or someone is ill,” said Jacqui.
“This is the first time I’ve learnt the entire process of how to anchor…”
Linda
Participants learn everything from linework and deck duties, to engine room checks, helm and systems induction to yacht handling, manoeuvring, joystick operation, assisted docking, dynamic positioning and anchoring techniques, all while gaining valuable time at the helm.
“This is the first time I’ve learnt the entire process of how to anchor, including operating the helm,” said Riviera owner Linda.
Small-group on-water sessions allow trainers to tailor instruction to different yacht types and individual experience levels, creating an engaging and highly personalised learning experience.
“…it was great to find out more about how much the CZone system can do and to understand how to utilise it to its full potential.”
Rod
Owners gather in the cockpit and strengthen their knowledge through practical sessions such as the Skippers course in Knots, Lines and Hitches.
Riviera empowers owner boating knowledge
The training program also provides owners with opportunities to better understand the sophisticated systems that power their luxury yacht.
A standout session was the CZone workshop led by Riviera Electrical Design Manager Matthew Wheatman and supported by Navico specialists aboard a Riviera 6000. Owners explored digital monitoring, power management and onboard automation through live demonstrations and practical explanations.
“I have practical experience but limited formal training, it was great to find out more about how much the CZone system can do and to understand how to utilise it to its full potential,” said Riviera owner Rod from Sydney.
For many yacht owners, gaining a deeper understanding of these technologies enhances both confidence and capability on board.
“We have a sport yacht, but I don’t have my boat licence, and as it’s just the two of us that normally go out, I need to be able to look after both of us. It’s been fantastic to attend these education sessions and particularly the practical anchoring course,” said Riviera owner Jill from Perth.
The Festival of Boating offered classroom-style sessions on advanced onboard technologies with workshops conducted by Riviera experts and partners including Garmin and Praxis.
“…it’s just the two of us that normally go out, so I need to be able to look after both of us.”
Jill
For owners of Riviera yachts, the Festival of Boating represents far more than a training program. It reflects the ongoing relationship Riviera fosters with its owners – one built on knowledge, confidence, trust and a shared passion for life on the water. Whether stepping aboard for the first time or refining the skills required to command a sophisticated motor yacht, owners leave better equipped to enjoy every adventure ahead.
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