For the team of experienced marine technicians and engineers from Riviera’s worldwide dealership network, the three-day training and service academy was well worth the jet lag.
Hosted at Riviera’s 16-hectare (39.5 acre) state-of-the-art facility on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the service academy forms part of an annual program conducted by Riviera to enhance the skills of its dealer network teams. The three-day program comprised more than 10 separate workshops plus extensive tours of the facility, taking participants through the entire yacht production process from hull lamination and engineering, through to anti-fouling.
The dealer network teams left with a detailed understanding of the new product development processes, including a confidential tour of a new yacht in the early stages of development. They also undertook an extensive review of Riviera’s latest safety systems, vessel care, maintenance and system connectivity, designed to make boating with Riviera easier, safer and more enjoyable.
The final day of the program included sea trials aboard three Riviera yachts, including the newly launched 46 Sports Motor Yacht, with all participants wholeheartedly agreeing the event was a resounding success.
“We have been a Riviera Dealer for 16 years and I have visited Coomera a number of times,” says Matt Mrozinski from Lake Michigan Yacht Sales. “On this visit I was extremely impressed by the significant investments and improvements the company has made, right across the site from technology to buildings and processes.
“The training was very technical, which our team greatly appreciated. Seeing exactly how the yachts are built today, being able to touch and observe the entire process was very beneficial. This latest training and knowledge-sharing allows us to better serve our customers,” Matt says.
Greg Glogow from Sun Country says he is deeply impressed by the Riviera facility, and its level of presentation, technology and growing scale. “I have been in the marine industry for more than 30 years and this is the best facility I have seen anywhere in the world.”
Randy Buckell from Emerald Pacific Yachts says he really appreciated the extensive detail of this latest training academy. “This additional knowledge regarding the new batteries being utilised, the inverters and charging systems was very helpful. We were able to meet and talk with Riviera’s engineers and technicians and further our knowledge.”
Randy’s business partner Brett Aggen says this latest round of product knowledge was vital to the dealership networks’ capabilities with customers. “Everyone can see and touch a yacht,” Brett says. “Understanding the technology so often hidden onboard is important in being able to answer customers’ questions with confidence and provide assurance as well as, if required, service assistance.”
Chris Bingham, also with Emerald Pacific Yachts, says seeing the scale of the Riviera operation was eye-opening. “I was impressed by the efficiency of the plant and how much effort Riviera takes in eliminating waste and focussing on the reliability of the yachts,” Chris says. “They undertake 1,700 tests during a build before the yacht is handed over to a customer. The yachts are complex systems and it’s great to know just how meticulous the build team is.”
Kenny Brown from Sun Country says he was already familiar with much of the new technology, including Garmin and CZone. “The seminars were very useful and the Riviera team was very open to answering all our questions,” he says. “Being able to have the time to get to know and talk with the Riviera technicians was very useful. I thought the training would be good, but it was truly amazing.”
Anthony Vigliotti from OneWater Group found immense value in the in-depth factory tour. “It helps us greatly to understand how the yachts are built,” Anthony says. “I was impressed by the processes that drive each build. The fact that Riviera manufactures even its own small parts, sets this organisation apart. We will take much of the Riviera culture back home with us. These are yachts built by people with pedigree!”
At the conclusion of the training and service academy, Riviera Australia’s owner Rodney Longhurst praised the international team for their enthusiasm, dedication, and support of Riviera owners around the world. “Our worldwide network of representatives is the face of Riviera and we are extremely proud of your efforts,” Rodney says. “We are appreciative that you have set aside your time to travel, for some a journey halfway around the world, to update and expand your Riviera expertise. Your dedication to ensure the best experience possible for Riviera motor yacht owners has never been stronger.”
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