A moving tribute to the dedicated team behind Riviera’s most impressive showcase at Sanctuary Cove to date.
In a grand evening filled with celebration, Riviera, Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder, has officially opened the Riviera Yacht Club. This private yacht club has been created as a welcoming, inspirational and educational centre exclusively for Riviera owners.
Located at the waterfront heart of Riviera’s 16.8-hectare manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast, the yacht club boasts a spectacular glass frontage overlooking the company’s marina and an ever-changing showcase of motor yachts being prepared for delivery to new owners in Australia and around the world.
“The creation of this yacht club is another example of the commitment that Rodney and Riviera have towards enhancing our experience as part of the Riviera family.”
Syd Yates
Click the play button to enjoy the Riviera Yacht Club Grand Opening film.
This world-class centre will become the home for the commissioning of new yachts where Riviera’s Customer Support Team in partnership with Riviera dealerships will undertake extensive, multi-day vessel familiarisation, orientation and educational handovers with owners. Supported by a structured program of hands-on systems training, practical boating exercises, and equipment simulations, this invaluable process will allow Riviera owners to gain greater knowledge in their motor yacht and their boating.
The yacht club also has an interior design studio where owners can immerse themselves in the creative process of personalising their new yacht. From finishes and soft furnishings to layout options and an impressive array of onboard accessories.
A range of events will also be hosted at the yacht club from exclusive training sessions to private new yacht launch events for family and friends. A dedicated interactive electronics and electrical display is also housed within the yacht club that will assist with training and equipment and systems selection.
Officially opened by long-standing Riviera family members Syd and Barb Yates, the opening night commenced a new era in the Riviera owner experience.
“Riviera is not just a brand name; it really is a family.”
Barb Yates
Also within the yacht club is a special Riviera boutique, displaying signature Riviera essentials including premium yachting clothing and an exclusive collection of fine crockery, cutlery and range of glassware, all created for refined onboard living and entertaining.
Styled by Rivera’s design team, the luxe interior features an extensive display of burgees that honour yacht clubs around the world where you will find Riviera yachts proudly moored.
It was only fitting that Riviera owners should officially open the yacht club on behalf of the more than 6,000 owners worldwide.
The yacht club boutique, for all your Riviera essential apparel.
Syd and Barb Yates have been part of the Riviera family for nearly 20 years, a journey that began when they travelled from Papua New Guinea to Australia in search of a boat and met the team at R Marine Jones on Queensland’s Gold Coast. In true Riviera style, boating memories were at the forefront of Mr Yates’ opening night speech, celebrating the history and connections that define Riviera ownership.
“Our first boat was a little 21-foot banana boat,” laughed Syd. “Stepping up to a Riviera was daunting, but the R Marine team took the time to understand us – not just what we needed, but who we were.”
Barb fondly reflected on her most memorable Riviera moment so far.
“We actually took off to the Whitsundays and lived on our boat for three months, a few years ago.”
A dedicated centre for the commissioning of new Riviera yachts, where owners will receive comprehensive, multi-day vessel orientation and handover, with hands on learning.
“The Riviera family of boat owners that we met along the way were amazing because they were there to help and guide us during our time in the islands. They took us to the outer reef. We had functions together, sat on sandbars and shared champagne, prawns and lobsters. What more can I say, it was just a fantastic experience.”
“Riviera is not just a brand name; it really is a family.”
“The creation of this yacht club is another example of the commitment that Rodney and Riviera have towards enhancing our experience as part of the Riviera family. Why would you buy a boat anywhere else!” Mr Yates concluded.
A space to connect – sparking knowledge, building community and nurturing creativity.
“We have a drive to build spectacular motor yachts that you all can be extremely proud to own.”
Rodney Longhurst
At the official opening ceremony, Riviera owner, Rodney Longhurst, welcomed and addressed the VIP guests.
“The same sweat, tears, and drive that has gone into the building of this yacht club is exactly the same as we invest every single day in building our motor yachts. It’s you, our owners, who give us this opportunity to build something different and better, and we love to create and advance.”
“We have a drive to build spectacular motor yachts that you all can be extremely proud to own.”
“’I’d like to thank you for all your support. We are a hard working Australian family company and opening our owners’ yacht club is a big deal for us. We are committed to creating the greatest possible Riviera owner experience and I hope that you’ll be able to join us many times here in your club and enjoy this facility. We want you to have a wonderful Riviera experience here, as well as out on the water.”
The Riviera Yacht Club stands as a celebration and exclusive meeting place for owners where the Riviera family can return and are always welcome.
This private yacht club has been created as a welcoming, inspirational educational centre exclusively for Riviera owners.
MORE RIVIERA NEWS
Celebrate the Riviera lifestyle – browse the gallery for the unforgettable moments our owners have captured at sea, near and far.
The first 4300 Sports Express owners share their firsthand impressions of a new chapter in boating.
Four days of hands-on learning and expert-led training empowering owners to navigate with total confidence.