Riviera commences construction of the long-range, luxurious new Sports Motor Yacht collection

In the global luxury motor yacht market, the name Riviera stands synonymous on an international scale with hallmark luxury, technology, blue-water sea-keeping capability and premium owner support. This has not come about by chance – underpinning the remarkable success of Australia’s 2015 and 2016 Marine Industry Exporter of the Year is an ethos of excellence reflected throughout a rich 36-year heritage and the launch of almost 5200 motor yachts that today can be seen cruising the lakes, rivers and oceans of the world. Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said that whilst humbled by the growing global affection for the luxury marque, the 480-strong team of dedicated designers, engineers and master craftsmen at Riviera’s world-class facility on Queensland’s Gold Coast remains absolutely focused on building the best Rivieras ever. “Riviera is extremely proud of the high level of enthusiasm and excitement ahead of the World Premiere of our new, luxurious and long-range Sports Motor Yacht collection in May 2017,” he said. “This refreshingly distinct style of on-water luxury has been developed in-house by the very talented Riviera design team after extensive consultation with our global family of owners regarding their yachts and their aspirations for their ultimate yacht. “What we’ve heard is that, in increasing numbers, our experienced luxury motor yacht aficionados are wanting to take their boating further afield with true long-range cruising aspirations, whilst still being able to fish effectively and undertake a raft of water sports, including diving.” The 68 and 72 Sports Motor Yacht designs help luxury motor yacht owners fulfill these dreams, offering the exhilaration of supreme sports performance as well as fantastic interior flexibility with a wide array of luxury lifestyle features to enhance precious time aboard. For example, the spacious sports-inspired cockpits of both models have copious storage solutions and the elevated mezzanine, at the very heart of the entertaining space, includes a massive dining and entertaining area as well as direct access to the day head. There is also thoughtful connectivity to the central gourmet galley, positioning the chef right in the heart of the very social environment. “The Sports Motor Yacht collection – with the 72 model offering even greater space in the cockpit – offers fully flexible accommodation plans with a choice of three or four staterooms, including full-beam master stateroom with private ensuite. There are options for a teenager’s retreat, crew quarters or dedicated sporting equipment stowage, depending on specific owner requirements and aspirations,” said Mr Longhurst. “The futuristic flybridge of the Riviera Sport Motor Yacht design will be fully enclosed and accessed via an internal staircase, with an ultramodern forward helm brimming with the latest in marine technology to ensure easy operation and to give owners more time to enjoy all the relaxing and rewarding benefits of the luxury long-range cruising lifestyle.” The new-generation 68 and 72 Sports Motor Yacht designs emerged from the 67 concept that was announced at the Riviera Festival of Boating last year. “Before we build each new Riviera, we embark on an extensive program of consultation with our very experienced owners, many of whom have cruised extensive sea miles and spent extended periods living aboard our luxury motor yachts,” said Mr Longhurst. “We then create the yacht using 3D technology enabling us to put to use every millimetre of onboard space and build full-scale internal mock-ups where our designers and our prospective owners can physically walk through the yacht’s saloon and staterooms and get a real feel for the individual spaces and proportions. "Throughout this year’s Festival we physically walked our new Sports Motor Yacht owners through the internal mock-ups and demonstrated how we are continually listening and learning, and how we have incorporated their stated desires into the final design." The Sports Motor Yacht collection will be shaft-driven, with standard power being the proven twin MAN 1550 V-drive engine package delivering 1550 horsepower (1140kW). There’s a full stand-up engine room, while a strong and robust hull developed by Riviera’s in-house design team in collaboration with Frank Mulder Design in the Netherlands – three-time naval architects of the ‘Fastest Yacht in the World. “We have also tank-tested the hull at the Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Aerodynamics at the University of Southampton, England to ensure maximum hull efficiency and performance,” said Mr Longhurst. “The impressive Sports Motor Yacht from Riviera appeals to experienced luxury motor yacht owners who aspire to spend more time aboard with family and friends cruising to idyllic, distant destinations. “The enthusiasm as we showcase the new Sports Motor Yacht concept confirms that this inspiring new design reflects the extensive ‘wish lists’ of many serious motor yacht owners.”