Riviera owners around Australia came together in the lead-up to Christmas to stage a series of spectacular celebration mega raft-ups and share the real joy of being a part of the Riviera family.
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Record raft-up in Perth
In Western Australia, Riviera and Belize owners heeded the call in huge and enthusiastic numbers to attempt a new Riviera world record at Matilda Bay on Perth’s Swan River.
Local Riviera and Belize Dealer R Marine Perth has hosted raft-ups for owners for the past 10 years.
The 2016 raft-up created a Riviera world record of 43 motor yachts.
“We were determined to beat that record this year,” said Dealer Principal Michael Pitman.
By the time the raft-up was complete soon after midday, it was clear to everyone that they had created a new record in the world of Riviera – 48 Riviera and Belize motor yachts, all safely rafted up, ready for a fun-filled afternoon.
Garry and Kerry James arrived in the bay aboard their new Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht,Northern Escape.
“We took delivery in June so she is still very new to us,” explained Garry. “We were excited to participate. This was our first time at the mega raft-up.
“It was really great to be a part of a new Riviera world record.”
Ken and Carolyn Hogan joined the raft-up aboard their Riviera 51 Open Flybridge, Eclipse.
“Well done to Riviera and Michael Pitman’s team,” said Ken.
“We brought a group of friends with us and we all really enjoyed the day. We went from boat to boat, meeting people and socialising throughout the afternoon.”
Michael Pitman was delighted with the response from West Australian owners.
“Now for a 50-plus record in 2018!” he said.
“Best weekend ever” on Queensland’s Gold Coast
On Queensland’s Gold Coast Broadwater, the team at R Marine Jones hosted 26 Rivieras to create a spectacular horseshoe raft-up in a man-made bay called the Marine Stadium.
“It was the best weekend ever,” said Ken Wilson.
Ken and wife Sonya have been to a number of Riviera events, including a cruise with the R Marine Jones team to Lady Musgrave Island aboard their previous Riviera, a 33 Flybridge called R and R.
“We now have a 43 Open Flybridge called Sequel,” said Ken.
“In terms of atmosphere, rafting-up was a great idea.
“Everyone was hopping from one motor yacht to another throughout the evening.”
Sue and Paul Scott had owned their Riviera 40 Flybridge Forty Something for only eight weeks when they joined the raft-up and this was their first Riviera event.
“It was a marvelous way to get to know people,” said Sue. “A few weeks earlier, a guy named Jason helped us tie up at Sanctuary Cove. And there he was in the raft-up! We danced half the night aboard Jason and Jo’s Riviera.”
Sue said the couple’s inspiration for owning a Riviera and joining Family events came from the Riviera Festival of Boating.
“We went to the Festival earlier this year and immediately agreed – we have to have one of these Rivieras!”
Melbourne rafts-up to welcome the 72 Sports Motor Yacht home
Martha Cove on Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay was the site for a mega raft-up to welcome Riviera’s magnificent new 72 Sports Motor Yacht to her new home.
Hosted by Victoria’s dedicated Riviera and Belize dealership R Marine Jacksons on a sparkling Saturday afternoon, the raft-up brought together 24 Riviera motor yachts for an afternoon of Riviera family fun and camaraderie on the bay outside the Hidden Harbour Marina on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Sergio Cinerari said: “It was a spectacular sight to see so many Rivieras together.”
Sergio and his wife Leanne had come from Sandringham aboard their Riviera 445 SUV,Dory.
“What a lovely way to spend an afternoon,” he said.
R Marine Jacksons Dealer Principal Stuart Jackson said: “The 72 Sports Motor Yacht,Orrca, made a magnificent sight as she manoeuvred into the centre of the raft-up horseshoe.
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“It is safe to say everyone was in awe of this extraordinary motor yacht and she certainly created a great sense of pride among the Riviera family.”
Grant and Tania Cassels aboard their 3600 Sport Yacht Moonglow were impressed with the smooth operation of the raft-up.
“Stuart and his team were fantastic,” said Grant. “We had never been involved in a raft-up like this before. The organisation went like clockwork.
“Once we were all in place, Stuart brought in a band aboard a Riviera and we danced through the afternoon.
“A special surprise was a lovely picnic basket from R Marine Jacksons that included a bottle of champagne and some R Marine Jacksons gifts.
“What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon on the water.”