The second edition of annual Riviera Festival of Boating will provide an expanded educational program this year, with a range of new events, scheduled for the unique four day experience. To take place from May 23 to 26 at Riviera’s 14-hectare, state-of-the-art Coomera River front facility, the four-day Riviera Festival of Boating will feature more than 76 individual educational as well as social events.
Boating enthusiasts can inspect the full line of Riviera boats at the impressive red carpet under cover new model boat show
Festival organisers have been inundated with registrations since the information and registration website went live and are urging people to register early to avoid missing out, as all activities and events have limited places.
Riviera’s director of brand and communications, Stephen Milne, said the Festival provided an unprecedented opportunity for owners and aspiring owners of luxury power boats to understand all aspects of power boat ownership, operation and maintenance.
“Comprehensive seminars and hands-on workshops are hosted by leading boating professionals who have decades of experience in their respective fields,” Mr Milne said.
“The feedback we have received from those who attended the Festival last year has been extremely encouraging with many enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and educational events, in particular, the factory tours and skipper programs.
Educational seminars will give owners and aspiring power boat owners some useful tips and information
“We have a host of exciting new activities and events planned for passionate boaters, as well as the trusted favourites such as the skipper training programs, electronic navigation schools, generator set, sanitation system in-field trouble shooting workshops, and some special ‘ladies only’ events.
“For those new to boating or wishing to brush up on their skills and practical knowledge or are seeking to enter the wonderful and rewarding world of boating, we will offer seminars in offshore seamanship, exterior maintenance ‘tricks of the trade’, fishing clinics and a full sea trial program.
“People can learn how to navigate, meet our designers and the talented craftspeople that build our beautiful world-class boats, take a full factory tour of the largest boat building facility in Australia, and enjoy a raft of fun events organised exclusively for our Riviera owners and their guests.”
Skipper programs and new events such as anchoring line work and mooring will give owners more confidence at the helm
New events for 2013 include understanding the latest advances in onboard entertainment and communications; anchoring, line work and mooring; electrical power systems; and understanding electrical accessories.
Another new workshop for 2013 is understanding marine insurance and making sure that you have your family, your friends and your boat as comprehensively covered as possible. Insurance policies vary greatly and it is often the fine print that sets insurance policies apart. Riviera in partnership with Club Marine will conduct a series of insurance workshops.
Visitors will be able to discover the world of onboard entertainment with the latest sound systems, satellite TV, Digital TV and Foxtel, communications and internet devices to keep them up to date whether in the marina or out at sea.
Visitors will be also able to understand the correct anchoring techniques, line work when rafting up to another boat or tying up to a jetty or marina and tips for safe and easy mooring, including how to pick up a mooring.
Take a full factory tour of the largest boat building facility in Australia
There will be also a unique possibility to learn more about the power systems on board your Riviera or Belize Motoryacht with expert advice and information on inverters, shore power and the C-Zone digital systems.
Understanding electrical accessories takes the visitors step-by-step through the operation of onboard cameras, underwater lights, remote alarm systems and much more.
“The Festival of Boating also provides a unique opportunity for Riviera owners to come together and share in select social events, factory tours, and inspections of our full line at the impressive red carpet under cover new model boat show or at the premium select brokerage show.
“We are also offering secure parking and free ferry transfers to Sanctuary Cove for all our valued Riviera owners.”
The gala dinner is one of the highlights of the four day Riviera Festival of Boating
The on-water display will feature the latest models from Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder, including the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge, 53 Enclosed Flybridge, 63 Enclosed Flybridge, 5000 Sport Yacht, 5800 Sport Yacht, 445 SUV and 565 SUV.
The award-winning Belize 52 Daybridge will also make its Queensland boat show debut at the Festival. The Riviera owned bespoke motor yacht line was recently named ‘most innovative new builder’ at the inaugural AIM (Active Interest Media who publish Power & Motoryacht, Yachts International, and PassageMaker magazines) Marine Group Editors’ Choice Awards held in Fort Lauderdale in October last year.
The Festival takes place at the same time as the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show so Riviera will be offering a free ferry service to and from Sanctuary Cove for registered participants.
The Festival of Boating offers free entry, free on-site parking and easy access with many owners able to arrive by boat at the Festival. A visitor arm will be available and owners can book a berth for a 24-hour period. Riviera and Belize owners will receive preferential berth bookings.
Boating enthusiasts are encouraged to register early as places for all workshops and events are limited. Riviera owners will receive prior registration notification for all events.
Last year organisers confirmed more than 1500 registrations and this year’s Festival is expected to well and truly exceed this.
