Since the first 2012 Riviera Festival of Boating, South Australian Riviera owner Steve Clark has clocked up 200 sea hours on his 45 Open Flybridge yacht and is coming back to Coomera this year with more knowledge and confidence, as well as the desire to learn more.
Boating enthusiasts can inspect the full line of Riviera boats at the impressive red carpet under cover new model boat show
Steve had only just joined the Riviera family when he attended last year’s Festival but he said he learnt so much from the educational sessions that he simply had to come back for more.
“The first thing I did when I bought my Riviera was complete a Coxswain course because I wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing when I took my family out on the boat. The Coxswain course was very general compared to the Riviera Festival of Boating which was specific to Riviera boats. I became familiar with my boat, its electronics and learnt a lot about sanitation systems, in fact, with three daughters I would have to say that I am now an expert on the vacu flush system,” he said.
“The educational sessions were really informative so I hope this year to take it from a novice, inexperienced boater without any sea time to now being able to really apply my sea hours back to what I can learn from the experts at the factory.
“I have a lot more confidence now and I hope I can drive into the detail a lot more. I am interested in learning more about the mechanics and engineering side of my boat and I will be looking at upgrades while I am at the Festival.”
The Women's Skipper Program aims to give more confidence at the helm
The second annual Riviera Festival of Boating is shaping up to be bigger than last year with registrations for the 83 educational and social events exceeding last year’s figures by 50 per cent.
Held from May 23 to 26 at Riviera’s 14-hectare, state-of-the-art Coomera River front facility, the Riviera Festival of Boating is a boat show like no other with a unique undercover on-water intimate red carpet display featuring luxury Riviera and Belize Motoryachts ranging in size from 43 to 63 feet.
The on-water display will showcase 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, Next Generation 5000 Sport Yacht, 5800 Sport Yacht, 445 SUV, the world release of the new 565 SUV, and a full interior mock-up of the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge ahead of her world debut in August.
Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne said the Riviera Festival of Boating was a fantastic opportunity for Riviera owners and aspiring power boat owners to come together to explore the joys of boating.
Educational seminars will give owners and aspiring power boat owners some useful tips and information
“It is the ultimate boat show experience in a relaxed, friendly and informative environment where Riviera enthusiasts can get a true feel for our latest new models,” Mr Milne said.
“Our dedicated team of professionals will be on hand to assist with enquiries and we have many owners who are keen to share their experiences.”
Riviera’s Chairman Rodney Longhurst said boating was very much a family affair and the Riviera Festival of Boating encouraged all Riviera and aspiring power boat owners to become more confident on the water.
Take a full factory tour of the largest boat building facility in the southern hemisphere
“The Festival of Boating is all about helping our valued owners realise their boat’s full potential through a range of educational events, which have proved extremely popular with our owners who are always keen to learn more about their boats and onboard systems,” Mr Longhurst said.
“Riviera experts from all aspects of the business will again share their immense knowledge and passion for the greater enjoyment of boating through myriad specialist programs during the 2013 Riviera Festival of Boating.
Riviera's $15 million on-water boat show is a relaxed and intimate boat show experience
“We have received a large number of registrations for workshops at this year’s Festival which has prompted us to expand the program with the addition of several new educational workshops including the Riv Kidz Skipper Program, which I believe will be very popular.
“This year we have expanded the program to include 83 individual educational, training and social activities for owners and aspiring owners of luxury power boats to enjoy, including interactive displays and the Technology Showcase on the waterfront, which attracted strong interest last year.
“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 fishing clinics, offshore seamanship, exterior maintenance ‘tricks of the trade’ and a full sea trial program.
“People can learn how to navigate, meet our designers and the talented master craftspeople that build our beautiful world-class boats, take a full factory tour, and enjoy a raft of fun events organised exclusively for our Riviera owners and their guests.”
The Festival of Boating provides an opportunity for Riviera owners to come together and share in select social events
The award-winning Belize 52 Sedan 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 offer 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.
The gala dinner is one of the highlights of the four day Riviera Festival of Boating
Riviera offers 15 different models from 36 to 75 feet across three model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht and the new SUV collection.
In 2012 Riviera celebrated the launch of its 5000th boat, the 445 SUV, a significant achievement in the company’s rich 32-year history.
Riviera also offers the bespoke Motor Yacht line, Belize Motoryachts. Inspired by classic luxury details and timeless style, Belize Motoryachts has recently released the new 52 foot Sedan and Daybridge models.
