RIVIERA – FOREVER EVOLVING, ELEVATING OWNER EXPERIENCES, AND UNVEILING THE RIVIERA OWNERS YACHT CLUB
In mid-November, while en route to the Sydney Boat Show, Doug and I took a detour to Queensland to hear about and witness firsthand the exciting developments underway at Riviera Australia, and to also experience their brand-new Owners Yacht Club.
Riviera is in the midst of one of the most dynamic periods in its history. The iconic Australian luxury motor yacht builder is forever evolving and enhancing design and production techniques, training over 100 apprentices, creating magnificent new models launching four this year – the 4300 Sports Express, 64 and 72 Sports Motor Yachts Series II Editions and in December, the 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition. All this whilst also making a landmark investment in the owner experience: the newly opened Riviera Owners Yacht Club, an exclusive waterfront lounge and training hub for Riviera owners.
THE RIVIERA OWNERS YACHT CLUB: REDEFINING LUXURY OWNERSHIP
One of the most transformative developments this year was the opening of the Riviera Owners Yacht Club, a private lounge and training centre designed to elevate the ownership experience and further build on the Riviera family culture. Situated at the water’s edge of Riviera’s world class 16.8-hectare Gold Coast facility, the club boasts a stunning glass façade overlooking the marina, where yachts undergo final commissioning before delivery across Australia and the world.
Here, multi-day owner orientation programs bring together Riviera’s Customer Support Team and dealership experts for hands-on training, equipment demonstrations, and system familiarisation. The club also includes a superb interior design studio, where owners collaborate with Riviera’s interiors consultant on layouts, finishes, and personal touches. Nearby, a technical gallery allows for interactive exploration and education of electronics, electrical systems, and equipment options. Exclusivity is further enhanced by the Riviera boutique, offering premium apparel, bespoke accessories, and a curated range of onboard lifestyle products (from glassware to fine crockery) available only to Riviera owners.
The club’s interior design was undertaken by Riviera’s owner and in-house design team, and features burgees from yacht clubs where many Riviera yachts are moored worldwide, celebrating the global community of Riviera owners. Long-time owners Syd and Barb Yates officially opened the club earlier this year, reflecting the family-like culture Riviera fosters among its 6,200 plus owners worldwide.
This new facility complements an already elevated customer journey, including private fabric and interior consultations, personalised vessel familiarisation and commissioning, and exclusive launch events for owners and their guests. Whether a yacht is cruised locally, before international shipping or prepared on-site for an Australian owner delivery, each motor yacht undergoes meticulous quality assurance to meet Riviera’s exacting standards.
The Riviera Owners Yacht Club stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to craftsmanship, community, and world- class owner care: a space where owners can gather, learn, celebrate, and deepen their connection with the company that builds their yachts.
RECORD PRODUCTION AND GLOBAL DEMAND
Even during the recent years of global affairs and their impact on the global boating industry, Riviera continues to operate at impressive levels, producing around 120 motor yachts annually, or more than 2 yachts delivered each week. With roughly 20 yachts scheduled for handover before Christmas, the shipyard is running at full capacity.
Recent model launches have been met with strong demand. The newly introduced 72 and 64 Series 2 models both sold sight unseen prior their Americas premiere in Fort Lauderdale. Riviera’s latest major launch, the 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition revealed privately on December 6 ahead of its public unveiling on December 13, has already sold 27 yachts. From this point forward, all future launches will take place at the Riviera Yacht Club at the Gold Coast headquarters, further cementing the site as the heart of the brand’s global operations.
STRENGTHENING SERVICE, TRAINING, AND GLOBAL SUPPORT
Behind Riviera’s world class production is a strong commitment to people. Over 100 apprentices are enrolled in the Academy of Excellence, mastering the craftsmanship and engineering skills that define Riviera yachts.
Riviera has also further enhanced global owner support this year, with two intensive three-day service technician academy’s. The Riviera Yacht Club was the perfect venue for this year’s service training, which welcomed technicians from the United States and Europe, complementing a separate program for Australia and New Zealand, who happened to be there the day we visited on site. Topics covered in these conferences range from cutting-edge onboard technology to advanced repair practices, ensuring consistent high-level owner care worldwide.
EXPANDING RIVIERA’S GLOBAL PRESENCE
Riviera’s growth is evident internationally. This year new dealerships have been appointed in Türkiye, Monaco, Italy and Canada. The company also staged its largest-ever American showcase at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, displaying 13 yachts, including the 4300 Sports Express – a spacious, luxurious alternative to traditional centre-console designs. Earlier in the year, the model made its Australian debut at Sanctuary Cove, with owners attending the official reveal.
THE RIVIERA FAMILY
The single major thing I picked up on while visiting the yard was the culture of family. Ownership at Riviera goes beyond simply having a yacht, it’s joining a community.
A culture of pride, craftsmanship, and connection ensures owners, their families, and the Riviera team share a passion for life on the water. Owners consistently describe feeling supported, welcomed, and valued, whether attending events, cruising alongside fellow owners, or stepping aboard a new yacht. From the factory floor in Coomera to the Owners Yacht Club and marinas worldwide, the Riviera family thrives on camaraderie, adventure, and the joy of being part of something truly exceptional.
RODNEY LONGHURST: LEADING WITH VISION
Riviera Owner Rodney Longhurst grew up immersed in boating, his father John founding Pride boats and young Rodney spending much of his childhood aboard them. He left school early to pursue a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship, skills that still shape his hands-on leadership approach.
Since acquiring Riviera in 2012, Rodney has guided the company through an era of growth and innovation, expanding the model range with the SUV, Sports Motor Yacht, and Motor Yacht collections and new Sports Express. He champions training programs and advanced manufacturing techniques, blending traditional boatbuilding with modern technology to elevate quality and performance.
Under Rodney’s leadership, Riviera celebrated the launch of its 6,000th motor yacht in April 2024, a milestone reflecting both commercial success and a dedication to craftsmanship, owner care, and long- term legacy.
Riviera Australia is clearly entering a new era, one defined not only by exceptional yachts but also by an enriched owner experience, a strong global presence, and a thriving community that sets Riviera apart in luxury boating.
LOOKING AHEAD
Even as Riviera expands its model line, facilities, and global reach, the company remains steadfast in prioritising quality over scale. The Riviera, build to last philosophy, blue water heritage, immense luxury yet always highly practical, has made Riviera the boaters boat.
