One of Australia’s luxury motor yacht builders, Riviera, is this week exporting a spectacular fleet of luxury motor yachts to the United States, bound for the world’s largest in-water boat show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which opens on October 28 in Florida. The shipment of 12 luxury motor yachts, valued at more than A$56 million, represents one of Riviera’s most significant export movements of the year and is so substantial it has required two vessels departing from separate Australian ports.
Ten Riviera motor yachts were loaded aboard one ship in Brisbane, while a further two yachts were carefully loaded onto a second ship in Sydney, commencing their 8,000-nautical-mile, 34-day voyage across the Pacific Ocean to Florida. Six yachts ranging from 43 to 58 feet were lifted from the water and secured to specialised transport cradles before being safely transferred to the Port of Brisbane. Once at the port, they were positioned on the wharf before being carefully craned aboard the awaiting vessel. Four larger yachts, ranging from 62 to 78 feet, were lifted directly from the water and loaded into the ship’s hold.
“The logistics and planning involved in a shipment of this scale are considerable as shipping schedules are highly structured and our team must ensure every yacht is meticulously prepared and delivered within strict loading windows,” said Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show generates more than A$1.1 billion in annual sales and features over 1,300 boats across a 36-hectare exhibition spanning multiple waterfront locations.
The event attracts more than 100,000 boating enthusiasts, owners and industry professionals from across the Americas and around the world. “The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is our largest international showcase and one of the most important events on the global boating calendar for Riviera, our dedicated team in Florida and on the Gold Coast and our dealership network throughout the United States. “Riviera owners appreciate their motor yachts for their blue-water capability, advanced engineering, refined luxury and enduring quality.
“Since 1982, Riviera has proudly exported motor yachts to the United States. Today, more than 2,000 Riviera yachts cruise waterways across the Americas, reflecting our strong heritage and trusted reputation among boating enthusiasts. “Riviera is respected internationally for building some of the world’s finest luxury motor yachts and every member of our team is immensely proud of what we do, bringing Riviera’s Australian craftsmanship onto the world stage.” Among the 14 luxury motor yachts Riviera will showcase in Fort Lauderdale is the new 6200 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, making its Americas premiere.
Mr Longhurst described the new 6200 as “truly outstanding by any measure”, reflecting Riviera’s 46-year heritage and the company’s continuing pursuit of innovation, luxury and owner enjoyment across more than 6,300 motor yachts launched worldwide. The new-generation hull design delivers exceptional volume, performance and versatility, elevating the 6200 beyond others in its class. Entertaining centres on an expansive alfresco aft deck with a fully equipped outdoor galley, generous lounge seating, and a seamless connection to the saloon. Forward, a luxurious foredeck retreat provides additional space for relaxation and socialising.
Inside, the open-plan saloon offers a sophisticated and welcoming environment, complete with a gourmet galley, multiple entertaining zones and premium handcrafted finishes throughout. Accommodation options include three or four staterooms, highlighted by a full-beam master suite, three ensuite bathrooms and a versatile utility or crew cabin. Practicality matches luxury, with a full-height engine room providing ease of access, while a spacious tender garage accommodates a 3.6-metre tender and an extensive collection of water sports equipment.
“Riviera yachts are often described as the boater’s boat because every motor yacht we create is designed and built for serious cruising, enduring quality and exceptional owner enjoyment,” Mr Longhurst said. “Owners around the world choose Riviera for our proven offshore capability, handcrafted excellence and our commitment to customer care.”
www.rivieraaustralia.com
