Tireless effort and dedication of the team recognised.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst and CEO Wes Moxey have credited the tireless effort and dedication of their team for Riviera’s global success as a builder of premium luxury motor yachts.
Speaking to the 900-strong team at the year-end celebrations on the Gold Coast, Mr Longhurst said he was absolutely committed to the continued investment in his people, technologies and their ever-expanding facility. “Our extraordinary success goes beyond Queensland, beyond Australia. Our owners around the world love what our team is designing and creating, but most of all they love our innovation, constant refinement and our commitment to them, allowing them to enjoy their best boating experience possible,” he said. “That’s why we are always investing in you, our people, why we continue to invest in new technologies, and our facility, so that we can continue to be the very best.”
At the start of the year, Riviera’s highly awarded apprenticeship program welcomed 29 talented young apprentices and 10 enthusiastic mature-age apprentices. In 2023, Riviera was announced as the Large Employer of the Year for the Southeast region, in the Queensland Training Awards.
The first international boat show of the year for Riviera was the Miami International Boat Show in February. “The impressive 46 Sports Motor Yacht had her Americas premiere in Miami,” said Mr Longhurst. “We followed this with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May when we celebrated the world premiere of the magnificent 585 SUV, and where she was admired for her innovative design, meticulous engineering, and luxurious appointments and finishes. Australia’s finest fleet was displayed in grand style for the record number of visitors to our display where we showcased 11 yachts from our 39 to 78 feet collection.”
The prestigious Cannes Yachting Festival in France and the European Premiere of the 465 SUV and 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition were held in September. At the world’s largest in-water boat show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida in October, Riviera held their largest showcase outside of Australia with 11 yachts on display including the Americas Premiere of the brilliant 585 SUV. During the Fort Lauderdale Show, Riviera presented the coveted International Dealer of the Year, Service, Sales and Event Excellence awards for representatives outside of Australia and New Zealand.
“Our position in the global boating industry continues to grow. After 43 years and the launching of almost 6,000 motor yachts, Riviera is regarded internationally as one of the world’s leading motor yacht builders. We exported over 60 percent of our yachts in 2023 to the Americas, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East and Asia,” Mr Longhurst said.
Riviera’s exclusive R Marine dealership network around Australia and in New Zealand also hosted a wonderful array of owner events. These ranged from boating education programs to casual cocktails on the dock, fishing tournaments, fabulous extended cruises in company and an Australian record raft up of 79 yachts in Perth earlier this month.
Finally, December marked the world premiere of the magnificent 58 Sports Motor Yacht. Riviera hosted an exclusive launch for invited guests who are the first in line for the future delivery of their new 58 SMYs. The 58 will have her first boat show premiere in February 2024 in Miami. “In a year of great change around the world, I am so very proud of our global team for their commitment to excellence. I constantly admire their passion and incredible work. We are inspired by the global Riviera family of motor yacht owners and we are grateful for their trust. They excite us every day to be different and better,” Mr Longhurst said.
