Queensland boat builder Riviera is exporting 12 luxury motor yachts valued at more than $56 million to the United States for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, marking one of the company’s largest export shipments of the year.
According to Riviera, the yachts began an 8,000-nautical-mile, 34-day journey to Florida after 10 vessels were loaded in Brisbane and two in Sydney. The shipment required two vessels departing from separate Australian ports to transport the fleet to the United States.
At the Port of Brisbane, six motor yachts ranging from 43 to 58 feet were secured to specialised transport cradles before being lifted onto the loading dock and craned aboard the transport vessel. Four larger yachts, ranging from 62 to 78 feet, were lifted directly from the water into the ship’s hold.
“The logistics and planning involved in a shipment of this scale is considerable as shipping schedules are highly structured and our team must ensure every yacht is meticulously prepared and delivered within strict loading windows,” Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said.
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is scheduled to open on October 28 and, according to Riviera, generates more than AUD $1.1 billion in annual sales. The event features more than 1,300 boats across a 36-hectare exhibition and attracts more than 100,000 boating enthusiasts, owners and industry professionals.
“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,” Longhurst said, pointing to the company’s Florida team, Gold Coast operations and US dealership network.
Riviera said it has exported boats to the United States since 1982, with more than 2,000 Riviera motor yachts now operating across the Americas.
“Every member of our team is immensely proud of what we do, bringing Riviera’s Australian craftsmanship onto the world stage,” Longhurst said.
Riviera will showcase 14 motor yachts in total at the Fort Lauderdale show, including the new 6200 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, which will make its Americas premiere.
The company said the 6200 features a new-generation hull design, an alfresco aft deck with an outdoor galley, a foredeck entertaining area and an open-plan saloon. The yacht is available with three or four staterooms and includes a full-beam master suite, three ensuites and a utility or crew cabin.
“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,” Longhurst said.
“Owners around the world choose Riviera for our proven offshore capability, handcrafted excellence and our commitment to customer care,” he said.
