Boat manufacturer Riviera Australia hits 6000th motor yacht milestone

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Riviera 38 MK I 01 launched in 1981 in Sydney - the very first Riviera ever built. Image supplied.

Boat manufacturer Riviera has unveiled its 6000th motor yacht at its state-of-the-art production facility in Coomera on the Gold Coast.

The event marked a significant milestone for the Australian company, highlighting its legacy and commitment to excellence in luxury boat building, Riviera said in a media release.

The grand ceremony was attended by Riviera’s dedicated team of 950 employees, who donned special commemorative shirts for the occasion.

As the sleek metallic silver hulled 5400 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition emerged from the manufacturing station, the staff formed an impressive ‘guard of honour,’ spanning hundreds of meters, to celebrate the historic moment.

The esteemed owners of the 6000th vessel, Peter Haig and his wife Denise, longtime enthusiasts of Riviera’s craftsmanship, were delighted to take possession of their new acquisition.

Haig, a former Commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Sydney, expressed his joy and appreciation for the evolution of Riviera’s designs over the years.

“The design evolution over the 36 years that I have owned Rivieras has been phenomenal,” Haig remarked.

He continued, “One of the most important points for me is that Riviera is 100 per cent Australian. “My wife and I are proud to own a world class motor yacht that has been designed and built by brilliant and dedicated local craftspeople.”

Riviera’s owner and chairman, Rodney Longhurst, reflected on the significance of reaching this historic milestone.

He commended the thousands of craftsmen who have contributed to the company’s success over its 44-year journey, emphasizing Riviera’s position as a leader in the global luxury boat industry.

“Our six thousandth motor yacht – what an incredible achievement for the thousands of craftspeople who have built Riviera yachts over the past 44 years,” Longhurst stated.

“This historic milestone reinforces Riviera’s reputation as one of the most sought after motor yachts in the world.”

Longhurst attributed Riviera’s success to its unwavering commitment to design, quality, and owner care, which he said has earned the company a loyal following of discerning customers worldwide.

He expressed gratitude to Riviera owners for their continued support and for sharing the unparalleled experience of owning a Riviera yacht with their loved ones.

Founded in Sydney in 1980, Riviera’s journey began by producing just eight yachts in its inaugural year.

However, the company relocated to the Gold Coast in 1981 and subsequent expansion over the years, and its current 16.8-hectare production facility at Coomera, inaugurated in 2000, stands as the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Today, Riviera boasts a global presence, with a network of specialist representatives spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.