The Gold Coast’s premium luxury motor yacht manufacturer Riviera is looking to again build on what was a stellar export year in 2022 when it ‘shipped out’ motor yachts valued at $156 million to 15 countries, including the United States, New Zealand, Thailand, Puerto Rico, Spain, Germany and Croatia.
That was a 9.1% increase in 2021, representing two-thirds, or 65.4% of its total revenue for the year.
It comes as Riviera prepares for the world’s largest ‘in water’ boat show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where it will showcase nine yachts including the Americas premiere of their exceptional new 585 SUV, valued at AUD $3.35 million.
“The international market has been key to Riviera’s growth and success since the first yacht was exported to the U.S. in 1983, but to export $156 million in 12 months is a superb achievement for our team,” Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst says.
“We’re proud to be a Queensland company and we absolutely love flying the Australian flag overseas. This growth in our export yachts demonstrates the great international respect boat owners have for our yachts. Today, Riviera is recognised as among the world’s leading motor yacht builders. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show attracts exhibitors of the world’s best boats and equipment, and Riviera is absolutely at home there.”
The U.S. saw the strongest growth for Riviera of all countries with an increase of nearly $15 million while Puerto Rico in the Caribbean jumped 21.2% to $4 million.
With the 585 SUV having its Americas premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show commencing on 25 October, the yacht will be shipped out of Brisbane in early September for her long trip across the Pacific.
The 19.8 metre 585 is the latest model in a prestigious line of more than 230 SUV motor yachts launched by Riviera, since 2012, and is the epitome of boating luxury with an all-water sports cockpit, covered alfresco deck, aft galley and extensive saloon deck.
The accommodation deck boats a full beam master suite and separate guest staterooms, sleeping up to six people, plus a crew or laundry cabin.
“It’s basically a private cruise ship – where you have it all to yourself,” Longhurst says. “You can lounge around on the al fresco deck, sip champagne on the huge foredeck lounge at sunset or enjoy a seafood feast with friends and family prepared in the gourmet galley.”
It’s not surprising that more people than ever before have fallen in love or fallen back in love with being on the water.
