BLACK TIE, WET SUIT AT RIVIERA LAUNCH
THE owner of the city’s largest luxury boat builder donned a tuxedo and waterskied on the Broadwater yesterday to unveil his company’s latest million-dollar boats.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst revealed three Platinum Edition releases – the 4800, 5400 and 6000 – that will be on display at this week’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS).
The company will also exhibit nine other luxury yachts at the four-day show that begins tomorrow.
Mr Longhurst said it was the first time he had waterskied in 14 years, but it was worth it for the launch.
“We always like to celebrate a special occasion,” he said.
“The platinum edition is a refinement. (We’ve) taken them to the next level. There has been exterior and interior enhancements.”
The new range are priced between $1.4 million and $2.7 million.
The marques presence at the show follows their return to SCIBS last year after several year’s away when Riviera supported the controversial Gold Coast International Marine Expo.
The four-day expo – initially held on the same four days as SCIBS – divided the marine industry until it was scrapped two years ago.
Mr Longhurst said the expo hadn’t been just a Riviera initiative but was aimed at growing the Coast’s boat show long weekend as a drawcard for the city and to “get more people investing in boats and coming”.
“You learn from that. We’re still looking to the future. We have to adapt like anyone does,” he said.
Riviera will next year celebrate its 40th birthday, having manufactured more than 5400 luxury motor yachts since 1980.
It builds about 100 boats a year at its Coomera factory base. More than half of which are sold to international buyers.
Riviera is one of the Gold Coast’s largest employers with more than 600 people at its Coomera site.
SCIBS continues until Sunday and includes a huge range of all manner of watercraft and more, from luxury yachts and pleasure boats to tinnys, trailer boats, jet-skis and luxury cars, as well as a fishing competition and cooking demonstrations.