Riviera luxury yachts bound for US market in Gold Coast export win

A GOLD Coast luxury boat builder is making waves in the American market with its largest export shipment in a decade — worth a cool $14 million.

A GOLD Coast luxury boat builder is making waves in the American market with its largest export shipment in a decade worth $14 million.

Coomera-based manufacturer Riviera yesterday loaded seven, multimillion-dollar luxury motor yachts onto a container ship bound for new owners in the United States.

Coomera-based Riviera luxury motor yachts manufacturer is sending its biggest export shipment in a decade — seven vessels worth $14m — to the US. PICTURE: Bradley Kanaris

As part of the lucrative international shipment, Riviera is also sending four models to one of the world’s biggest annual marine exhibitions, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

The seven sold vessels, which left from the Port of Brisbane aboard the 210-metre AS Patronia container ship, range from a new $850,000 sporty 395 SUV to the new $4.5m long-range and luxurious 72 Sports Motor Yacht.

One of seven Riviera luxury motor yachts loaded onto a container ship. PICTURE: Bradley Kanaris

Both models will also have American premieres at Fort Lauderdale’s show in Florida in October.

Riviera will add a Belize 66 and 39 Sports Motor Yacht to its Fort Lauderdale exhibition.

The seven Rivieras include three 5400 Sport Yachts worth $1.8m each, a $1.3m 4800 Sport Yacht and a $1.8m 52 Enclosed Flybridge.

The luxury boats are worth more than $1m each. PICTURE: Bradley Kanaris

Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst, who brought the company back from the brink of collapse eight years ago, said this shipment confirmed its stature as a premium quality motor yacht builder on the international stage with demand continuing to grow from all parts of the world.

“The shipment represents a milestone and triumph for our 630-strong team, with a total of seven motor yachts exported in the one shipment. This is something that Riviera has not achieved in well over 10 years.”

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Riviera brand and communications director Stephen Milne said the export shipment and multi-million showcase represented a tremendous opportunity for the company.

“It confirms the stature Riviera has as an international brand in the global luxury motor yacht market.”

Mr Longhurst added: “The high level of luxury, leading technology and refinement reflected in all of our 19 individual motor yacht models is sought after by boating aficionado’s around the world. Riviera is highly regarded internationally, and our premium calibre resonates with discerning buyers of superior craftsmanship.”

Riviera has sold 5,300 motor yachts during the company’s 38 years. More than 2000 Riviera yachts have been exported.