Riviera to launch 4300 Sports Express at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Gold Coast-based boatbuilder Riviera Australia will launch a new family friendly vessel next month as the sector continues to ride a wave of offshore interest. Take a look inside.
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Australia’s largest motor yacht builder Riviera Australia will launch its new family friendly edition next month as the sector continues to ride a growing wave of offshore interest.
Retailing at just under $1.6m, the 4300 Sports Express will be unveiled at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on the Gold Coast.
The motor yacht’s main point of difference is a series of open plan zones that Riviera is calling the sea deck, sports deck and sun deck – aimed at first-time boat owners.
With children in mind, the sea deck’s innovative boarding platform can lower into the
water, creating a step that doubles as a seat, with an adjacent alfresco barbecue area.
The single-level open plan living and entertaining zone on the 4300 is called the sports
deck, with a covered cockpit and saloon.
Powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS diesel engines, the 45 footer has the latest touch screen navigation and operational technology complete with joystick steering.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the 4300 Sports Express is a highly versatile motor yacht with a “great sense of fun” with a particular emphasis on lifestyle and enjoyment.
“Boating is all about enjoying that special place and sharing family time together; to meet
up with friends, relax, explore, swim, snorkel or paddleboard,” he said.
“This is where the Sports Express excels as the entire stern of the yacht is free and open
to allow exceptional access to the water for maximum enjoyment.”
The company, which has about 950 team members at its 16.8ha Coomera boat building complex in the northern Gold Coast, unveiled its 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition at last year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
About 60 per cent of Riviera’s motor yachts are sold to overseas buyers and the vessels range from 39 to 78 feet, with price tags ranging from $1.1m to $6.9m.
Riviera is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and in the last financial year sold almost 150 motor yachts worth more than $300m. It has a range of celebrities on its client list including Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise.
Riviera was established in Sydney in 1980 by boating legend Bill Barry-Cotter and a year later relocated to the Gold Coast.
In 2002 Mr Barry-Cotter sold Riviera to Singapore’s GIC Special Investments and Gresham Private Equity.
Riviera was placed into receivership in 2009 during the global financial crisis and in 2012 it was purchased by Mr Longhurst, who is the son of Dreamworld founder John Longhurst, and is also a qualified builder and joiner by trade.
Last April Riviera launched its 6000th motor yacht from its Coomera base.
The company is one of the Gold Coast’s biggest employers.
Mr Longhurst said the new Sports Express places a particular emphasis on lifestyle and enjoyment.
“You’ll love the new boarding platform design that lowers to become your own sea deck,” he said.
“The forward sun deck boasts a triple sun lounge with a separate forward-facing lounge with a fold out table.
“You will want to stay overnight or longer as the luxurious accommodation deck has a master stateroom, guest cabin, bathroom, toilet, separate full-size shower, TV, lounge dining area and the main galley.”
Originally published as Riviera to launch 4300 Sports Express at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
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