Riviera owner waterskies in celebration of new designs in time for SCIBS

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 designs.

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 designs.

Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst revealed three new platinum edition releases — called 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.

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Luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, unveiling three new Platinum Edition Sport Yachts, 6000, 5400 and 4800 series, with a total value of more than $5.5 million. Picture: Jerad Williams

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.”

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Peter Welch, Riviera Owner Rodney Longhurst and Chris McCafferty being towed behind the Platinum Edition Sport 6000 Yacht. Picture: Jerad Williams

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.

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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”.

It was a fun way for the men to celebrate. Picture: Jerad Williams

“You learn from that. We’re still looking to the future. We have to adapt like anyone does,” he said.

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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, jetskis and luxury cars, as well as a fishing competition and cooking demonstrations.