‘Proud’, ‘passionate’ and ‘positive’ – these three words perhaps best describe the vibrancy of the worldwide Riviera team as the renowned luxury motor yacht marque recaps a year of significant milestones and memories and prepares to enter 2016 with a number of superb new model releases.

Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the outstanding 2015 highlight for Riviera has been welcoming 85 members to the global family of Riviera and Belize luxury motor yacht owners.

“For us, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing our valued owners enjoy all the rich and rewarding benefits that only the Riviera lifestyle can offer,” he said.

“Together with our dedicated international Riviera and Belize network spanning some 60 countries, we look forward to continuing our advancement in providing first-class customer care, and expanding our truly unique program of educational, social and cruising events throughout 2016.”

In 2015, Riviera was honoured by being awarded the prestigious Australian Marine Industry Exporter of the Year for 2015, in addition to Large Exporter of the Year for 2015.

Riviera was also named as a finalist in two categories of the international IBI-METS Boat Builder Awards – the Retail Marketing and the International Dealer Development categories.

“We are delighted by the industry’s recognition for Riviera,” said Mr Longhurst. “And it reflects the continued growth in global affection for our world-class luxury motor yachts.

“Of course these honours strengthen our passion for creating the best Rivieras ever.”

Notably, 2015 marked the World Premieres of four impressive new models:

The 77 Enclosed Flybridge

• World Premiere at Dubai International Boat Show in March

The 57 Enclosed Flybridge

• World Premiere at Sydney International Boat Show in August

The 52 Enclosed Flybridge

• World Premiere at Sydney International Boat Show in August

The 525 SUV

• World Premiere at the Riviera Festival of Boating and Gold Coast International Marine Expo in May.

Additionally, we announced three more inspiring designs:

The new 5400 Sport Yacht

• World Premiere at Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show in Florida from 11-15 February 2016
• Australian Premiere at the Riviera Festival of Boating and Gold Coast International Marine Expo in Australia from 19-22 May 2016

The new 575 SUV

• World Premiere at the Riviera Festival of Boating and Gold Coast International Marine Expo in Australia from 19-22 May 2016

The new Sports Motor Yacht collection

• New 67 design is scheduled for her World Premiere early 2017.

“Of course, our commitment to constant refinement also plays a significant role in how we are striving to cater for the needs and desires of luxury motor yacht owners,” said Mr Longhurst.

“Just one example is the presidential design of the very popular 6000 Sport Yacht, which we also unveiled with great success during 2015.”

Additional 2015 highlights included:

The Riviera Festival of Boating in May

• The largest and most successful festival of fun and learning yet has us busily preparing to raise the bar from 19-22 May 2016

The Gold Coast International Marine Expo

• Riviera is a proud founding partner of the Expo, which was named the Australian Events Industry’s coveted 2015 Best Exhibition award. Expo 2016 once again coincides with the Riviera Festival of Boating from 19-22 May 2016

Reel Torque Yachts, Singapore – joined the Riviera and Belize network

• Servicing Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam

R Marine Port Stephens, Australia – joined the Riviera and Belize network

• Servicing the NSW Central Coast

Riviera’s new Stuart office, Florida, USA – commissioned

• Manned by a dedicated team of boating professionals servicing the Americas, European, Middle East and North African markets

Boating Partnerships – syndication service launched

• For Australian Riviera and Belize owners with a passion for boating but who find their time to spend out on the water is limited. This is the only syndicated boat ownership program that carries Riviera’s endorsement.

As 2015 draws to a close, Riviera is continuing its recruitment drive, through which the marque is building its talented team of designers, engineers and master craftsmen. Riviera today has 480 dedicated team members on-site at the Coomera manufacturing facility on Australia’s Gold Coast, including some 36 school-aged, workforce entrance-aged and mature-aged apprentices. This number will grow to over 50 in 2016.

“At Riviera, we believe strongly in the future of Australian marine manufacturing and that is why we are so committed to investing in the marine industry champions of tomorrow,” said Mr Longhurst.

“I was recently asked to describe Riviera in one word and it immediately struck me that ‘proud’ truly represents all the key attributes that have helped Riviera to be considered as amongst the best builders of luxury yachts in the world,” he said.

“Every day we focus our efforts, enthusiasm, experience and energy on finding the next incremental improvement so that recreational luxury boating continues to become easier and more enjoyable for Riviera and Belize customers.

“It is this culture of excellence and a passionate, professional team relentlessly moving forward that is making all of this possible.

“I feel enormously proud to be a part of it.”