NEWS - RIVIERA EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS AT SANCTUARY COVE

Australian luxury boatbuilder Riviera has claimed a triumphant return to last weekend’s 22nd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), with 19 new boats sold over the four-day event, including the sale of nine new 43 Open Flybridges.

The company described result as “remarkable” and far exceeding all expectations with a total value of more than $20 million in sales being achieved from across the range.

Riviera’s CEO John Anderson said the world release of the new 43 Open Flybridge was a huge success with the first 43 sale being achieved within the first hour of the show opening.

“The result firmly speaks of the markets continued love of Riviera design, quality and integrity,” said Anderson.

“Our new 43 Open Flybridge has truly excited the market with its exterior timeless design. Our clients like the way the cockpit and saloon flow together to create one giant entertaining space, they appreciate the latest technology including IPS drives and digital switching and, of course, they admire our superior interior design and finish. These elements have been combined to create a very special pleasureboat and a new breed of Riviera flybridge boats.

“Clearly some people have delayed their new-boat purchase until a time when they feel confident about the overall market conditions. That time has come and we are seeing new boat owners coming into boating as much as we are seeing current boat owners making a move into a new Riviera,” he said.

Riviera said sales were across the board from 36 to 61 feet, including multiple sales of 5800 and 5000 Sport Yachts, and a number of flybridge models including a 61 Enclosed.

Veteran sailor Ian Reynolds, who completed his circumnavigation of Australia at the age of 82 in a Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge, officially launched the new 43 Open Flybridge and was a special guest at Riviera’s floating display during the show.

“Ian Reynolds is a great ambassador for Riviera and it was inspiring to hear about his sea voyages over 13,000nm, including the epic circumnavigation of Australia,” said Anderson.

“Ian has shown that while a great many of our owners will never aspire to circumnavigating Australia in their Riviera, it’s nice to know you could safely and comfortably with absolute peace of mind.

“Once again the I Love Riv team were out in force helping to share the real passion people feel for Riviera,” he said.

According to SCIBS general manager Barry Jenkins, numbers were “softer than previous years” but it was a tremendous boat show for everyone.

“Traditionally in the lead up to an election everyone seals their pockets and here the trend has been reversed,” Jenkins said. “I would sincerely trust that these results will go a long way to restore the industry. To think that (Riviera) has done what they have done, I think that’s tremendous.”

For more information, please go to www.riviera.com.au

Photos: The 43 Open Flybridge featured at Riviera's floating display; Veteran sailor Ian Reynolds unveils Riviera's new 43 Open Flybrige; Riviera's new 43 Open Flybridge made its world debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show; Riviera sold nine of the new 43s at Sanctuary Cove; The open flybridge features a newly designed hardtop to increase visibility; The large cockpit opens into the saloon for alfresco entertaining; The saloon features a plush L-shaped lounge and dinette.