NEW BOATS - Riviera 61 Series II Flybridge

Riviera has launched a new 61 Series II with a raft of engineering and design enhancements that the Australian boatbuilder says “has made this superb vessel even better”.

The first 61, featuring a Frank Mulder (the Dutch superyacht specialist) designed hull, was introduced in 2008 and according to Riviera was described as the “best running” boat in the builder’s fleet. The 61 Series II it says has a number of groundbreaking design changes offering more capability, offshore and at anchor.

Concept design manager at Riviera, Neil McCabe says the new Series II incorporates a multitude of additional cruising amenities driven by direct feedback from Riviera owners all over the globe.

The 61 Series II features a galley positioned central to the party, a cockpit that is an extension of the liveaboard space inside, a master stateroom that is bathed in light and fresh air, an enclosed flybridge that serves as a sky lounge and refinements to the hull that further enhance performance and seakeeping ability.

The new galley is positioned aft, adjacent to the saloon bulkhead, and separated from the large sociable cockpit space by a hinged awning window and full tinted glass door. Riviera says the result is an extension of light and space from outside in, with guests easily able to converse with whoever is in the galley.

The latest European appliances are housed within cabinetry with soft-close drawers and encased in high-gloss timber. A Miele extraction hood vents cooking odours to the outside through the flybridge structure and the galley sole is non-slip and hard-wearing Amtico flooring. All refrigeration and dishwasher drawers are held in place at sea with machined aluminium cam locks.

Appliances comprise a Miele combination microwave and oven, induction cooktop and slimline dishwasher installed within the U-shape galley, set to port and out of the way of the main fore and aft traffic corridor. A huge working area set atop a solid surface benchtop features an underslung stainless steel sink, an enclosed 27lt waste bin, dedicated cup, plate, pot and cutlery drawers and ample storage.
Riviera said its designers have carefully ensured that every amount of available space has been fully utilised.

Forward of the galley, also to port, is an option for twin bar stools and an L-shaped lounge with convertible dinette table with seating capacity for six plus two.

Opposite the galley to starboard is a bar area with icemaker and fridge set under ergonomically raked flybridge stairs, with solid teak treads nested on flawless TIG-welded stainless steel supports.

Riviera said a special feature of the saloon bar is an electric-lift glassware cabinet that retracts into the varnished cabinetry while underway, yet rises to the occasion at the touch of a button. Powered by whisper-quiet German drive technology, the cabinet features LED backlit shelving and is sure to impress.

Forward of the bar is a spacious U-shaped lounge and dinette with seating for 12, well positioned to take advantage of the large 40in TV mounted on the forward dash.

Riviera said throughout the 61 Series II is a fine blend of varnished timber and fabric wall panelling, creating a soft and acoustically correct “feel” to the interior.

Recessed grabrails are set into the headliner, as is an overhead locker, while air-conditioning is ducted almost invisibly from behind a varnished timber facia panel that run virtually the full length of the saloon.

The very large main saloon is bright and airy, with 360-degree tinted windows and offering views from every seating angle and position. This is the social hub of the vessel, the builder says.

Riviera added that the new 61 has taken its cue from the much larger Riviera 70 and has incorporated social seating into the cockpit, which is no longer the sole domain of the sportsfisherman.

The cockpit now doubles as an alfresco dining experience, with optional opposing fore and aft facing mezzanine seating either side of a solid teak table. The mezzanine also contains a fridge and storage space. A full barbecue centre with sink, rubbish bin and storage is located centrally within the transom, sealed from the weather when underway but creating an entirely different focus for the party at day’s end.

“Of course, the practicalities of a sportsfisher with fully optioned fighting cockpit are retained, with features like below-deck self-draining fishbins, gamechair mounting plate solidly glassed into the cockpit floor, and recessed toe kicks,” said Riviera. “An extensive options list covering rodholders, livebait wells and outriggers ensures the full versatility of the 61.”

Overlooking the cockpit is the spacious enclosed flybridge, featuring forward helm and aft docking station. Just like the lower saloon aft bulkhead, the enclosed flybridge features a hinged awning window and glass door that bolt open to bring outdoors in and unify the space. Wraparound seating to port features folding armrests with functional storage underneath and a dropdown dinette table.

To starboard is a wetbar with bottle and glass storage. A 26in flatscreen TV is wall-mounted above the wetbar. A drawer fridge is located under the base of the pedestal-mounted crew seat to starboard, which fronts the forward dash.

The upholstered wraparound helm can accommodate up to three 12in displays. Air-conditioning ducts can be vented against the windscreen to demist the glass in humid conditions. Opening side windows feature positive seals and deep drainage slots, while night-time privacy is assured with retractable venetian blinds. Also, energy-saving LED lighting extends throughout the 61.

The aft docking station is located aft to the starboard side of the external flybridge door, which Riviera says provides excellent visibility of the cockpit and aft quarters of the boat behind. There is an option to upgrade to Palm Beach single side-mount engine control levers, a favourite with sportsfishermen. To port, is an aft-facing lounge for two.

At day’s end, Riviera said the master suite below decks will be a haven for weary travellers. It’s acoustically shielded with a blend of soft-fabric panelling, wool carpeting and high-gloss timber, and now on the Series II features a flood of light and fresh air from a massive horizontal fixed port mounted in the hullside.

Comprising fixed laminated safety glass and opening portholes handcrafted from stainless steel and wired to the boat’s ignition alarm system, the newly designed hull windows issue light and fresh air into the main cabin to port and into one of two guest cabins to starboard, depending upon which option is chosen by the owner. The starboard dayhead also benefits from this fixed portlight.

In the master suite a queen-sized bed aligned fore and aft now takes advantage of this introduced light and air, while a host of cleverly engineered features make storage of luggage and clothing easy.

Proven German technology electrically lifts a portion of the queen-sized mattress to reveal a spacious step-down storage locker, with large soft-close drawers. Cedar-lined hanging lockers and bedside drawers complement a cabin that includes its own en suite with shower cubicle, vacu-flush toilet, raised porcelain sink and solid-surface bench top.

The VIP guest cabin features a queen-size island bed and offers its own en suite with ample drawer and hanging locker storage. An optional three-cabin layout is available with extra space absorbed by the VIP guest cabin, to include a private lounge or a writing bureau. Regardless of optional layout, the below decks accommodate Miele washer and drier, either totally enclosed behind cabinetry or mounted below a bunk in the starboard aft cabin. The fabric-lined companionway and stairway link the accommodation space with the main saloon. Riviera said this interior finish has proven very popular on the 70 Flybridge as it is hardwearing to high traffic and enhances the accommodation space acoustics.

In engineering terms the 61 Series II retains its original shaft-drive configuration, and base power is twin 1015hp Caterpillar diesel engines with a fuel capacity of 5650lt. Depending upon which engine option is selected, expect a top speed of around 28 to 34kts.

Riviera said the 61 Series II incorporates the latest technology including state-of-the-art digital switching for all DC electrical components, using the proven C-Zone CAN-bus system for fingertip control of electronic functions. At the touch of a 10in LCD screen — positioned in a cabinet at the base of the flybridge steps — a multitude of preset functions can be activated. Whether at sea or in party mode at the marina, the C-Zone digital switching system present a specific menu offering control of all necessary functions. Of course, C-Zone allows for manual override so owners can customise the system to suit their personal requirements.

Riviera described the new 61 as a seaworthy, highly capable long-range offshore vessel. The company’s in-house naval architect Alan Dowd has worked with the Riviera design team to further enhance running trim and performance. Dowd has also split the midship fuel tank to lower the rolling momentum at sea and at rest. He has pared away weight from non-structural components — particularly in the upper decks — to ensure the 61’s responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

Riviera said the hand-laminated fibreglass hull retains its solid feel offshore, thanks to quality construction and a deadrise of 12.5°. Dowd has widened the planing strakes in the forward section of the hull to further reduce spray.

“The 61 Series II is a superb running Riviera,” said Dowd. “Riviera is all about continuous evolution; non-stop refinement. That’s the process.”

Four Riviera 61s are now under construction at the company’s Coomera facility for owners in Australia and Central America and a 61 Series II will be on display at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

QUICK SPECS
Riviera 61 Series II Flybridge

Material: Handlaid fibreglass
Type: Monohull
Length overall: 19.63m
Beam: 5.4m
Max draft: 1.58m
Weight: Approx 30,500kg (dry)
Fuel: 5650lt
Water: 1000lt
Holding tank: 273lt
People (night): 7
Engine: 2 x Caterpillar diesel
Rated HP: 1015 (each)
Max speed: 28 to 34kts (depending on engine option)

Renderings: The new Riviera 61 Open Flybridge Series II; The 61 Enclosed Flybridge Series II; The 61 Enclosed Flybridge Series II flybridge design; The 61 Enclosed Flybridge Series II four-cabin option; The 61 Enclosed Flybridge Series II two-cabin option.