Riviera Festival of Boating - New educational events announced

by Stephen Milne on 10 May 2013 The upcoming Riviera Festival of Boating will have seven new educational events. An exciting new workshop designed to make skippering a small boat child’s play is expected to be hugely entertaining and educational for pint sized captains at the Riviera Festival of Boating held from May 23 to 26 at Coomera on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

It is one of seven new educational workshops which have been added to the program since the Festival registration website went live in March.

Riviera has been inundated with registrations and enquiries as the date of May 17 when registrations officially close rapidly approaches. The original program of 76 educational and social events has prompted the addition of several new workshops, including the Riv Kidz Skipper Program, which now brings the total to 83 individual events.

The new events offered in the expanded educational program include, anchoring, line work, rafting and mooring; onboard entertainment; understanding gyro stabilisers, electrical power systems; understanding electrical accessories, understanding marine insurance, and a special children’s only Riv Kidz Skipper training program. Limited places are available at all workshops and registration via the Festival of Boating website is essential.

Riviera’s Chairman Rodney Longhurst said boating was very much a family affair and the Riviera Festival of Boating encouraged all Riviera and aspiring power boat owners to become more confident on the water.

'Our educational events have proved extremely popular with our owners who are always keen to learn more about their boats and onboard systems,' Mr Longhurst said.

'The women’s and men’s skipper programs are usually the first to book out. There has been a growing demand to introduce the Riv Kidz Skipper Program for children aged under 16 years and we are proud to have nautical trainer Karla Herbert-Evans on board at this year’s Riviera Festival of Boating.'

Ms Herbert-Evans said most parents were keen to have their children learn the skills and knowledge to handle their tenders and smaller vessels.

'Essentially, it is the same as the big boats, just a smaller version,' Ms Herbert-Evans said.

'It is equally important for children to become familiar with their boats and know all the safety procedures and checks.

'The Riv Kidz Skipper Workshop covers the same topics as the women’s and men’s programs but just on a smaller scale and with simplified terms to make it engaging and enjoyable for the younger members of the Riviera Family.'

The Riv Kidz Skipper Program will cover pre-departure boat checks, bungs, fuel, oil, battery/spark and water; safety equipment checks; tender limits; understanding boat and crew limitations; knots line and hitches; check the conditions; let someone know before you go; start, stop, safety, steering, throttle control, trim control and balance; embarking and disembarking; always keep a good look out; manoeuvring, berthing, anchoring; signage and rules; boat maintenance and cleaning.

There are two Riv Kidz Skipper Workshops held on the weekend of the four day Festival so people are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. Visit website! for all the latest Festival news and registration forms.

Mr Longhurst said the other programs would give power boat owners the opportunity to trial first-hand the amazing gyro stabiliser technology on board a Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge, learn the correct anchoring and line work techniques, explore the latest on board entertainment systems, electrical power systems and accessories, and finally a greater understanding of marine insurance.

'These new workshops are designed to give power boat owners and enthusiasts the knowledge and experience to become confident boat owners,' Mr Longhurst said.

'We encourage our Riviera owners to learn more about their boats and onboard systems to ensure they are getting the best performance and achieving the ultimate enjoyable boating experience.'

Riviera offers 15 different models from 36 to 75 feet across three model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht and the new SUV collection.

In 2012 Riviera celebrated the launch of its 5000th boat, the 445 SUV, a significant achievement in the company’s rich 32-year history.

Riviera also offers the bespoke Motor Yacht line, Belize Motoryachts. Inspired by classic luxury details and timeless style, Belize Motoryachts has recently released the new 52 foot Sedan and Daybridge models.

For more information, please go to event website