Riviera celebrates the 2013 Riviera Festival of Boating

by Stephen Milne on 21 May 2013 The second annual Riviera Festival of Boating will offer an expanded educational program in 2013 with a raft of new events planned for the unique four day experience.

Held from May 23 to 26 at Riviera’s 14-hectare, state-of-the-art Coomera River front facility, the Riviera Festival of Boating boasts over 76 individual educational and social events held over four days.

Festival organisers have been inundated with registrations since the information and registration website went live and are urging people to register early to avoid missing out, as all activities and events have limited places.

Riviera’s director of brand and communications, Stephen Milne, said the Festival provided an unprecedented opportunity for owners and aspiring owners of luxury power boats to understand all aspects of power boat ownership, operation and maintenance.

'Comprehensive seminars and hands-on workshops are hosted by leading boating professionals who have decades of experience in their respective fields,' Mr Milne said.

'The feedback we have received from those who attended the Festival last year has been extremely encouraging with many enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and educational events, in particular, the factory tours and skipper programs.

'We have a host of exciting new activities and events planned for passionate boaters, as well as the trusted favourites such as the skipper training programs, electronic navigation schools, generator set, sanitation system in-field trouble shooting workshops, and some special ‘ladies only’ events.

'For those new to boating or wishing to brush up on their skills and practical knowledge or are seeking to enter the wonderful and rewarding world of boating, we will offer seminars in offshore seamanship, exterior maintenance ‘tricks of the trade’, fishing clinics and a full sea trial program.

'People can learn how to navigate, meet our designers and the talented craftspeople that build our beautiful world-class boats, take a full factory tour of the largest boat building facility in Australia, and enjoy a raft of fun events organised exclusively for our Riviera owners and their guests.'

New events for 2013 include understanding the latest advances in onboard entertainment and communications; anchoring, line work and mooring; electrical power systems; and understanding electrical accessories.

Another new workshop for 2013 is understanding marine insurance and making sure that you have your family, your friends and your boat as comprehensively covered as possible. Insurance policies vary greatly and it is often the fine print that sets insurance policies apart. Riviera in partnership with Club Marine will conduct a series of insurance workshops.

Discover the world of onboard entertainment with the latest sound systems, satellite TV, Digital TV and Foxtel, communications and internet devices to keep you up to date whether in the marina or out at sea.

Understand the correct anchoring techniques, line work when rafting up to another boat or tying up to a jetty or marina and tips for safe and easy mooring, including how to pick up a mooring.

Learn more about the power systems on board your Riviera or Belize Motoryacht with expert advice and information on inverters, shore power and the C-Zone digital systems.

Understanding electrical accessories takes you step-by-step through the operation of onboard cameras, underwater lights, remote alarm systems and much more.

'The Festival of Boating also provides a unique opportunity for Riviera owners to come together and share in select social events, factory tours, and inspections of our full line at the impressive red carpet under cover new model boat show or at the premium select brokerage show.

'We are also offering secure parking and free ferry transfers to Sanctuary Cove for all our valued Riviera owners.'

The on-water display will feature the latest models from Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder, including the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge, 53 Enclosed Flybridge, 63 Enclosed Flybridge, 5000 Sport Yacht, 5800 Sport Yacht, 445 SUV and 565 SUV.

The award-winning Belize 52 Daybridge will also make its Queensland boat show debut at the Festival. The Riviera owned bespoke motor yacht line was recently named ‘most innovative new builder’ at the inaugural AIM (Active Interest Media who publish Power & Motoryacht, Yachts International, and PassageMaker magazines) Marine Group Editors’ Choice Awards held in Fort Lauderdale in October last year.

The Festival takes place at the same time as the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show so Riviera will be offering a free ferry service to and from Sanctuary Cove for registered participants.

The Festival of Boating offers free entry, free on-site parking and easy access with many owners able to arrive by boat at the Festival. A visitor arm will be available and owners can book a berth for a 24-hour period. Riviera and Belize owners will receive preferential berth bookings.

Boating enthusiasts are encouraged to register early as places for all workshops and events are limited. Riviera owners will receive prior registration notification for all events.

Last year organisers confirmed more than 1500 registrations and this year’s Festival is expected to well and truly exceed this.

For more information about the second annual Riviera Festival of Boating or to register for any of the events online, visit www.rivieraaustralia.com/festival. For a free copy of the program contact your local Riviera dealer.

Riviera offers 15 different models from 36 to 75 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express 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 www.rivieraaustralia.com