Riviera welcomes AlphaBlue Marine of Panama to its global network

The Ocean Reef Island Marina in Panama City is the location for Riviera's new representative AlphaBlue Marine © Riviera Australia

Australia's luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has expanded its presence in the Americas with the appointment of AlphaBlue Marine as the company's representative in Panama.

AlphaBlue, led by Gerald Gomez, has established a new office and team for AlphaBlue Marine in Panama City's newest and most exclusive marina complex, the Ocean Reef Island Marina which will become a focal point for Riviera motor yacht sales and services in Central America. The marina is located within an enclave of two premium residential islands in the heart of Panama City.

"We are delighted to be joining the global Riviera network and to be caring for current and new Riviera owners in the best marina location in Panama City," said Mr Gomez.

"The marina is home to some of the most luxurious motor yachts in the country, offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama City skyline - the perfect location to showcase Riviera's luxury motor yachts."

AlphaBlue Marine will draw on Mr Gomez's extensive experience in Panama working with a broad range of luxury marques.

"Our vision is to become a leader in the luxury business and lifestyle sector for premium quality automobiles, motorbikes, yachting and aviation, and we are thrilled to be appointed to the Riviera motor yachts partnership."

"A partnership combining the excellence of Riviera motor yachts with our knowledge and focus on the luxury market in Panama through AlphaBlue Marine will provide a boating experience with a new level of care and support."

Since 2016, Mr Gomez has successfully launched and represented Maserati in Panama and is the authorised importer for Lamborghini and McLaren. He also represents Italian furniture icons B&B Italia and Maxalto. Mr Gomez says Riviera aligns perfectly with this vision.

"Riviera is a company that is in constant evolution, continually refining and launching new models, all with a clear vision and objective to be the best in the world," said Mr Gomez. "Our existing clients appreciate everything that Riviera has to offer and they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first new motor yacht into Panama."

The AlphaBlue team is supported by Mr Gomez's wealth of personal experience gained through a 37-year career with Procter & Gamble, most recently as Senior Regional Vice President of Latin America.

AlphaBlue Marine clients will be supported by a service team supervised by an AlphaBlue technical director. Further support will be provided by the group's existing team and systems.

A leisure boating paradise

Panama, a country that straddles the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, offers some of the best leisure boating and fishing destinations in Central America, making it perfectly suited to Riviera's expansive range of 24 models in six individual collections, from the 39 Open Flybridge to the new 78 Motor Yacht.

"From Panama, you are within easy reach of many beautiful boating destinations, including island resorts, where you can enjoy pleasure boating, fishing or simply entertaining aboard, and that's where Riviera really excels," said Mr Gomez.

"You can cruise to so many places and, with Costa Rica and other parts of Central America so close, more people are now starting to enjoy this kind of extended boating. Panama is increasingly becoming more like Puerto Rico, and we will see that evolve considerably in the coming years."

The opening of the new AlphaBlue office has been set to meet the Panamanian summer season which lasts from November through to May.

"We are opening at the best time for the Panama boating season," said Mr Gomez.

AlphaBlue plans to host exclusive high-end events for Riviera owners throughout the year.

"We look forward to meeting current Riviera owners," said Mr Gomez. "Events are very popular here, and after the lockdowns and restrictions we have been experiencing, there will be many people looking forward to getting out and boating."

Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst welcomed Mr Gomez and the AlphaBlue team to Riviera's global representative network.

"We look forward to working with AlphaBlue to bring the Riviera luxury motor yacht experience to Panama," said Mr Longhurst.

"Gerald brings a passion to our network that aligns with our desire to provide superior service and support and create the ultimate boating experience for Riviera owners around the world.

"With more Riviera motor yachts now cruising the Americas, AlphaBlue will further strengthen the support for our current owners while welcoming new yacht owners to the Riviera family."