Walking around the 16-hectare Coomera yard, it’s easy to see how Riviera has secured its position as Australia’s biggest boatbuilder. Outputting more than 160 yachts a year from the 39 Open Flybridge to the 78 Motor Yacht – and having recently benefited from an AU$10-million makeover – the facility is testament to Riviera’s craftsmanship and investment in R&D that has put it on the map.
As I tour the yard with Riviera’s Brand and Communications Director Stephen Milne before taking the all-new 585 SUV out for a spin, I also learn of a staggering milestone the company is about to pass. “We’ve built over 5,900 motor yachts in our 43-year heritage,” says Milne, “and we’re preparing to launch our 6,000th boat later this year.
“To see and experience this is a powerful message and, as Australians, it’s something we should all be damn proud of.”
