Sunshine, laughter, and lively conversation set the tone for the Riviera Ladies Day at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show held last month (June 2025). Over 100 Riviera women from around Australia gathered under clear May skies to enjoy an afternoon of elegance, connection, and celebration.
Guests arrived at the garden deck of Ioesco restaurant. Hosts welcomed them with chilled Prosecco, zesty limoncello, and elegant canapés. Many reconnected with familiar faces, while others met for the first time — the shared Riviera lifestyle provided instant common ground.
A colourful photo corner featuring two Vespa scooters added an Italian touch to the festivities. Laughter echoed as guests posed and snapped fun photos, capturing the event’s spirit of celebration and sisterhood.
Trish Bonnici from Bribie Island, Queensland, owner of a Riviera 4600 Platinum Sport Yacht, attended her first Riviera Ladies Day this year. She arrived early, settled into the garden, and quickly found herself deep in conversation with friendly women.
“Everyone was so welcoming. I felt at ease immediately,” Trish said.
Inside, the dining room transformed into a Mediterranean escape. Long tables brimmed with Italian favourites. Guests enjoyed Pizza Rossa, Queensland king prawns in garlic butter and chilli oil, and burrata with figs and heirloom tomatoes. Each dish paired beautifully with Italian Pinot Grigio “Farina Le Pezze”, offering refreshing minerality.
As lunch continued, stories flowed just as freely. Women shared boating experiences, from adventurous passages to problem-solving at sea.
“I loved hearing how others handled challenging situations,” said Trish. “It’s reassuring and inspiring to learn from each other.”
Joanna Butler from Mandurah, Western Australia, attended alongside fellow Riviera owners. She and her husband, Steve, now own their tenth Riviera — a 585 SUV named Oceans 10.
“From the moment we arrived, it felt like Positano,” she said. “The mood was pure Mediterranean summer.”
Conversation ranged from shared adventures to ideas for Riviera-themed Facebook groups, like Riviera Fashions on the Water. The enthusiasm and creativity among guests revealed the depth of connection this community enjoys.
For many, the Riviera Ladies Day at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show felt less like a formal event and more like a family reunion. The camaraderie, hospitality, and joy created lasting memories.
Trish summed it up best: “It’s hard to share boating experiences with people who don’t live it. But here, everyone gets it. I’d love to come again.”
As dessert arrived — a decadent, creamy tiramisu — guests leaned back, satisfied and smiling. Five lucky winners collected door prizes, and farewell hugs circled the room.
The Riviera Ladies Day at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show offered more than just a beautiful lunch. It celebrated a lifestyle built around quality, connection, and the open water.
To pre-register for the 2026 Festival of Boating at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, visit: Riviera Australia
