A new chapter for the Riviera family
Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder, has officially opened the doors to its own exclusive owners’ Yacht Club. Nestled on the waterfront within the company’s 16.8-hectare Gold Coast manufacturing facility, the new club is more than just a building — it’s a home for the global Riviera family.
With sweeping glass frontage overlooking the company’s marina and an ever-changing line-up of yachts awaiting delivery, the club is designed to be a welcoming space where owners can commission their new boats, gain hands-on training, and immerse themselves in the Riviera lifestyle.
Built for learning, creating, and celebrating
At its core, the Riviera Yacht Club is a commissioning hub. Here, the Customer Support Team works with Riviera dealerships to deliver extensive, multi-day vessel familiarisation sessions. These include practical boating exercises, systems training, and even equipment simulations — all to ensure owners are confident and capable when they take the helm.
An interior design studio adds a creative touch, allowing owners to choose finishes, fabrics, layouts, and accessories that make their boat truly theirs. There’s also an interactive electronics and electrical display, helping owners understand and select onboard systems.
The club will host exclusive training sessions, private launch events, and gatherings for family and friends. A Riviera boutique offers a curated range of yachting apparel, fine crockery, cutlery, and glassware — perfect for refined onboard entertaining.
A heritage of craftsmanship
Founded in 1980, Riviera began on the shores of Sydney Harbour before moving to its purpose-built Gold Coast facility in 1981. Over more than 45 years, the company has launched over 6,000 yachts, earning a reputation for ocean-tested strength, quality finishes, and designs that balance performance with comfort.
Today, Riviera is a family-owned business under the leadership of Rodney Longhurst, supported by a workforce of more than 850 craftspeople and marine specialists. The yard is the largest luxury yacht building facility in the Southern Hemisphere, producing yachts from 39 to 78 feet across five distinct model lines — the Sport Yacht, SUV, Sports Motor Yacht, Flybridge, and Belize series.
Over 55 percent of Riviera’s annual production is exported, with models cruising in waters from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. Each yacht is built with the latest marine technology — from joystick steering and digital switching to the Volvo Penta IPS system — combined with traditional handcrafting that gives every vessel a distinctive, luxury finish.
For owners, buying a Riviera is more than a transaction. It’s joining an extended family who share a passion for boating, often forming lifelong friendships at events, regattas, and cruises around the world.
A fitting opening
It was long-time Riviera owners Syd and Barb Yates who cut the ribbon on opening night. Their Riviera story began nearly 20 years ago when they travelled from Papua New Guinea to Australia in search of a boat.
“Our first boat was a little 21-foot banana boat,” Syd recalled with a grin. “Stepping up to a Riviera was daunting, but the R Marine team took the time to understand us — not just what we needed, but who we were.”
Barb shared her favourite Riviera memory — three months living aboard in the Whitsundays. “The other Riviera owners we met were amazing. We went to the outer reef, sat on sandbars, and shared champagne, prawns, and lobsters. What more can I say?”
For the Yates, the new yacht club is “another example of the commitment Rodney and Riviera have towards enhancing our experience as part of the Riviera family. Why would you buy a boat anywhere else!”
A vision realised
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the club reflects the same care and determination that goes into building each yacht.
“The same sweat, tears, and drive that has gone into the building of this yacht club is the same as we invest every single day in building our motor yachts,” Longhurst told guests. “We want you to have a wonderful Riviera experience here, as well as out on the water.”
For Riviera’s 6,000-plus owners worldwide, the Yacht Club is now a place to return to — a home base that celebrates not just the boats, but the people and stories behind them.
Click here for further images of the Yacht Club.
