Riviera praise their team as they reflect on 2023
by Riviera Australia 20 Dec 2023 13:48 PST
December – An Australian record was set in Western Australia by the R Marine Perth team when 79 Riviera motor yachts attended the annual Riviera Summer Raft-Up © Riviera Australia
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst and CEO Wes Moxey have credited the tireless effort and dedication of their team for Riviera's global success as a builder of premium luxury motor yachts.
Speaking to the 900-strong team at the year-end celebrations on the Gold Coast, Mr Longhurst said he was absolutely committed to the continued investment in his people, technologies and their ever-expanding facility.
"Our extraordinary success goes beyond Queensland, beyond Australia. Our owners around the world love what our team is designing and creating, but most of all they love our innovation, constant refinement and our commitment to them, allowing them to enjoy their best boating experience possible," he said.
"That's why we are always investing in you, our people, why we continue to invest in new technologies, and our facility, so that we can continue to be the very best."
At the start of the year, Riviera's highly awarded apprenticeship program welcomed 29 talented young apprentices and 10 enthusiastic mature-age apprentices. Mr Moxey, whose career with Riviera spans almost 40 years, said he was thrilled to see the program continue to flourish. "I'm proud to see our apprenticeship program go from strength to strength. In May, our apprentice Matthaus Mayer was named Queensland Apprentice of the Year at the distinguished Australian Marine Industry Awards. This achievement is testament to the great mentorship of our highly experienced team and the level of our peerless craftsmanship," he said.
In 2023, Riviera was announced as the Large Employer of the Year for the Southeast region, in the Queensland Training Awards. The award was attributed to Riviera's unique program for personal and career development in which master craftspeople and senior management share their knowledge, experience, and skills, ensuring high retention rates across the business.
"Riviera's vision and exceptional craftsmanship are reflected in our fleet of superb motor yachts that today are admired on the great waterways of the world. Our extraordinary team can all be extremely proud of our achievements," Mr Moxey said.
The first international boat show of the year for Riviera was the Miami International Boat Show in February.
"The impressive 46 Sports Motor Yacht had her Americas premiere in Miami," said Mr Longhurst. "We followed this with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May when we celebrated the world premiere of the magnificent 585 SUV, and where she was admired for her innovative design, meticulous engineering, and luxurious appointments and finishes. Australia's finest fleet was displayed in grand style for the record number of visitors to our display where we showcased 11 yachts from our 39 to 78 feet collection."
Also in May, Riviera hosted their exclusive owners Festival of Boating where owners were inspired by an extensive boating education program and enjoyed a social events calendar including the glittering Grand Table dinners.
The prestigious Cannes Yachting Festival in France and the European Premiere of the 465 SUV and 4600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition were held in September.
At the world's largest in-water boat show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida in October, Riviera held their largest showcase outside of Australia with 11 yachts on display including the Americas Premiere of the brilliant 585 SUV.
During the Fort Lauderdale Show, Riviera presented the coveted International Dealer of the Year, Service, Sales and Event Excellence awards for representatives outside of Australia and New Zealand.
"Our position in the global boating industry continues to grow. After 43 years and the launching of almost 6,000 motor yachts, Riviera is regarded internationally as one of the world's leading motor yacht builders. We exported over 60 percent of our yachts in 2023 to the Americas, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East and Asia," Mr Longhurst said.
"The northern summer was a time for our Riviera family in Europe and the Americas to shine and we witnessed some spectacular events including a rendezvous for 42 yachts in picturesque Roche Harbour on San Juan Island in Washington State, and a Christmas in July party of epic proportions in the British Virgin Islands."
Riviera's exclusive R Marine dealership network around Australia and in New Zealand also hosted a wonderful array of owner events. These ranged from boating education programs to casual cocktails on the dock, fishing tournaments, fabulous extended cruises in company and an Australian record raft up of 79 yachts in Perth earlier this month.
Finally, this month marks the world premiere of the magnificent 58 Sports Motor Yacht. We hosted an exclusive launch for invited guests who are the first in line for the future delivery of their new 58 SMYs. The 58 will have her first boat show premiere in February 2024 in Miami.
"In a year of great change around the world, I am so very proud of our global team for their commitment to excellence. I constantly admire their passion and incredible work. We are inspired by the global Riviera family of motor yacht owners and we are grateful for their trust. They excite us every day to be different and better," Mr Longhurst said.