The 950-strong team at Riviera, Australian luxury motor yacht builder, has celebrated the end of 2025.
Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst hosted a luncheon in early December, where he asked the assembled team to look back with pride at the past twelve months.
He said that 2025 had been a year of achievements right around the world.
“Four new model launches, new dealership appointments, record shipments of yachts internationally, amazing showcases at the major international boat shows and the external recognition we have received with multiple awards for our training efforts; it has been a year of accomplishment,” he said.
“Riviera has continued to expand our facilities and manufacturing technologies, further enhancing the quality of our yachts and the working environment for our team.”
He said the team at Riviera enhanced the lives of so many people around the world.
“That is a great reward for us all,” he said.
Exceptional new models
During the year, the team launched four exceptional new models.
4300 Sports Express
72 Sports Motor Yacht Series II
64 Sports Motor Yacht Series II
5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition
The World Premiere of the exciting and highly versatile 4300 Sports Express was held in May. This innovative new design allows owners to enjoy the exhilaration of performance boating with the ability to be out on the water quicker for a relaxing afternoon escape or luxurious long weekend.
The World Premiere of the new generation 72 Sports Motor Yacht Series II was also held in May followed by the 64 Sports Motor Yacht Series II in October. The holistic refinement approach to the exterior and interior of these yachts has created a new aesthetic that is both contemporary and timeless.
In early December, the Riviera team proudly held the World Premiere of their latest creation, the 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition that sets a new benchmark for a luxury motor yacht under 60 feet. Offering new levels of space, comfort, liveability and luxury appointments with new levels of engineering excellence, blue-water capability and fuel-efficient performance.
Boat show spectaculars
The boat show season began for Riviera with a superb display at the Miami International Boat Show in the United States in February.
In late May Riviera assembled a most spectacular showcase at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The display featured 12 exceptional motor yachts, including the 4300 Sports Express and the 72 Sports Motor Yacht Series II.
The team then joined European dealer representatives at the Cannes Yachting Festival in France in September to showcase the European Premiere of the new 4300 Sports Express as the centrepiece of the display.
The final show of the year was Riviera’s grand showcase at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October. The display featured 12 motor yachts including the Americas Premiere of three magnificent yachts – the 4300 Sports Express and 64 and 72 Sports Motor Yacht Series II editions.
The enthusiastic response to the premieres and Riviera showcases at these major shows was a great compliment for the Riviera team.
Riviera Yacht Club opens
In a grand evening of celebration, Riviera officially opened the Riviera Yacht Club. Offering a spectacular glass frontage overlooking the company’s marina, this private club has been created as a welcoming and inspirational educational centre exclusively for Riviera owners.
The world-class centre will become the home for the commissioning of new yachts where Riviera’s Customer Support team, in partnership with Riviera dealerships, will undertake extensive multi-day vessel familiarisation, orientation and educational handovers with owners.
Festival of Boating
Riviera hosted two exclusive Festival of Boating events during the year – the first in May at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and then later in the year at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The empowering Riviera education program of the festival consists of seminars and on-water workshops, each designed to help motor yacht owners enjoy their ultimate boating experience. Riviera’s signature social events were also a part of this exclusive program.
Riviera worldwide network expands
During 2025 Riviera welcomed new representatives in Europe and Canada.
In Türkiye, Riviera is now represented by Doğuş Marine Services, part of Doğuş Otomotiv, whilst Monaco Boat Group now represent Riviera in two important markets – Monaco and Italy.
In Quebec in eastern Canada, Riviera also welcomed Marine 360 as dealer representatives.
Today, Riviera exports more than 60 percent of annual production through a global dealer network spanning five continents.
Technician Training Academies
Riviera hosted two Technician Training Academies during the year, attended by representatives from across the company’s global dealer network.
The intensive multi-day academies were held as part of Riviera’s commitment to the care of motor yacht owners, ensuring that technicians remain current with the latest advances and technical knowledge.
Delivering to the world
Earlier in the year, the Riviera team assembled a fleet of 10 Riviera luxury motor yachts to be delivered to Mexico and the east coast of the United States. The team utilised the unique DYT Yacht Transport float-on/float-off transporter for this major shipment.
Later in the year, the company achieved what is believed to be a world first – the largest ever number of vessels placed onto a single cargo line ship anywhere in the world.
The precious cargo of 15 luxury Riviera motor yachts was delivered to Florida on the east coast of the United States where most were exhibited as part of the 12-yacht Fort Lauderdale Boat Show display.
Apprentice achievements
Rodney Longhurst told the team during their appreciation lunch that it was a privileged to be involved with the company’s apprentice program.
“Not only are our apprentices becoming great at their chosen trades, but they are also excelling in many areas through the life skills we teach in our Propel program,” he said.
In May, the Riviera team was recognised for its apprentice training, being awarded the prestigious Australian Apprenticeships Leadership Medal 2025. This accolade acknowledges Riviera’s commitment to training and mentoring the next generation of marine industry professionals.
Kyle Davison, Riviera Manufacturing Director, told the end-of-year team gathering that Riviera apprentices consistently meet and exceed expectations.
Announcing Riviera’s Apprentice of the Year award for 2025, he said: “We have a stringent process in the way we award the Apprentice of the Year. It is based on a broad set of criteria including trade skills as well as strong communication skills, willingness to take on additional duties and having a growth mindset.”
First Year Marine Craft Construction apprentice Hunter Tuck was awarded Riviera Apprentice of the Year.
In mid-December, Riviera’s commitment to training was further honoured with the presentation of the Gold Australian Apprentice Employer Award.
Rendezvous events for the global Riviera family
An amazing range of boating events throughout 2025 have been enjoyed around the world by the Riviera family. These events ranged from a superb raft-up in Perth to cruising-in-company trips exploring the Hawkesbury River in Sydney and the Whitsunday Islands in Australia. Beyond, Riviera owners have cruised from New Zealand to Fiji and ventured through the Pacific, while others have rendezvoused at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands. In the Americas, cruising-in-company trips to the Bahamas and Roche Harbor in the Pacific north-west brought the Riviera family together.
World-class team
When Rodney Longhurst proudly addressed the 950-strong team, he said: “Every one of you, individually and together, has excelled in your efforts during the year. We hear the positive feedback at the major boat shows we attend and during the delivery handover of every new yacht. You go from strength to strength and I am extremely proud of you all.
“Every day I see an amazing willingness to work together. We work to show everyone in our team and all our Riviera owners that we care about them and their boating experience.”
Rodney Longhurst concluded: “Even more than building world-class motor yachts that showcase our vision and skills that are admired around the world, we continue to build extraordinary people.
“We have showcased the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of our team to the world and received significant praise.
”I know we will all achieve even more together in 2026.”
For more information visit www.rivieraaustralia.com
