With a giant Australian flag flying overhead from a helicopter, Gold Coast luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has farewelled its fleet valued at more than $40 million bound for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, opening on Thursday this week.
The spectacular 12 yacht display—the largest at this year’s show—will include the world premiere of the Riviera 6200 Sport Yacht and the Australian boat show premiere of the 5600 Sport Yacht. These two magnificent new Sport Yachts will headline an exceptional Riviera showcase featuring 12 models from the Riviera fleet ranging from 39 to 78 feet, making Sanctuary Cove Riviera’s only Australian boat show appearance in 2026.
Riviera 5600 SY
Riviera 6200 SY
Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst joined Riviera Apprentices Laura Hillman and Blake Van Der Net to farewell the fleet as the yachts formed a striking 320-metre-long line astern procession, departing Riviera’s 16.8 hectare manufacturing facility at Coomera en route to Sanctuary Cove. With more than 800 boats and watercraft on display, the boat show will again be the southern hemisphere’s largest marine showcase.
“What an incredible sight to behold—a huge Australian flag flying proudly above our fleet of world class motor yachts, all built right here on the Gold Coast,” Mr Longhurst said.
Rodney Longhurst – Owner Riviera Australia
“Sanctuary Cove is a highlight of the boating calendar in Australia and anticipation has been building within our team as we have been preparing all these yachts for the show.
“Our motor yachts are sought after globally for their blue water heritage, refined luxury, and enduring build quality. Today, we export around 60 per cent of our annual production to the Americas, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe.
“Sanctuary Cove provides the perfect stage to present the magnificent Riviera range and demonstrate the wonderful ease of boating that is now enjoyed by more than 6,300 Riviera owners worldwide.”
Riviera will also host a series of exclusive owner events during the show, including its signature Festival of Boating. The programme features more than 30 hands on boating education seminars and on water workshops, alongside several private social events.
“The show is a wonderful opportunity for the Riviera family of yacht owners to reconnect and share in the great joys that boating offers,” Mr Longhurst said.
“With close to 300,000 registered watercraft and more than one million boat licence holders, boating is more than a pastime in Queensland—it’s a way of life.
“Boat manufacturing and marine services are also a vital pillar of the Australian economy, contributing $10.2 billion annually, and I’m immensely proud of the Riviera team for designing and building some of the world’s finest motor yachts that will be on show at Sanctuary Cove this week.”
Left – Blake Van Der Net with Rodney Longhurst, centre and Laura Hillman, right
For more information, visit www.rivieraaustralia.com
