Gold Coast based luxury motor yacht manufacturer Riviera has shared plans for a mid-sized addition to its exclusive SUV Collection, which was revealed at Sydney International Boat Show.
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Designated the 505, the SUV model will make her international debut at next year's Miami Yacht Show in February.
The Riviera design team, working in partnership with company owner Rodney Longhurst and CEO Wes Moxey, conceived a design for a hull that's new from the keel up, resulting in a multi-functional cruising yacht.
The designers cleverly integrated a number of the distinctive "big-boat" attributes, while staying faithful to a SUV model. The design promises to be a seaworthy, sports-friendly flybridge ethos with the entertainment amenities inherent to a sport yacht.
A notable feature will be the 505's raised mezzanine seating area that draws innovation and design from the recently announced 64 Sports Motor Yacht, which is also set for a 2020 premiere.
"Boating enthusiasts are really going to love the new 505 SUV," Rodney Longhurst says.
"She perfectly complements our growing SUV range and, coupled with IPS performance, economy, and ease of use, offers so much for families looking to put fun and freedom back into their weekends."
Riviera CEO Wes Moxey explained the demand for a new SUV model.
"We are seeing a trend of our clients coming from a flybridge, who want to go to a single level," he says.
"They don't necessarily want a garage or a sport yacht, so the SUV fills that niche very well."
The Riviera 505's hull is classically designed, with a gently sweeping sheerline and prominent topside windows, with a raked coach-house with generous glass surrounds.
For a cleaner, more contemporary look, the bowsprit is seamlessly incorporated into the hull design. The bowsprit will house a 35 kilogram stainless-steel Ultra Anchor and 50 metres of 10mm chain, as standard.
Further innovation is found in the new foredeck entertainment zone, with a walkway running laterally to avoid having to step over the double sunpad cushions when transitioning from port to starboard, cleaning the windscreen or attaching window covers.
Generously wide sidedecks with raised bulwarks safely connect the foredeck with the cockpit, while dual transom doors provide equally unfettered access to the large hydraulic boarding platform, enhancing the outdoor living space.
Total cockpit area equates to almost 10 square metres, which is ample for fishing, watersports and entertaining. It accommodates a large barbecue/wetbar centre to port and 130-litre fridge/freezer compartment to starboard, flanking the steps leading to the mezzanine.
Linking the mezzanine with the saloon are a tinted, tempered glass door and awning window, both set in a highly polished stainless-steel frame. A U-shaped galley is immediately to port, where it can efficiently serve meals to the mezzanine and forward dinette.
Jack O'Rourke is a contributer to Ocean Media
THE BIG BOSS
Alex Thomson Racing has announced the completion of a new racing yacht, which will hopefully lead the team to victory in the 2020-21 Vendée Globe round-the-world race.
Hugo Boss is a purpose-built 60ft long carbon fibre yacht, weighing 7.6 tonnes and featuring state-of-the-art hydrofoils. The boat's deck and coach roof, meanwhile, feature solar panelling.is a purpose-built 60ft long carbon fibre yacht, weighing 7.6 tonnes and featuring state-of-the-art hydrofoils. The boat's deck and coach roof, meanwhile, feature solar panelling.
"What makes us one of the most exciting teams in this sport is that we display the courage to lead" Skipper Alex Thomson said, as Hugo Boss was lowered into the water for the very first time. "We innovate, we push boundaries and we're not afraid to do things differently."
SPEEDY BOATERS
Transport for NSW will carry out a trial of electronic speed signage at Swansea Channel in Lake Macquarie starting in August.
NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings says the trial will continue until the end of September and give boat operators an indication of their speed as they pass the sign.
"The NSW Government is committed to improving boater safety by ensuring vessel operators follow speed restriction signs," Mr Hutchings says.
"The sign detects and digitally displays a boater's speed on approach, to encourage safe and lawful travelling speeds for boaters.
"The signage will be operational 24/7 during the trial and is used as an educational speed indicator only. It will not be used to issue speeding fines."
