Sydney, Australia: What better way to ring in the New Year than witnessing Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge light up with a fireworks display so spectacular it is televised right around the globe?

Well, perhaps it is doing so rafted up aboard a luxurious Riviera or beautiful Belize motor yacht, and with the knowledge that this is just the beginning of a 10-day southern sojourn to beautiful Jervis Bay.

The fleet for Pittwater-based R Marine Riley’s latest ‘cruising in company’ adventure comprised eight Rivieras and one new Belize, and dealer principal Mark Riley reports the fireworks ensured the trip began in spectacular style.

“The fireworks and the company were amazing and the celebrations carried on well into the early hours,” he says.

“We had one day of rest before embarking on the 80 nautical mile journey to Jervis Bay.

“The scenery running down the coast was spectacular in its own right and upon arrival to Jervis Bay, we were greeted by a group of seals, followed by dolphins guiding us to our anchorage.”

Jervis Bay’s famous white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters are amongst the safest and most beautiful in the world. The resident dolphins play in the bay all year round, while wallabies, kangaroos, wombats and many other rare bird and animal species abound in the hinterland national parks.

The many bay and ocean beaches, lagoons, secret coves and hidden creeks are renowned for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, standup paddle boarding and surfing.

“We were lucky enough to have nine boats in the fleet including a beautiful 2014 Belize and new a Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht,” says Mark.

“The trip really emphasised our philosophy of ‘cruising in company’ and, for many, this was there first long offshore trip.”

Riviera has long had a commitment to helping people to achieve ‘the ultimate boating experience’ and Mark says one of the main goals of ‘cruising in company’ is to be able to provide people with the confidence to go that little further.

“This is a great opportunity for them to learn more about their boats along the way, cruising offshore in the comfort of experienced company,” he says.

Once in Jervis Bay, the group enjoyed theme evenings including the ever-popular black tie cocktails on the beach, which Mark says was a great opportunity for the ladies to dress to the nines.

“Our international cuisine night provided some amazing food served on the beach with a stunning sunset as the backdrop,” says Mark.

“The tender safari took us around the outlying areas of the bay where the water is crystal clear and full of marine life, not to mention the hammerhead shark which pulled up next to our boat during the fishing competition, whilst one of our crew dangled his feet in the water!”

A perfect forecast gave the fleet a red carpet ride home to Pittwater, with dolphins and seals again making an appearance, as well as some fish being caught along the way.

“It was an amazing trip with an amazing group of people,” says Mark.

M Marine Riley has a number of events planned throughout 2015, including a trip north to Queensland’s Lady Musgrave Island and Fraser Island in September.

“The feedback from our trips have been very positive and we have received many requests from clients who would like to take their Rivieras and Belizes on even more amazing journeys,” says Mark.

“With that in mind, we are delighted to announce our Tasmania Experience 2016 – in January 2016 we are planning a three-week trip along the north and east coast of Tasmania (at the southern end of Australia), exploring the beautiful rivers and coastline that Tasmania offers.

“It’s going to be a fantastic year ahead.”