Holdfast Shores Marina, Glenelg, South Australia: As a widely respected builder of high-end luxury homes, Alan Sheppard has an exacting eye for detail. However, he admits even he was impressed with the premium quality finish of his latest Riviera, the beautiful 50 Enclosed Flybridge, Infinity.

And he’s equally impressed with the fact ‘nothing was too much trouble’ as he worked with iconic Australian boat-builder Riviera towards achieving his ultimate yacht.

“She’s a cracker of a boat,” declared Alan. “When we took delivery from R Marine SA we were aboard every night enjoying everything she has to offer.”

Infinity is Alan’s third Riviera, having previously owned a 42 Open and 47 Enclosed Flybridge. He decided to step up to the three-stateroom/two bathroom 50 Enclosed because of its impressive alfresco entertaining characteristics, its high performance and its internal staircase leading up to the sky lounge.

“I liked all the features Riviera has introduced,” said Alan. “The Volvo Penta pod drives are fantastic – the boat is very easy to manoeuvre and has really direct response to the joystick, which makes everything a lot easier, especially when backing in to berth.

“C-Zone (centralised digital switching) is amazing as well – you no longer have to go running around the boat switching everything on or off – you just touch a button on the control screen.

“The fuel economy of the twin Volvo Penta 950s is truly fantastic and she handled superbly when we took our first trip to Kangaroo Island recently – Backstairs Passage can get a bit rough but it was easy for a boat built to the quality of Infinity.”

Indeed, the 50 Enclosed’s sea-keeping performance was enough to impress even the very experienced skipper, Captain Bob Jones, who drove her from Sydney to Melbourne on the journey home to Holdfast Shores Marina, Glenelg.

“Paul Harrop from R Marine SA said I needed to see this one so I came down from game-fishing in Cairns thinking I was doing him a favour … but I’ve got to say she impressed me no end,” he said.

“We left on a Sunday with 25 knots on the nose and ran about 18-25 knots – she handled very well – the Volvo Penta engine management system, with the auto-pilot, was very impressive – it’s like nothing I’ve ever used before.

“This is the first pod-drive boat that I have driven with the big engines and, well … I’d certainly buy her!”

That’s a glowing endorsement from a living legend like Captain Bob Jones, who also complimented Alan on the interior decorating, which in his words is ‘very stylish’.

Which might be a somewhat of an understatement – Infinity’s strikingly luxurious interior features have received wide praise for an enhanced sense of elegance.

“The sycamore timber veneer chosen certainly adds to this, and the crème leather lounge and yellow cushions in the saloon that just opens everything up,” said Alan.

“The white/blue LED lighting we have in the saloon is an added treat and then we also had fibre optic lighting installed so we have the impression we are looking out into the stars from the lounge.

“We even had our carpet custom-made in Perth and sent across – nothing was too much trouble … not even the custom drinks cabinet.”

Infinity’s exterior features include backlit 3D signage, 900mm higher than standard Outriggers, and the bow rail has been extended for added peace of mind while accessing the side decks.

“We up-specked everywhere,” admitted Alan. “Wes Moxey at Riviera and Paul Harrop at R Marine SA were very patient with all our changes … and that has helped us achieve a sensational boat.

“We are really happy and I now would not go anywhere else looking for a boat – Riviera really is a cut above.”

R Marine SA dealer principal Paul Harrop said Infinity sure is a ‘show-stealer’.

The lighting inside the saloon, the exterior and the underwater lights all add to her unique character and complement everything perfectly.

“And having the very latest IPS pod drive technology from Volvo means not only does she look magnificent, but she also has a top speed of 32.5 knots fully loaded with fuel and gear.”

The 50 Enclosed, with the twin IPS2-950s also has an impressive cruising range of 324nm at 25.3 knots.

Like its namesake, the possibilities when you are on board Infinity are endless.

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