The excitement is certainly building heading into 2015 as Riviera caps off a year of significant milestones, including the announcement of our majestic new 77 Enclosed Flybridge.

Set for her world premiere at the Dubai International Boast Show 3-7 March 2015, the 77 Enclosed Flybridge was launched at the home of Riviera at Coomera on Australia’s Gold Coast a special ceremony this week, personally attended by her very impressed Middle East-based owners.

Riviera’s Middle East and North Africa dealer will host the world premiere of the 77 Enclosed Flybridge at the Dubai International Boat Show from 3-7 March 2015, taking centre stage at the renowned display of SF Yachts.

SF Yachts dealer principal Franceso Pitea also plans to take the 77 Enclosed Flybridge for an extensive tour of the Middle East to showcase to customers the skill and craftsmanship of Riviera.

“We are very excited with the direction that Riviera is taking,” he said, adding that there has already a signed contract for another Middle East-based owner due for delivery mid-year.

Another 2014 significant achievement is the growing success of the sporty and adventurous SUV collection of Riviera Australia crossover yachts, now comprising three models – the 445, 565 and the new 515 SUV which was launched this year in May.

The adventurous Riviera SUV series is the perfect pairing of two legendary designs, each with its own formidable pedigree. The crossover SUV series combines the high-performance, blue-water cruising and fish-raising abilities of the classic Riviera Flybridge collection, and the single-level, leisurely entertaining features of the luxurious Sport Yacht design.

Many owners are saying it’s a lot like having two boats … in one!

The growing SUV collection has proven immensely popular since we launched the collection with the world premiere of Riviera’s 5000th boat – a 445 – a little more than 18 months ago.

In fact we have now sold 56 yachts with Riviera’s SUV badge and we are thoroughly excited with the way this collection is being embraced by boating aficionados worldwide.

The versatility of the 565 in particular impressed the esteemed judges of the Active Interest Media (AIM) Marine Group Editor’s Choice Awards at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the 565 was acknowledged as the ‘best of the best’ in its class with Best Motoryacht honors for vessels ranging from 50-59 feet.

The year 2014 also witnessed the world premiere of the stylish and sophisticated 6000 Sport Yacht at Sydney International Boat Show in August, and there have now been eight confirmed sales of this widely acclaimed, high-performance yacht that is akin to a six-star floating resort.

The 6000, with her full-beam master stateroom, is supremely comfortable with clever alfresco lifestyle concepts, ultramodern technology and palatial appointments and boasts an attention to every detail that confirms she is indeed a world-class Riviera.

The success of the Belize Motoryachts range is continuing to grow internationally as we continue to meet the global affection for high-end, classically inspired motor yachts.

The Belize 54 Daybridge made her European premiere in 2014 and we were very pleased that she managed to raise quite a few eyebrows, being named as one of three finalists for the ‘highest achievement’ category for vessels her size in Lux Media’s World Yachts Trophies at the Cannes International Yachting Festival.

The judges said the Belize 54 ‘made herself known from the very moment she arrived’ for her European premiere at Cannes, adding she is the ‘epitome of the flybridge boat’ and praising her sea-keeping abilities.

“In short, it is hard not to be ecstatic about the Belize 54,” the awards ceremony heard.

Also significant is official opening of the Gold Coast TAFE’s Marine Training Centre in March at the Riviera facility at Coomera, and the re-launch of the award-winning school-based apprenticeship program.

And then in May, the 3^rd annual Riviera Festival of Boating was held with record numbers of people attending the world-class Coomera facility for practical knowledge and skills development to help them achieve ‘the ultimate boating experience’.

Add to all that the appointment of new US regional dealers in Grande Yachts International and Richard Boland Yachts and it certainly has been a year worth celebrating and now, Riviera’s 430-strong team is looking forward to an even brighter 2015.

Thanks to our global family of Riviera and Belize owners – may we take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.