The very versatile SUV collection from iconic Australian boat-builder Riviera is set to scale even greater heights after the series flagship 565 model secured Best Motoryacht honours at the biggest boat show in the world.

The prestigious Editors Choice awards for the ‘best of the best’ in production and semi-custom yachts were announced at a special gala presentation during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, hosted by Active Interest Media (AIM) Marine Group.

The sporty and adventurous 565 stood out from a sea of contenders for judges in the 50-59 feet category, endorsing Riviera’s credentials as a world-class builder of luxury yachts and reinforcing its position as Australia’s most-awarded boat-builder … ever.

Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the high-performance features and flexible design of the 565 SUV were certainly hard to ignore – catering for both the avid angler and the cruising entertainer.

“The adventurous Riviera SUV series – which also includes the sporty 445 and 515 models – is the perfect pairing of two legendary designs, each with its own formidable pedigree,” he said.

“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 our luxurious Sport Yacht design.

“The entire SUV range has proven immensely popular since we launched the collection with the world premiere of our 5000th boat – a 445 – a little more than 18 months ago.

“In fact we have now sold 56 yachts with Riviera’s SUV badge – including a 565 at Fort Lauderdale – and we are thoroughly excited with the way this collection is being embraced by boating aficionados worldwide.

“Indeed our proud owners tell us it’s a lot like having two boats .. in one.”

Mr Longhurst, on his return from Fort Lauderdale, paid tribute to the team of 430 international designers, engineers and master craftsmen at Riviera’s 14-hectare, state-of-the-art facility at Coomera on Australia’s Gold Coast.

“Their passion for excellence and commitment to delivering ‘the ultimate boating experience’ to our global family of owners is what sets Riviera apart,” he said.

AIM Marine Group publishes a prestigious stable of boating titles including, Power & Motoryacht magazine, Yachts International, Sail, PassageMaker, Soundings, Anglers Journal and Soundings Trade Only.

Mr Longhurst said the judges in each category were armed with precise selection criteria after editors from across the AIM Group nominated boats that were solid, well designed, built to high quality and performance.

“There is a significant amount of time spent in the field evaluating every contender so being named as the Best Motoryacht in this class … on the biggest marine stage in the world … is a major achievement.”

Riviera Director of Brand and Communications, Stephen Milne, said the team from AIM Marine Group’s Power & Motor Yacht magazine were scheduled to put the stylish and sophisticated new 6000 Sport Yacht through her paces this month.

“The 6000 made her Americas Premiere at Fort Lauderdale so will certainly be a worthy contender for next year’s Editors Choice awards,” he said.

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