Riviera enters 2015 with the launch of the most sophisticated and largest Riviera ever built

Riviera enters 2015 with the launch of the most sophisticated and largest Riviera ever built


Iconic Australian yacht builder Riviera has announced a majestic new flagship for its impressive fleet of premium recreational yachts – one that signifies a progressive step forward for the luxury marque with a legendary passion for perfection.

The new and deluxe 77 Enclosed Flybridge – the largest, most luxurious and most technologically advanced Riviera ever – is the result of a long and successful commitment to constant refinement and continual evolution, which has positioned Riviera amongst the leaders of its field.

The 77 Enclosed Flybridge is a serious long-range offshore vessel offering the perfect mix of cruising and fishing capabilities with ultra-modern marine technology, plush and palatial appointments … and, indeed, boasts all the comforts of a world-class luxury resort.

The first model in the 77 series was launched in a special ceremony at Riviera’s world-class facility at Coomera ahead of her World Premiere at the Dubai International Boat Show in 3-7 March 2015 – and it was a significant milestone in the marque’s rich 35-year history.

A proud Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the 77 Enclosed Flybridge defines a new era for a company already respected on an international scale for its exceptional build quality, superior sea-keeping abilities and exacting eye for detail, all the way from lamination and engineering and right through to final fit and finish.

“I believe this is the best Riviera ever built,” Mr Longhurst declared to the owners of this beautiful new boat who joined the team of designers, engineers and master craftsmen based at Riviera’s state-of-the-art facility at Coomera on Australia’s Gold Coast. “This has not happened by chance but by collaboration between the owners, the fantastic team here at Riviera and the team from our exclusive Middle East and North Africa dealership, SF Yachts.

“The owner challenged us to create a yacht that would meet his very specific requirements and the 77 Enclosed Flybridge is proof of what we can do – it is proof that Riviera is able to meet the high expectations of the most fastidious of owners.

“The word ‘excellence’ is sometimes overused but it forms a key part of the ethos that runs right through every part of Riviera – and I am very excited that we have again proven ourselves up to the task.”

IMG_9058-77-Enclosed-FlybridgeThe first 77 Enclosed Flybridge – christened Life Serenity – has a full range of premium options to complement her distinctive design concepts.

This is perhaps most evident even before you step aboard the new 77 series – massive forward windows offer panoramic 360-degree views from the luxurious saloon deck while shapely, symmetrical and sweeping 10m x 0.5m safety glass feature panels are bonded to each side of her colossal hull, providing an impeccable surface finish yet maintaining the strong structural integrity for which Riviera is globally renowned.

Stepping aboard, the new 77 Enclosed Flybridge from Riviera also offers an expansive cockpit, elegant mezzanine, palatial appointments throughout her saloon, four staterooms including full-beam master, four bathrooms and clever alfresco lifestyle concepts, including a large aft platform on the state-of-the-art flybridge and, in the case of Life Serenity, a massive and lavish sun pad and casual dining/sitting area on the foredeck.

The owner of Life Serenity also requested double transom doors leading from her one-tonne capacity hydraulic swim platform, and wide marlin board, in order to enhance her versatility.

The designated length of this exciting new model is based on the official hull length of 77 feet however, the stylish and sophisticated Life Serenity measures over 81 feet from bow sprit to board platform.

“The owner could have chosen any manufacturer anywhere in the world to build his semi-custom yacht and we are immensely proud that he chose Riviera,” said Riviera’s Director of Brand and Communications, Stephen Milne.

“We appreciate the faith he has put into Riviera and we are committed to delivering on our promise of creating the ultimate boating experience – it’s not something we take lightly at all,” he said.

“We knew early in the design phase that this is a revolutionary new yacht – the most significant Riviera has built in 35 years – so it was clear we had to launch her as our fleet flagship, one which defines the Riviera hallmarks of innovation and technology that underpin our stature on the international stage.”

The Middle East-based owner, who personally attended the launch at Coomera with his daughter and Riviera dealer Franceso Pitea from SF Yachts, owns several other large luxury yachts yet wanted one he could use for all purposes – for long-range fishing and extended cruising … as well as for luxury entertaining of large groups.

“I did a lot of research into building a beautiful yacht that would completely match what I wanted … and I’m very happy that Riviera accepted the challenge,” he said. “This is my third trip to Australia since I ordered the yacht – I even saw Life Serenity in the mould.”

He said that although Life Serenity would be manned with a crew – with fully-equipped custom crew quarters forward – he had sea-trialled Riviera’s 75 Enclosed Flybridge in waters off Brisbane and was very impressed by her supreme sea-keeping capabilities.

“Immediately I liked what I saw,” he said. “It was very rough weather that day but the boat was very stable – she turned very sharply without any major effort and I knew then that I would like to work with Riviera to build a boat that would suit both my personal and family requirements.”

One of these requirements is for upgraded air-conditioning to cater to the extremely high temperatures in the Middle East, where the mercury can rise above 50 degrees Celsius (126 degrees Fahrenheit), and is regularly above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Life Serenity includes 32,000 BTU’s of air-conditioning to the fully-cleared mezzanine deck, 60,000 BTU’s to the main saloon and another 60,000 BTU’s to the flybridge, in addition to increases across all accommodation deck cooling systems, including the fully-equipped two-berth crew quarters.

Exposed structural areas – including the new sports-styled targa that has been colour-matched to the hull and air-intakes in Bentley Silverlake blue – have also undergone additional heat-curing treatments so they can withstand the Middle East’s harsh climactic conditions.

Riviera and their Middle East and North Africa dealer, SF Yachts, will host the world premiere of the 77 Enclosed Flybridge at the Dubai International Boat Show from 3-7 March 2015.

SF Yachts dealer principal Franceso Pitea said Life Serenity would take centre stage at their extensive Dubai display, adding she will be the ‘main attraction’ amid a sea of luxury yachts.

“We also plan to take her for a tour of the Middle East to show our customers the world-class standards of Riviera,” said Mr Pitea. “We are very excited with the future direction of Riviera and their constant drive to creating the ultimate boat.”