The world’s first semi-submersible luxury yacht carrier made a rare visit to Australian shores in mid-January, and a brand-new Riviera 43 Open Flybridge was onboard for the historic occasion.

The 686ft (209m) Yacht Express uses a novel float-on/float-off system to transport yachts up to 541ft (165m) to cruising destinations around the world, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Florida, Costa Rica and Tahiti.

Now, following the relaxation of restrictions on foreign-flagged vessels, Sydney (Australia) and Auckland (New Zealand) are also on the ship’s seasonal schedule.

Riviera international dealer relationship manager Curt Goldring and Captain Tim Edwards cruised the 43 south from the home of Riviera at Coomera on Australia’s Gold Coast to Nelson’s Bay, and then into Rushcutters Bay, Sydney Harbour prior to her loading on to Yacht Express, owned by Fort Lauderdale-based DYT Yacht Transport.

“Yacht Express partially submerges, transforming into a marina where yachts can safely float on under their own power and maneuver into position,” said Curt.

“After the yachts are secured by divers, the ship de-ballasts to have the yachts rest on secured cribbing, allowing for transportation while they are effectively dry docked.

“The ‘float-on’ process is then reversed for an equally safe and efficient ‘float-off’ delivery at the desired destination.”

The joystick manouvreability of the Riviera 43 certainly ensured easy docking once on board Yacht Express, which was first bound for Auckland, then Pepeete in Tahiti, where Curt was on-hand to take delivery, conduct a series of final quality checks and then assist in handing her over to her new owners.

• We’ve spoken with the very satisfied owner of this beautiful new 43, who says he fell in love with her instantly at Palm Beach International Boat Show. You can read his comments here >>

• If you would like to take a video tour of the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge, please click here >>

• If you would like more detailed information on the Yacht Express loading process, please click here >>