Riviera

Australian bluewater yachts, built by hand on the Gold Coast.

Riviera began in 1980 in Sydney, when Bill Barry-Cotter started a new yard with a single model, the 38. As early as 1981 the company, with five employees, moved to the Gold Coast in Queensland, where eight boats were built that year. The 1980s brought a series of new models and the start of exports to the United States and Europe. At the end of the 1990s construction of the current yard in Coomera began.

Since 2012 Riviera has been owned by Gold Coast entrepreneur Rodney Longhurst, who is chairman; Wes Moxey runs the company as CEO. On a 16.8-hectare site the yard builds motor yachts in the Sport Yacht, Sports Express, SUV, Sports Motor Yacht and Motor Yacht series and the more exclusive Belize line. Characteristic features are the bluewater hulls, Volvo Penta IPS or MAN shaft drive and extensive standard equipment with digital controls and remote monitoring. Riviera has more than 6,000 owners worldwide.

Facts & figures

• Founded in 1980 in Sydney (Australia), on the Gold Coast since 1981
• Founded by Bill Barry-Cotter
• 16.8-hectare yard in Coomera (Queensland)
• Owner since 2012: Rodney Longhurst (chairman), CEO Wes Moxey
• Current range 13.3 - 24.8 m overall