Riviera to premiere flagship 78 Motor Yacht at Sanctuary Cove

Riviera is preparing to stage the global debut of its brand-new 78 Motor Yacht at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which will be held from May 19-22. Based on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the Australian builder recently launched hull one of its new flagship, while the second hull was sold by Thailand-based Lee Marine, Riviera’s longest-serving international dealer.

Featuring an overall length of 81ft 5in and an almost 20ft beam, the 78 Motor Yacht is available with an enclosed or open bridge deck and was designed with Italian superyacht designer Luca Vallebona.

The aft cockpit is covered by the flybridge overhang

“We decided to do something that was contemporary but not the showroom styling that you see especially in some designs. What I love is the way we’re mixing our different cultures, Australian and European, and have found a good balance that will make everyone happy,” Vallebona said.

“Going forward from the aft saloon deck of the 78 to the interior, I think is an incredible space. We worked hard as a team to find the right balance in the interior design. I think we achieved a very good outcome. We have introduced new concepts and they look superb.”

Features include a full-width high-low swim platform, while the transom includes access to a large garage through a lifting portside door including built-in shower, while a starboard watertight door provides access to the full-height engine room and crew quarters.

Aft view of the saloon and stairs to the lower deck

The aft cockpit features teak decking and includes an aft sofa, an L-shape sofa and fold-out teak dining table to starboard, and barbecue to port. Teak chairs can be added around the dining table to accommodate up to eight guests. An aft screen can be lowered for privacy and protection from weather, while wing doors on either side allow to a fixed dock.

An electric sliding door opens to reveal the saloon, which has a large U-shape galley to starboard, while a large window slides down electrically to connect the cockpit and interior. Varnished, finely grain-matched high-gloss teak was selected for the interior of hull one.

The saloon features a large L-shape sofa to starboard and a two-seat couch to port, aft of a wet bar. A starboard door leads to the side deck, from where guests can reach the foredeck, a versatile space offers several entertaining layouts and a Euro sun awning, plus the option to carry a tender or jetski.

The helm station in the enclosed bridge deck

An aft timber staircase to port leads up to the bridge deck, which has a superyacht-like helm station with four large navigation screens. The central leather captain’s chair is flanked by companion chairs, while to starboard of the skipper is an extended console with engine controls.

Aft is a leather lounge and ottoman and entertainment unit. An electric double sliding and stacking glass door opens to connect the interior and exterior. The open aft deck has a bar with high seats, C-shaped sofa, and foldout teak dining table, while there’s also an option for a day head to starboard. The coaming includes port and starboard joysticks for slow-speed manoeuvring.

The full-beam master suite is midships

From the forward end of the main-deck saloon, a curved timber staircase leads to the lower deck, which has four staterooms and three bathrooms. Midships, the full-beam master suite has extended hull windows, an electrically adjustable king-size bed and extended his-and-hers bathroom.

The en-suite VIP in the bow has a queen bed and natural light from hull windows and twin overhead hatches. The port guest cabin can offer a double bed or sliding twin singles, and has en-suite access to a bathroom that also acts as the day head and bathroom for guests in the starboard cabin, which features cross-over berths.

VIP suite in the bow

Power options include twin 1,550hp, 1,800hp or 2,000hp MAN diesel engines for a top speed of over 30 knots, plus a range of over 1,000nm with 10,200 litres of fuel. Humphree carbon-fibre fin stabilisation is as an option.

Riviera offers a seven-year structural warranty and two-year express limited warranty covering all non-structural components. Riviera yachts powered by MAN engines have a five-year mechanical limited warranty, with the MAN Gold Standard Premium covering all engines and engine-room components.