Riviera to launch flagship in 2022

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The Riviera 78 Motor Yacht shown with an open bridge deck

Riviera will launch its new flagship 78 Motor Yacht in 2022, having already sold four units by late May including one to Thailand through dealer Lee Marine. Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst has described the new yacht as “timeless and contemporary”.

The shipyard builds yachts from 39-78ft at its 16.8-hectare facility on Queensland’s Gold Coast and recently debuted the 645 SUV at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, where Riviera sold 25 boats according to a post-show announcement.

However, the 78 Motor Yacht marks a new era for the builder, which has built over 5,700 yachts since it was founded in 1980. Created in collaboration with superyacht designer Luca Vallebona, the new 56-tonne flagship has an overall length of 80ft 8in, a 72ft 6in hull and a beam of 19ft 8in.

Alfresco dining in the cockpit or aft deck

The 78 is available with an enclosed or open bridge deck, has accommodation for up to 10 adults in four luxurious staterooms and crew quarters, and features flush surfaces throughout. Owners can choose furniture placement, colours and fabrics and how they wish to utilise the spaces on board.

The main and bridge decks both extend through to the stern, offering multiple dining, entertaining and relaxing spaces. A range of premium fabrics and leathers are used throughout the interior, combining with a painted finish to walls and headliners, while varnished, finely matched timber can be selected in high gloss or satin finishes.

The main-deck may include dining and lounge spaces or simply be a large lounge with dining on the aft deck, which can be semi-enclosed, covered entirely by the bridge-deck overhang and protected by optional clears.

Aft view of the saloon, which has an aft galley

The large U-shaped aft galley has twin ovens and a four-burner hob, while an internal timber staircase leads from the port side of the saloon to the bridge deck, which also offers lounge, entertaining and dining spaces. A bar is built into the aft deck and a day head is optional.

The highly versatile foredeck offers several entertaining layouts and a Euro sun awning with the option to carry a tender or jetski and davit.

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

The master stateroom is among four guest cabins

The forward VIP stateroom also has an en-suite bathroom, the port cabin offers the option of a double bed or twin beds that can slide together, while the starboard cabin includes two single cross-over berths. A third bathroom is shared and can act as a day head.

Two doors are built into the exterior of the transom. A separate door on the starboard side provides access to the stand-up engine room and crew quarters. On the port side, a larger door – with built-in shower – lifts to reveal a garage for water sports, diving and fishing equipment.

The teak-laid swim platform was developed in co-operation with Opacmare to provide a three-step design that can be lowered into the water to create easy access for swimming and launching water toys. A swim ladder is incorporated into the side of the platform.

The master stateroom’s en-suite bathroom

The yacht can reach about 30 knots with twin MAN turbo diesel engines delivering up to 1,550hp (1,140kW) each through Twin Disc Quickshift gearboxes and Express Joystick System with integrated station-hold Express Positioning System. With a fuel capacity of 10,200 litres, the 78 is capable of cruising for more than 1,000nm. The yacht includes Humphree carbon-fibre fin stabilisation.

Riviera has increased the Structural Limited Warranty on its yachts by an additional two years to seven years or up to 2,800 hours of boating, whichever comes first after delivery. The company has also extended its Express Limited Warranty, covering all non-structural components, from one year to two years.

Riviera yachts powered by MAN engines enjoy a five-year limited mechanical warranty for up to 2,500 hours of operation. The MAN Gold Standard Premium covers all MAN-branded engines and engine room components.