Riviera Syndication celebrates the launch of Marbella

New Riviera Syndication owners were treated to a spectacular weekend recently for the launch of their very special new Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht ‘Marbella’ which is based at Hamilton Island Marina in the Whitsundays. Riviera Syndication owners John and Sharon Russell hosted the weekend for 17 new owners at the Islands 6 star Qualia Resort but the owners main focus was very much on getting onboard their new boat.

Marbella is the culmination of 18 months of planning for Riviera Syndication owners John and Sharon Russell in conjunction with an enthusiastic group of Riviera owners.

“The concept of commissioning a new Riviera Sport Yacht was launched by one of our owners in our previous Riviera 45 Flybridge which was also berthed at Hamilton Island,” said John.

“The 5800 Sport Yacht was chosen for its comfortable level of accommodation for up to 10 guests, its open plan layout where everybody onboard feels a part of the party and its incredible ease of handling with its Volvo joystick berthing controllers.”

The launch party weekend began with guests flying into Hamilton Island and being escorted to their new boat where they met John, Sharon and training skipper Jimmy Thorn for the first time onboard Marbella. “This was an exciting moment for the owners to see their new boat and meet their new partners in the boat,” said John.

“We could not have asked for a nicer group of people and by the end of the weekend there were already some firm friendships developing.  From our point of view it was very important that the owners had the opportunity to meet and establish a rapport as there is a definite feeling of belonging to the boat when you know your partner’s personally.”

“The next morning, they met onboard again for a two hour orientation. Then the fun began with Marbella pulling out of Hamilton Harbour for the first time and setting sail for Whitehaven Beach.  All the boys had a chance to test the controls while the girls were happy to sip on their champagne and take in the magic of the Whitsundays,” John said.

Marbella was specifically optioned for life in the Whitsundays with the addition of a rear facing        L-shaped lounge and two two-seater ottomans to the cockpit layout to allow for more casual seating in this well used area. Both the fixed and euro awnings were extended to provide maximum shade.

“The duckboard was the next area of focus and has been fitted with stainless steel corner rails incorporating rod holders, a removable bait board and two square white café umbrellas providing complete shade over the entire area.  With the addition of deck chairs and a hydraulic swim platform, you have one of the best and coolest spots on the boat,” said John.

Marbella also features a tender garage where there is a centre console tender complete with electric start power tilt outboard with electric winch and two fun lightweight kayaks for the kids or adults.

The internal layout has received as much careful thought-out modification as outside.  Refrigeration includes an icemaker, three large drawer fridges and a freezer drawer in the galley, a fridge in the cockpit and a matching fridge in the lower lounge. The saloon table lowers to form a day lounge and two bar stools have been added for extra seating.

Final shares in Marbella are selling for $200,000 plus $21,000 per annum service fee.  Each owner receives four individual weeks annually from a permanent berth at Hamilton Island with all of the chores of maintenance, cleaning and refuelling taken care of by a team experienced in servicing boats in this remote location.

“The weekend was a huge success with owners sharing their boating experiences, and for Sharon and I, we added another group of happy owners to our 12 year history in this wonderful lifestyle industry”.

Marbella is the third new Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht launched by Riviera Syndication since the 2010 Sydney Boat Show, showing the tremendous growth of this niche market within the marine industry. It has attracted interest from boating enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand who look forward to relaxing on board and cruising around the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef,” said John.

Riviera Syndication’s Sharon Russell has also organised many successful adventures, which bring together like-minded Syndication owners for a relaxed and fun experience.  

“We have taken owner groups to Europe on two occasions, Japan, Dubai, Egypt and most recently a 5-star cruise onboard the expedition ship, Orion, through the Kimberly from Darwin to Broome with 25 Riviera owners. These trips bring a wonderful group of people together in a social environment to some of the most interesting parts of the world and we love doing them,” said Sharon.

To escape for a week of relaxation, fishing, snorkelling the reefs and generally taking in the beauty of the Whitsundays, contact Riviera Syndication on +61 7 3890 2902 or 0418 722 132