US Riviera owners experience Aussie magic in San Juan Islands

Idyllic islands, magnificent motor yachts and a special celebration of the luxury on-water lifestyle that is uniquely Riviera all helped make for a magical 2015 Riviera Rendezvous at Roche Harbor on the West Coast of the United States.

Hosted by the dedicated teams from Emerald Pacific Yachts and Van Isle Marina, this year’s Riviera Rendezvous in the San Juan Islands (Washington, USA) marked an inspiring start to summer for a fleet of 37 Rivieras and over 140 owners, guests and sponsors.

For some it was their first experience of a Riviera-style event encompassing informative educational workshops, fun family activities and spectacular social events, while for others, it was a great chance to reunite with fellow members of Riviera’s global family of owners to enjoy the annual weekend of camaraderie, cruising and the very special Riviera cachet.

Janet Reid from US Riviera dealer Emerald Pacific Yachts said guests hailed from the length of the West Coast of the United States and Canada, and were particularly pleased to have the pleasure of meeting Riviera’s Florida-based international sales director Chris McCafferty and Riviera chief executive officer Wes Moxey, who made the long journey from Australia especially for the Roche Harbor Rendezvous.

“The two-day event was a lot of fun and included an Australian theme as a tribute to the homeland of our beautiful Rivieras,” Janet says.

“We had a range of seminars including Boat Maintenance presented by Grant Macdonald of Yacht Services and Mike Leyda of Van Isle Marina, while the owner of the local Pelindaba Lavender Farm came and provided a wonderful presentation complete with some samples for our Riviera owners to take back aboard their yachts.

“However, the main highlight of the weekend was a photo/video shoot that we orchestrated with a helicopter and drone.

“It was quite a sight on a beautiful sunny day when all 37 of the Riviera yachts – vintage and new and all shapes and sizes – paraded single-file through Mosquito Pass and then created a V-formation in unison at about 7 knots … before tearing up Haro Strait at full throttle and racing back to Roche Harbor.

“It really was fun for all!”

Chairman of Fun & Games, Mike Wiggins of Riviera 42 Flybridge Thunderstruck, organised some very entertaining activities which included “pin the moustache on your dream boat” and a hilarious team relay featuring many exotic Australian animals.

“Attending the Rendezvous is a boating highlight for us and this year was absolutely the best ever,” said Mike.

“Knowing that our Riviera family is made up of so many fun, outgoing and fun (needed to be said twice) characters makes my minor role a pleasure to perform.

“Our most heartfelt thanks to Emerald Pacific Yachts and Van Isle Marina for hosting such an extravaganza; the helicopter and drone photo shoot, the Friday Pot Luck, having Wes Moxey and Chris McCafferty there mingling, the magician, the pod of Rivieras … it’s hard to pick a highlight!”

There was also a didgeridoo contest and a costume contest won by

Nelson and Kathy Goodsell of the Riviera 37 Flybridge Fishtale 2, who dressed as kangaroos.

“It was be best Rendezvous yet,” said Nelson. “From the invigorating on-the-water video shoot to the great food and entertainment, we were so happy to be with our wonderful Riviera family and cannot wait until next year.”

First-time Rendezvous attendee Patrick Julian said he enjoyed seeing all the different Rivieras that participated and being able to ask questions of the sponsors and experts, as well as experienced boaters.

“The rendezvous was a blast,” said Patrick. “Great people, great food, and a lot of fun!

“The Riviera parade with the helicopter photo shoot was definitely a highlight and it was fantastic Wes, the CEO of Riviera, was there .. very impressive he made the time to attend – everyone really appreciated that.

“Can’t wait for next year!”

The Roche Harbor Rendezvous was supported by over 25 sponsors who donated prizes ranging from haul-outs to gift baskets, anti-fouling to gift certificates, and even a flat screen television.

And if the magic of the sights, sounds and surrounds was not enough to amaze and inspire awe, the Ace of Illusions Nate Jester then mystified guests with his spectacular magical performance.

“We also wined and dined on ‘shrimp on the barbie’ while Lorie Rogers of the Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht Phantom of the Seas won the dessert contest with her Koala Cupcakes that were truly delicious,” says Janet.

Riviera, Emerald Pacific Yachts and Van Isle Marina would like to thank all guests and event partners for attending and supporting the 2015 Riviera Rendezvous. We look forward to welcoming you again next year and, until then, happy cruising.

If you would like to watch the 2015 Riviera Rendezvous video on YouTube, please click here >>