Knowledge really is power when it comes to being able to enjoy all the rich and rewarding benefits of the luxury life afloat.
And, as every seasoned skipper will attest: learning is very much a life-long process.
Riviera’s truly unique Festival of Boating has assisted literally thousands of luxury motor yacht owners to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to use their motor yachts more and realise their full boating potential, spanning topics from boating safety through to advanced offshore seamanship.
And still there is so much more to learn.
Every year we strive to include in our fun-filled Festival program a wide range of new workshops that are informative and interesting, as well as many more that have been fully refreshed to focus and expand on specific areas of interest.
We are excited about the new Living the Dream keynote presentation from Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht owner, PADI certified dive master and prolific photographer Jason Squire.
Jason will take us on a remarkable journey of discovery during his epic voyage over 5000 nautical miles from the Gold Coast to Lizard Island and as far north as Osprey Reef in Far North Queensland, before cruising all the way home to Adelaide in South Australia.
Jason is now planning for his next amazing adventure cruise throughout the South Pacific Islands in 2017.
This year we will also introduce two new weather forecasting seminars to help you more accurately plan your time for fun on the water.
An introductory weather workshop will explain weather, climate, terminology, basic cloud types, forecasts, cold fronts, cyclones and tropical cyclones as well as many other considerations that will help you more accurately forecast your local weather conditions.
Our expert meteorologist will present an advanced series to explore the wealth of free public information now available to predict rainfall, storms and winds, understanding the various features of radar, long-term signals to weather changes, weather patterns and an in-depth discussion on terminology and clouds.
Festival registrants can also learn more about radio operation, safe towing, rafting and anchoring, and there will also be an advanced series covering traditional navigation using both paper charts and radar systems.
In 2016, a greater focus on safety onboard will also be introduced with practical hands-on experience with flares, fire extinguishers and various forms of safety equipment.
Of course, this is all in addition to fully refreshed workshops spanning the technology helping to make boating so much easier and more enjoyable, including gyroscopic stabilisers, joysticks, electronics, water-makers … to name just a few.
We hope this introduction inspires you come to the Festival and learn to cruise confidently and safely to places you have always dreamed of visiting.
The following seminars are conducted over the four days of the Festival of Boating. Click here to view the Festival of Boating timetable.
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NEW FOR 2016 – LIVING THE RIVIERA DREAM
Adelaide entrepreneur Jason Squire is living his dream of diving throughout the South Pacific in luxury. Come and hear how this seasoned sailor … READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – WEATHER FUNDAMENTALS
The weather is a critical factor in joyful boating and being able to understand its nuances, patterns and signs of change will help you and your crew… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – ADVANCED WEATHER FORECASTING
Explore the wealth of free public information now available to predict rainfall, storms and winds with the guidance of our expert meteorologist who… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – FIRE TRAINING & EMERGENCY PLANNING
This new workshop for 2016 will explain the different types of fire – timber, fiberglass, electrical and fuel – and outline… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS & PROCEDURES
This brand-new and comprehensive seminar will provide the skills and know-how to safely and confidently respond if ever a life raft, life jackets… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – FIRST AID ESSENTIALS
Accidents do happen, and are always entirely unexpected. Having the right kit and a basic knowledge of first-aid skills is essential… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – SAFE TOWING, ANCHORING & RAFTING
Learn practical techniques to ensure the efficient setting and recovery of an anchor and the safe and correct anchor windlass operation. Learn how… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – RADIO COMMUNICATIONS – DISTRESS, MARINE ASSIST AND SAFETRX
Marine radios have saved many lives, so it’s important that you know the correct channels to use, and how and when to use them. Marine radio communications… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – AUSTRALIAN WATERS QUALIFICATION
This year we introduce an unprecedented opportunity for Riviera and Belize family members to gain the new Australian Waters Qualification… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – TRADITIONAL NAVIGATION 1 – PASSAGE PLANNING
In this advanced chart-plotting exercise, registrants will use traditional navigation by way of dead reckoning from the Hillsborough Channel to… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – TRADITIONAL NAVIGATION 2 – POSITIONING
In this advanced chart-plotting exercise, registrants will use traditional navigation by way of dead reckoning from the Hillsborough Channel to… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – BASIC RADAR – FIXING TARGETS
Radar is not just for avoiding or bumping into things, it can also be used to keep a clearing line, keep your distance, fix your position and… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – RADAR RENDEZVOUS – TRADITIONAL CHART PLOTTING
With practical radar plotting exercises, registrants in this workshop will expand their understanding of using radar. Using plotting sheets , learn to… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – THE SIMPLICITY OF CZONE
For anyone who wants to understand the scope of the CZone system in a future yacht, or owners who would like to better utilise the… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – ONBOARD POWER SYSTEMS
Starting with explaining the new technologies now available and followed by basic operation principles, this seminar takes you all the way through… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – LOCAL DIRECTION, IALA BUOYAGE SYSTEM/COLLISION REGULATIONS
A must-do seminar if you would like to enhance your confidence, safety and knowledge of the rules of the road as they relate to avoiding… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – GET THE MOST FROM THE GLASS COCKPIT SYSTEM
This advanced workshop is designed to help you take command of Volvo Penta’s state-of-the-art Glass Cockpit system navigation and monitoring system… READ MORE
THE RIVIERA EXPRESS
All aboard for a truly unique behind-the-scenes insight into the ethos of excellence that underpins our world-class collection of… READ MORE
NEW FORMAT FOR 2016 – PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND DISCOVERING THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE
There’s always something new to learn at the Tricks of the Trade workshop, conducted by the very knowledgeable Michael Swain from … READ MORE
LADIES SKIPPER PROGRAM – TENDER HANDLING
Specifically for the ladies, this workshop will cover the componentry of a tender, its stability and the different steering techniques required for… READ MORE
NEW FORMAT FOR 2016 – LADIES SKIPPER PROGRAM – START-UP, HELM STATION & BERTHING
Informative and fun, this workshop was created especially for the ladies and will help registrants develop greater confidence and enjoyment at… READ MORE
NEW FORMAT FOR 2016 – LADIES SKIPPER PROGRAM – WHIPPING AND SPLICING
The adage that it’s better to know a knot and not need it than to need a knot and not know it applies equally to the ladies as it does to men and…READ MORE
NEW FORMAT FOR 2016 – RIV KIDS SKIPPER PROGRAM
Highly recommended and very popular with budding captains, this informative and fun workshop is a must for the kids and grandkids who… READ MORE
INTERIOR DECOR & STYLING
Discover the key considerations and interior design secrets when selecting upholstery, fabrics and soft furnishings for your yacht. From lounges… READ MORE
NEW FORMAT FOR 2016 – SKIPPERS ON WATER – START-UP, HELM STATION & BERTHING
This very thorough workshop is perfect for those wishing to hone their practical boat-handling skills, as well as those who are new to boating… READ MORE
NEW FORMAT FOR 2016 – SKIPPERS ON WATER – WHIPPING AND SPLICING
Better to know a knot and not need it than to need a knot and not know it – so goes the old adage which inspired this workshop… READ MORE
OFFSHORE SEAMANSHIP
Join widely respected skipper Captain Time Edwards as he shares his tips on crossing bar entrances, ensuring the safety of passengers at sea, and… READ MORE
NEW FORMAT FOR 2016 – UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE OF ANTI-FOULING
One of the most important yet least understood competencies of luxury motor yacht ownership is a working knowledge of hull anti-fouling. Of course this essential area … READ MORE
EXPERIENCE POD DRIVE PROPULSION WITH INTEGRATED GLASS COCKPIT
Volvo Penta has for many years been at the forefront of the marine industry innovation through its Inboard Propulsion System (IPS) and collaboration with Garmin to develop… READ MORE
EXPERIENCE A SHAFT-DRIVE RIVIERA WITH EXPRESS JOYSTICK SYSTEM (EJS) AND SEE THE SEAKEEPER GYRO AT WORK
The innovative Express Joystick System developed by Twin Disc revolutionises the docking and slow-speed maneuvering of the shaft-drive motor yachts… READ MORE
UNDERSTANDING DESALINATION
This very popular, hands-on workshop is for those wishing to develop a better understanding of the desalination process. You will gain… READ MORE
GALLEY-WISE PROVISIONING AND PLANNING
Whether you are setting off as a couple for months on end or entertaining a group of 12 family and friends … eating well at least three times… READ MORE
NEW FOR 2016 – UNDERSTANDING ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION WITH RAYMARINE
This workshop is a must for those wishing to keep up with the constantly evolving world of marine navigation and electronics. As one of the world’s leading marine…. READ MORE
KNOW YOUR GENERATOR
Understanding the key components, design and layout of your generator set will give you new-found confidence while enjoying your time onboard, whether… READ MORE
TROUBLESHOOTING AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE FOR SANITATION SYSTEMS
Always popular with luxury yacht owners who wish to ensure their time on the water is trouble-free, this workshop provides an overview of.. READ MORE
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MARINE INSURANCE COVER
Your Riviera is not just a world-class luxury motor yacht, it is a significant asset and investment that needs to be protected. Of course insurance policies… READ MORE
