A day in the life of a [Riviera][] 6000 SY
You’ve found a quiet cove, protected from wind and any hint of boat traffic. You drop anchor. It’s just your family and a couple of the kids’ friends. Time to max out this yacht’s potential.
Launch Time A garage opens to reveal dedicated stowage for a 10-plus-foot RIB or a PWC. The hydraulic swim platform can serve as a boarding space or a teak beach. Port and starboard steps to the aft deck ease traffic flow.
Sunbather’s Paradise Walkable side decks lead from the aft deck to the foredeck, with stout stainless-steel handrails for safety. The sun pad has its own safety rails and cup holders.
Onboard Attractions Maybe it’s a game of cards at the dinette, which is raised for good views all around, or better yet, some summer potboiler-reading time for you on the leather lounge.
113 square feet of cockpit space. With the yacht’s sliding door open and the bulkhead window up, the space between the aft galley and dinette becomes indoor-outdoor.
Gathering Place
Let’s say the yacht is anchored in that quiet cove or off an empty beach. Why even think about eating anywhere but the cockpit? Access from the galley aft is easy. The space is open to the environment. Seats are comfortable and the teak sole is warm. The outdoor barbecue has a grill and a plate for different cooking needs plus LED lighting in its lid, and a stainless- steel fridge drawer is under the counter for keeping fresh ingredients at hand.
It’s About Power and Control
Why did Riviera choose a pair of Volvo Penta’s IPS950 diesels as standard equipment for the 6000 Sport Yacht? A top speed of 31 knots, high-speed cruising in the 26-to 28-knot range, and an efficient cruising speed of about 19 knots (290 nm range) are good reasons. Then there are the owner-friendly features, starting with the digital positioning system that can hold the yacht in place for owners who need to set lines and fenders. We especially appreciate the setup’s low speed setting, for maneuvering in a crowded harbor, and two standard IPS joysticks that offer fingertip precision handling around the docks.
They Dreamed It
Nine designers with a combined 130 years of experience created the Riviera 6000 SY. Here’s what they say (from left to right) about the project.
Brock Lowrey, designer: “It was surreal to see all the parts in action on a sea trial.”
Craig Folker, electrical designer: “This was my eighth Riviera — and it’s one of the best ever.”
Dan Henderson, design and engineering manager: “The Rivieras in production are the best boats we’ve ever built.”
Greig Payne, electrical manager: “Our brief was to take Riviera to the next level, meaning we could think outside the square.”
Stephen Ford, head designer: “It’s the highest level of detailing for any of our new models.”
Jason Deruiter, new product introduction manager: “Although challenging, it’s been very fulfilling.”
Marsh Duffield, designer: “It was a massive time in my life, having my first child and being involved with a world-class Riviera.”
Matt Laverty, naval architect: “This was fulfilling because it was the first project I worked on from start to finish at Riviera.”
Paul Ashworth, designer: “It was refreshing to have an upper management team sit with me and fine-tune the interior elements.”
259 nautical miles: Maximum cruising range at 31 knots.
Where in the World?
At Coomera, Queensland, on Australia’s Gold Coast, Riviera builds three lines of luxury cruisers as well as Belize Motoryachts. The builder’s Sports Motor Yacht line, based on a Frank Mulder hull, will debut in 2016.
The Way it Lights Up
It’s only dark on board when you want it to be. Daylight enters through large side windows, sliding roof sections over the helm and dinette, and a skylight over the galley.
Use of Wood
This much is obvious: All woodwork was painstakingly fit by master craftsmen. Satin-smooth walnut furniture and paneling contrast well with the caramel oak flooring.
Comfort for the Captain
A pair of Treben Italian leather chairs are at the helm. The dash is roomy enough for two multifunction displays or an optional Volvo Penta glass bridge.
Privacy on Demand
The master has fixed windows and opening portlights in the hull sides. Riviera designers devised a glass head compartment panel that can be transparent for natural light or turned opaque for privacy at the touch of a switch.
Party Prepped
This yacht’s galley has solid-surface counters, Miele appliances, three drawer fridges and two drawer freezers.
First And Lasting Impressions
The Riviera 6000 SY I tested has a three-stateroom layout on the accommodations level: a full-beam master amidships, a forepeak VIP with a queen island bed and a guest cabin to starboard with adult-size twin beds. All of them are arranged around an optional central, atrium-lit lower deck lounge that is normally configured as a fourth stateroom.
