A record shipment of 15 Riviera motor yachts left the Port of Brisbane, Australia this month, marking the largest export of vessels to the United States in the Queensland manufacturer’s 44-year history. Valued between A$1.6m (US$1.06m) and A$6.8m (US$4.49m) each, the yachts are bound for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show which opens on 29 October in Florida.
The vessels, which range in length from 43 to 72 feet, are loaded onto a single cargo line ship in what is believed to be a global first in terms of volume. Riviera’s owner, Rodney Longhurst, says the shipment reflects both demand from the US market and the capabilities of the local industry.
“This is our largest ever shipment – 15 motor yachts on one ship,” says Longhurst.
Riviera, based on the Gold Coast, has been exporting to the United States since 1982, and the US remains its largest international market. The company ships around 28 vessels to the Americas annually.
The shipment also highlights the strength of Australia’s broader marine sector. According to the Boating Industry Association, the local ‘blue economy’ generates over A$10 billion (US$6.6bn) a year and supports more than 35,000 jobs.
Locally, interest in recreational boating is also growing. In 2024, 2.33 million Australians held licences to operate a watercraft – up 8 per cent since 2019 – and there are over 902,000 registered vessels nationwide.
Three Riviera models will make their US debut at Fort Lauderdale this year, strengthening the brand’s presence in one of the world’s most competitive luxury boat markets. More information is available on the show’s website.
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