RIVIERA'S SALES DIRECTOR CHRIS MCCAFFERTEY VISITS BOATING WORLD IN SOUTH AFRICA

Chris McCaffertey (USA), Riviera Factory Sales Director, paid a lightening visit to South Africa recently where he gained valuable insight into the South African “Big Boat” market and its potential.

Passionate about the Australian-manufactured craft, Chris notes that Riviera’s beautifully turned out, versatile Sport Fishers and Cruisers are suitable for all types of seas and most of his year is spent travelling around the world.

 Derrick and Suzanne were delighted to introduce him to the Boating World team and several Riviera owners countrywide. They also took him on a tour of the marinas which are home to the magnificent Rivera’s along our coast.

Shortly after landing in Durban, they whisked him up the north coast to Richards Bay to see the harbour facilities and especially the marina filled with a variety of craft from deep-sea skiboats and charter vessels, to gracious motor yachts and Sport Fishers. There he had a first-hand viewing of the Riviera 37 and 47 Flybridge’s moored at Tuzi Gazi - where they also enjoyed a relaxing lunch.

Back in Durban he met Craig Oostingh, Boating World Durban’s sales consultant and had a good look at Durban Marina which at the time had two Riviera’s resident - a 3350 and a 37 Flybridge.  Owner Kim Labuschagne joined them for drinks on board his Riviera 37 “Sweet Caroline” that evening before dinner.

Invited members of the press, suppliers and owners met Chris and the team at the popular Café Fish restaurant - gamely taking part in the “celebrity” a photo session after a champagne cocktail. A great meal followed chosen from stunning Boating World menus – designed by Suzanne’s able assistant Jessica from the Cape Town office.

The next stop, Cape Town, did not fail to impress and Chris reveled in the beauty of Table Mountain majestically towering over the Mother City sprawled along the water.  (This part of the trip was of particular interest to him as his South African-born mother hails from this area and he had previously visited Cape Town as a young boy).

Greg Alice was tasked with showing him around and from Granger Bay it was off to Gordons Bay Marina and Harbour Island. Several Riviera’s are moored here including a 3300 Flybridge, 3600 Sport Yacht and a magnificent Fairline Squadron 42 Motor Yacht.

Next up was a trip to see the infrastructure at Hout Bay which boasts a Riviera 43 Offshore Express and a Fairline 52 Motor Yacht.

Once again he was treated to a relaxing, fun-filled dinner, this time at the Radisson Hotel - with the Boating World team, marketing specialists Nicky Diamond and Anina Malherbe, Vanessa Davidson (Miasa) and several suppliers and Riviera owners.

Derrick, Suzanne and Chris also spent time discussing innovative new features and models expected on the market worldwide in coming months.