RIVIERA 50 MAIDEN VOYAGE TO HER RICHARDS BAY HOME BERTH

The biggest of the South Africa Riviera fleet, the stunning new 50-footer has left Durban and on her way to her new home berth in Richards Bay but during her short stay in Durban this beautiful boat has wowed all who’ve clapped eyes on her. No doubt it won’t be long before another Riviera 50 becomes resident in Durban waters, we hope. A very excited owner and skipper of this magnificent fishing machine is getting ready to set her off on her Maiden voyage and test her against the KZN ocean.

As much as one tries to imagine what a luxurious craft of this size really looks like, it simply doesn’t do justice to the breathtaking reality.  Walking along the jetty admiring the different sailing yachts moored alongside, she suddenly comes into sight looming larger than life with every step, until you’re dwarfed by her sheer size.

Giving new meaning to the words majestic and state-of-the-art, the Riviera 50 is truly a boat of dreams from her sculpted bottom to the top of her very impressive flybridge. Towering above those around her, every detail of this boat screams “look at me”!

Her crisp white infrastructure is broken only by beautifully contrasting dark-tinted glazing, including the cabin windows in the hull and gleaming stainless steel fittings. Classic navy-blue striping borders the edge where the hull rises up out of the water - adding to her elegant appeal.

From the moment you step onboard – you instantly enter a world where the most modern technology is encased in time-honoured craftsmanship. Alfresco lifestyle designs encapsulate the distinct indoor/outdoor characteristics for which Riviera is internationally renowned and make no mistake, this is an entirely new style of luxury pleasure boat.

The design team has been very innovative with the internal plan, providing exceptional staterooms and two bathrooms, without compromising the height or exterior profile lines of the boat.

On top of it her new owner has fitted everything necessary for successful fishing. The expansive cockpit is also great for entertaining with joystick engine control, autopilot and a spot for a fighting chair.

Two massive outriggers extend from the port and starboard sides of the luxurious flybridge with a centre outrigger inbetween. Ten rod holders grace the flybridge rear with another 13 on the gunnels, transom and sides below. Well-placed toekicks, the latest electronics, fish and rod storage and an extra helm at the rear of the flybridge are just some of many stunning features.

They are keen to put the new Raymarine electronics to the test and they hope to find the warm, purple Benguela current where they could hook into a monster marlin. Some whale or dolphin spotting would also go down well.

The new Riviera 50 named “Madness 3” is well-equipped to handle conditions along the KwaZulu Natal coastline and they can expect a really comfortable ride. (Mind you she’s so easy to handle even tough conditions would not be problematic but they’d motor straight through without the fun in between). Sporting twin Volvo IPS 950 Diesels (725hp) she’s quite capable of cruising between 25 and 28 knots and delivering a range of 400 nautical miles.