Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht – Aussie Style
Like many Americans, I am a fan of many things Australian including their boats. I got on board the new Riviera 5600 Sport Motor Yacht at their Collins Avenue display in Miami this February and was impressed. Since the showboat wasn’t available for testing at the time I did the next best thing and booked a trip to Australia to see what this new model was really about. Ok, that might not be exactly how it happened, but I did leave soon after the Miami show for a trip down under that I will report on soon. In the meantime, let me tell you about the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht (SY).
The Riviera 5600 SY is a great example of their sport yacht line that is designed for luxury cruising. There are three staterooms, a full beam owners’ cabin amidships with a private ensuite head, a VIP double stateroom forward with ensuite access, and a twin cabin where the beds can slide together to create another double. A hallway in the open foyer conceals laundry machines which offer easy access for anyone aboard. The entire interior is decorated with finely finished walnut, oak or cherry cabinetry, stone surfaces, plush fabrics, and wall panels.
On the main deck, the salon, galley, and helm area provide single level living with large windows all around for great visibility and an opening skylight/sunroof above. The fully equipped galley abuts a stainless and glass sliding door that leads to the covered aft deck. A window can pop up when desired to further connect the galley to the outside living areas. Side decks with protection from the gunnels and handrails lead forward to a bow lounge with a table, ideal for enjoying the serenity of a quiet anchorage. There is also a sun pad with adjustable back rests and drink holders. An awning on poles can also cover this area.
Back aft, the outside deck adjacent to the galley has comfortable seating, a large al fresco dining table, and an electric BBQ. This area can be completely covered with the optional long hard top, complete with an electric opening blind behind the aftermost settee. An opening roof section of the hard top brings in light and air. The short hard top option leaves this area partially open or under a canvas extension. A secondary joystick control for the twin Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950s allows for easy backing and docking along the port side an alternative to the main helm joystick which is to starboard.
Twin gates lead aft where a large swim platform lowers into the water with the touch of a button. As it does, integrated stainless-steel steps with teak treads extend upward, deploying as the platform moves down. This allows both safe access from above when the platform is lowered and creates a play area where water toys can be deployed, or you can swim, dive, or just dip your toes in the sea. The transom then opens, creating access to a boat garage that can hold a 3.3-meter (approx. 10’10”) tender. A separate engine room door provides access to a set of rails with rollers which can be taken out and placed over the platform to launch the tender. The platform can also be set up to carry a larger tender, second tender, or a PWC.
I was impressed by my first look at the new Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition in Miami. Luckily on my subsequent trip to New Zealand and Australia after the Miami show, I was able to get onboard and test one of these new cruisers. Keep an eye out for more on my adventures down under and an upcoming Riviera 5600 SY boat test.
Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition MSRP “starting at” $2,600,000 U.S.
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