Riviera theory If it ain't broke, fix it anyway

The Series II combines the best of its predecessor with features from the company's flagship 70. Photo / Supplied

When Riviera released its first 61 Flybridge in 2008, with its hull designed by Dutch superyacht specialist Frank Mulder, it was hailed as the best-running boat in the company's fleet.

High praise, you might think, and an excuse to concentrate future design efforts in other areas.

However, it appears that you don't become Australia's number one boatbuilder (and a reasonable player in the international market) by following that old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

In announcing the release of the Series II 61, Riviera has also announced that the new Flybridge model will feature "ground-breaking" changes to its design.

In-house naval architect Alan Dowd has apparently been working hard with the rest of Riviera's design team to further enhance the 61's running trim and performance. The aim, according to Riviera director Stephen Milne, is to create an even more seaworthy, highly capable, long-range offshore vessel.

"Among the changes instituted by Dowd are widened planning strakes in the forward section of the hull, primarily to further reduce spray. The highly qualified naval architect has also pared away weight from non-structural components, particularly in the upper decks, to further improve responsiveness and fuel efficiency."

Dowd has also split the amidships fuel tank to reduce rolling momentum, both while underway and at rest. He has, however, retained the 61's hand-laminated fibreglass hull, mainly to ensure a solid feel offshore, and the 12.5-degree deadrise.

Milne says the changes, along with those to the 61's interior design, have been introduced to create an affordable long-range luxury vessel.

"Many of the design cues on the new 61 have been taken from the fleet's prestigious flagship, the Riviera 70," he says.

The new model, according to the company's concept design manager, Neil McCabe, also incorporates a "multitude of additional cruising amenities driven by direct feedback from Riviera owners all over the globe".

One of the most striking changes is to the positioning of the galley. In a move long-time industry watchers will no doubt find reminiscent of Kiwi launch design since the 1980s, the galley has been moved to the aft reaches of the saloon, adjacent to the cockpit.

Described as being "positioned central to the party", the galley will connect to the cockpit via a hinged awning window, enabling those in the galley to easily converse with those enjoying themselves outside.

Without impinging on the domain of the sports fishers further aft, the designers have added an alfresco dining area complete with all the essentials: fridge, barbecue, sink, rubbish bin and plenty of stowage.

In the saloon, a new feature is the electric lift glassware cabinet. This retracts into the varnished cabinetry while under way and "rises to the occasion" at the touch of a button.

The 61's enclosed flybridge has a true Riviera sky-lounge feel, with forward helm and aft docking station. Features include the ability to open up the area to the outside, a private aft-facing lounge and all the seating and fittings one would expect on a vessel of this size.

The accommodation area has also been revamped, with the master stateroom now, according to McCabe, being "bathed in light and fresh air".

"A haven for weary travellers, it is acoustically shielded using a blend of soft fabric panelling, wool carpeting and visually stunning high-gloss timber," he says. "Thanks to a massive, horizontal fixed port mounted in the side of the hull, the 61 Series II now features a flood of light and fresh air."

Comprising fixed laminated safety glass and opening portholes handcrafted from stainless steel and wired to the boat's ignition alarm system, these newly designed hull windows bring the light and fresh air into both the main cabin and into one of two guest cabins.

German technology is employed in the master stateroom: to electronically lift a portion of the queen-sized mattress to reveal a spacious step-down storage locker, complete with large soft-close drawers.

In the engineering department Riviera has retained the 61's original shaft-drive configuration. Base power is twin 1015hp Caterpillar diesels, although owners can choose to up specs. Depending upon which engines are selected, top speed is around 28-34 knots and the fuel capacity is 5650 litres.

Riviera says four of the new 61s are currently under construction. A 61 Series II will also be on display at the 2011 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on the Gold Coast in May.

Riviera 61 Series II

LOA: 19.63m

Beam: 5.4m

Draft: 1.58m

Displacement: 30,500kg (dry)

Max Speed: 28-34 knots

Fuel capacity: 5650 litres

Water capacity: 1000 litres

On display: Sanctuary Cover Boat Show