Yachting

The interview: Riviera’s Rodney Longhurst on the brand’s legacy and the future of luxury yachting

Riviera, a family-owned company, has built a reputation over 45 years and 6,000 boats for quality, innovation, and a focus on the overall boating experience. Rodney Longhurst, heir to the Riviera legacy and current owner, shares insights into what sets the brand apart, the evolving preferences of yacht owners across the globe, and how technology is reshaping the future of boating. From the thrill of discovery to the art of refinement, Longhurst reveals how Riviera is shaping not just boats, but the ultimate luxury lifestyle.

Boulevard: What differentiates Riviera from other yacht brands?

Rodney Longhurst: We focus on building luxurious practicality, in a blue water setting with blue water strengths, that is built to last and of high quality. And so, we try to do many facets of boating because we believe that is super important. We also like to think that we will always get a group of people on our boats, like families or friends—and not every brand may want to do exactly the same thing. If the boat is multifaceted, then it caters for all those different needs. So whether you want to just go and anchor in a private area or read a book and turn off from the world, you can do that. Or you can go and have an adventure—you can go and catch fish or scuba dive.

We strive to cater to a variety of elements, which are the strengths of our boats. Our goal is to provide our customers with a bucket-list boating experience—an unforgettable journey that feels like the time of their lives. Everything we do revolves around delivering that experience.

“If the boat is multifaceted, then it caters for all those different needs. So whether you want to just go and anchor in a private area or read a book and turn off from the world, you can do that. Or you can go and have an adventure—you can go and catch fish or scuba dive.”

Blvd: how do customer preferences and boat usage vary across one market to the next?

Longhurst: Well, there are markets that prefer going from marina to marina, while others are more adventurous—happy to anchor on their own and explore, almost like a modern-day Captain Hook. Then there are those who either choose to stay on board or prefer to disembark and stay in onshore accommodation. On top of that, seasonal changes also play a role in these preferences.

As much as we love the National Geographic-style images of stunning locations, we know it’s not like that every day—which is why we purposely build our boats to handle all seasons. Whether it’s through air conditioning, heating, or the ability to fully enclose the boat during bad weather, we ensure it’s equipped for comfortable living aboard. When undertaking long-range boating, getting caught in unexpected conditions is always a possibility, and we design our boats to handle that exceptionally well. They perform just as effectively in colder climates as they do in the extreme heat of the Middle East. While there is some personalisation for local markets, our focus is on building a versatile, all-round boat that caters to a wide range of uses.

Blvd: How much flexibility do you offer in terms of customisation and personalisation, from design and layouts to fit-outs?

Longhurst: We generally try not to stray too far from our standard designs due to the manufacturing process in our facility. The higher the volume, the more challenging customisation becomes. However, because we’re so closely connected to our customers, and our dealership network is so focused, we’ve been able to offer a good level of personalisation. Within our packages, customers can choose from a variety of floor coverings, benchtops, timber finishes, and room layouts. For example, a space could be configured as a lounge, a cabinet or a work desk, depending on individual preferences—we do have those opportunities already that you can choose when you’re selecting your boat detail.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with a bucket-list boating experience—an unforgettable journey that feels like the time of their lives.”

Blvd: And is that the new trend of not so much working from home, but working from your boat?

Longhurst: As the internet becomes more globally accessible, innovations like Starlink are creating new opportunities—and working from a boat is certainly not a bad option. We’re seeing this trend grow, which is another reason Riviera is thriving. Our boats are designed to be highly liveable, allowing owners to spend extended time on board while staying connected for work or leisure. And as we all get older, those bucket-list experiences become even more valuable. That’s what we aim to provide—an opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds, with work seamlessly integrated into an incredible lifestyle.

Advancements like stabilisation, satellite navigation, and the ability to hold a boat in position via satellite have made boating not only easier but also significantly safer.

Blvd: Looking ahead, where do you see boating technology evolving in the next 10 to 20 years?

Longhurst: Well, with around 70% of the world covered in water, there’s an incredible amount to explore. As boats continue to become safer and their range extends, allowing for longer journeys without fuel stops, technology is making the experience even better. Stabilisation systems, whether gyroscopic or external fins, are constantly improving, making boating smoother and more comfortable than ever.

If you look back just twenty years, the advances have been enormous, and now there’s real momentum. Where will that take us in the next ten or twenty years? I believe things will only improve, and even when it comes to motion sickness, pharmaceuticals may play a role in helping with that as well. Advancements in various areas are making boating more accessible, and for anyone who struggles with motion sickness, eliminating that discomfort would make the experience significantly more enjoyable.

Blvd: Many industries have faced challenges recently, while others are still benefiting from a post-covid surge. How was the past year for Riviera, and how do you see the current state of the yachting market?

Longhurst: Last year was solid and strong for us, and we expect this year to be much the same. While there has been some softening in demand across the market, we haven’t felt the impact as much as others. We focus on delivering a complete experience for our customers, ensuring they feel confident using their boats. Whether it’s the husband, wife, or child, our goal is to help every owner achieve absolute success on the water.

We want everyone to learn and become skilled boaters and confident seafarers. Through our social activities, ongoing learning opportunities, and a community of like-minded people sharing their stories and adventures, we create a strong sense of connection. We’re very strong in promoting the boating experience. It’s not just buying a Riviera, it’s the boating experience. That makes it far more meaningful than simply selling or manufacturing a boat.

“As much as we love the National Geographic-style images of stunning locations, we know it’s not like that every day—which is why we purposely build our boats to handle all seasons.”

We put a lot of effort into this, and there’s still more to do—with exciting things on the horizon. We’re very mindful that our customers, who have the means to buy a Riviera, also have limited time. We want to be part of that time and make it as enjoyable and magical as possible. That’s why we work so hard to create an experience that goes beyond just owning a boat. We like to think of it as the Riviera family—something people want to be a part of because it’s simply a great place to be.

Blvd: Riviera has an incredible family story and legacy. It’s not easy to sum up 45 years and 6,000 boats, but what would you say is the core of your success?

Longhurst: For me, it’s pretty simple—I love to work, I love to build things, and I love to see things succeed. When I look back at my own life and the experiences I’ve had, I want them to be memorable for the right reasons. I don’t want to remember something because it went wrong—I want it to stand out because it was exceptional.

We take immense pride not only in building world-class boats that compete globally but also in selling them to high achievers from all walks of life. Being part of giving them an extraordinary experience—that’s pretty special.

Blvd: What are you still learning or discovering after 45 years in the industry?

Longhurst: It’s about working with our teams—understanding how to bring out the best in them, recognising when someone has more to give, or when they might be feeling stagnant. So that’s exciting for me—to see people grow and make more of themselves and their lives. And that’s exactly what happens with our owners, the Riviera family. It’s also what happens with our boats. We look at past models and ask, ‘How can we take this to the next level?’ That’s our mindset—leaving no stone unturned, constantly refining and improving.

“We’re very strong in promoting the boating experience. It’s not just buying a Riviera, it’s the boating experience.”

I take inspiration from the European approach, where excellence comes from continuous refinement rather than starting from scratch. If you look at great watchmakers, their designs remain familiar, but they evolve with precision. The same is true for automotive brands like Bentley, Porsche and Mercedes—their DNA stays intact while they push for ever-higher standards. That philosophy is important to us as well.

Blvd: What inspires you?

Longhurst: I take inspiration from many places. I look to nature, the airline and aviation industries, watches, the automotive world and, of course, yachts of all sizes. There’s always a good idea out there—not necessarily to copy, but to nurture creative thinking and shape the next vision that fits with us.

I also take inspiration from sports. Health, fitness, and overall well-being are very important to me, and I often find parallels in sports that offer clues for the next refinement or evolution.

Blvd: You seem to have two distinct groups—those who have yachting in their blood and those who have never set foot on a boat. What do you think is the tipping point that draws newcomers in? What sparks their interest and turns them from first-time charterers into passionate owners?

Longhurst: Proximity is probably the simplest answer, but with the Internet, you can now step on board virtually and explore incredible destinations before ever setting foot on a boat. Otherwise, proximity in the real world plays a big role—if you come back to work after the weekend and a friend shows you photos of the Barrier Reef, swimming with dolphins, and breathtaking sunsets, you start thinking, ‘I want that experience too.’ It’s up to us to make that experience truly irresistible.

And like most things, word-of-mouth is powerful. When something is truly exceptional, people talk about it and others want to be part of it—no matter the industry. Many of our owners have had ten, eleven, even twelve Rivieras, and they keep boating, sharing their experiences, and inspiring others. If we continue to do our job well, that enthusiasm will naturally bring new people in. Plus, with technology making boating safer and more accessible than ever, there’s never been a better time for newcomers to take the plunge.

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