The Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht made quite a splash when it premiered at Sanctuary Cove this year, so I was stoked to go aboard a bit later and take it offshore to test its mettle, reports Kevin Green.
Nestled behind the 6800’s wheel I looked pensively seaward as I pushed the throttles down to depart the Gold Coast Seaway. I’d glanced at the company representatives to ensure they were in agreement, because
a fairly hefty swell awaited us outside.
Earlier in the day, I’d done my walk-through of the very first 6800 Sport Yacht, the largest model in the Sport Yacht range so far after the 4600, 5400 and 6000. At a tad under 73-feet long (22.3m), this is a lot of boat to cope with as an owner-driver, something most Australians and New Zealanders choose. However, this vessel was destined for its American premiere at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and has enough space to include a crew cabin, along with three or four guest cabins. It also comes with the premium luxury and high-quality finish of Riviera’s Platinum Edition.
As I walked up to the 6800 at Runaway Bay Marina, its silver topsides were glistening in the morning sun. I was met by Riviera skipper Dean when I climbed onto the teak boarding platform, who showed me around. Movement below my deck shoes signalled the swim platform lowering and then another click opened the tender garage door. Inside, there was space for a tall 40hp Mercury bolted to an inflatable tender, launched via a track and electric winch system. Adjacent was a lifting door leading directly to the engine room where twin D13 Volvo Penta IPS 1350’s (1,000hp each) were housed.
Moving up the rear stairs, the aft deck is a mostly enclosed space because of the 6800’s extended hardtop, a design feature that offers a practical way of weather-proofing this large space. An L-shaped lounge to port addresses a large folding teak table with an extensive wet bar and electric barbecue opposite. Combined with the full-beam lounge along the transom and side quarter panel windows, this is an all-weather dining and lounging area. At the press of a button, the electric sunroof above creates al fresco airiness.
Sun worshippers may opt to walk forward via the wide side-decks to the expansive foredeck with a pair of ingeniously adjustable sun pads at the bow and two teak-trimmed pedestal tables surrounded by deep couches and an icebox – a very appealing entertaining and relaxation space. An awning that is quickly set-up using four carbon fibre poles that slot into sturdy stainless deck mounts provides shade. As you’d expect from Riviera, practicality is paramount, so there is an oversized 60kg Ultra anchor, an equally large Australian Muir vertical windlass and 80m of galvanised chain, plus sturdy 316 stainless steel handrails and oversized cleats.
From the foredeck looking back at the angled front windscreen and sleek hardtop, the 6800 clearly exudes style, and as I found out, it matches that style with performance.
Saloon
A short walk from the bow took me to the starboard side-deck door for quick access to the helm. Aft of the helm is a lounge with a generously-sized wet bar opposite the galley. The Sport Yacht branding infers these are very much driver’s boats and the extensive helm station and console offering premium comfort leather captain’s and companion chairs clearly reflects this.
Opposite the helm to port is an L-shaped lounge where guests can share the fun while underway. It provides clear views forward through the windscreen and large side windows which, along with the sunroof, open electrically. Riviera’s signature stylish hardtop brow shades the windscreen and main console with its three 19-inch Glass Bridge multi-function Garmin screens. Further displays provide Volvo engine and CZone digital switching system data, while another digital display controls the Humphree stabilisers, operated in either automatic or manual modes. Riviera also offers the option for a Seakeeper gyro stabiliser.
The main engine controls are outboard to starboard, with throttles and Volvo joystick, plus the grid control for the Garmin screens, bow thruster and controls for the vertical Humphree Interceptor-type trim tabs. Volvo’s new Assisted Docking was fitted to this vessel, which I was keen to try later. All electrical systems are managed by the CZone digital bus screen. Fault-finding is a major advantage with these digital bus systems – any problems show as alerts on the screen and a series of pre-set modes are used to quickly configure the yacht for Cruising, Entertaining, Dock Unattended, Service Mode (for maintenance works) and Sleep Mode for overnight power conservation. The system is user customisable.
Behind the forward L-shaped lounge is a further C-shaped lounge with matching ottomans. While most meals will be enjoyed alfresco on the aft deck, Riviera’s design team has created a masterful alternative featuring a hand-crafted solid timber table that lifts from the back of the lounge to seat eight with additional folding chairs. A 65-inch flat screen TV lifts at the press of a button.
The main lounge adjoins the galley, which has facilities on both sides. A three-element induction cooktop, combination oven and microwave take care of cooking, the U-shaped galley has an electric opening aft window to serve the aft deck, double sinks and a full height fridge with two freezer compartments. Opposite is an elegant walnut clad bar/serving station with a double drawer fridge, wine cooler, sink and drinks cabinet for bottles and glassware. Typical Riviera practicalities include lockable drawers and cupboards, along with removable potholders for the hob.
Four cabins
This first hull came with four cabins, with three an option, but both versions give the owner pride of place in the full-beam midships layout, with two guest cabins between it and the forepeak VIP suite. The owner has a king-sized bed, a feature headboard and bedside tables with ample storage underneath. There is a walk-through wardrobe and linen hampers with cedar-lined lockers and a large TV. To starboard is a hand-crafted polished timber bureau with vanity and ottoman seat. Portside is a sumptuous two-seater lounge, also a breakfast bar and drawer fridge with an outlet for a coffee machine. Airflow felt good, thanks to opening portholes (with alarmed sensors) and large fixed hull windows for natural light while the headroom is nearly two metres.
The bathroom is to starboard and uses most of the beam to create a lavish area with a big shower stall and good natural light. To port is another door to the utility/laundry with separate washer and dryer. This also doubles as crew quarters with single bunk and bathroom; behind it another watertight door leads to the engine room.
The stylish forepeak VIP cabin with a private ensuite bathroom is also well appointed. The walk-around queen-sized bed has storage beneath, plus storage in twin wardrobes and overhead cupboards. Again, good natural light from the elongated portlights and the man-sized opening deck hatch for fresh air. Decor is sumptuous – plush cream wool carpets and padded bulkheads, contrast nicely with the rich walnut finish, but there are other timber and soft furnishing choices.
Between the VIP and the owner’s suite are two guests’ cabins. The port cabin has twin single beds which, at the touch of a button, transform into a double. This cabin shares a bathroom which is also the day-head, but like the others is nicely appointed and naturally ventilated.
The fourth guest cabin has two single crossover bunks, the lower being my choice as it has the window. Alternatively, you can specify an atrium lounge here, naturally lit by the large windscreen above.
Offshore
Back at the Seaway, as I throttled-up to push us out into the swells, I braced my derriere against the leather bolster seat and let the fun begin. Dodging the worst waves pushing up over the sandbanks meant snaking my way through but the 6800’s electronic wheel was quick to do my bidding as swells broke over our silver topsides. The vessel’s low centre of gravity, combined with the Humphree fin stabilisers, gave us a comfortable ride and we heard no groans or crashes coming from inside the 6800.
With the wipers working furiously, I bashed to windward towards the skyscrapers of the Gold Coast. Being whale season, we kept a sharp lookout for humpbacks migrating northwards and sure enough, we spotted one through the white spume. This was my cue to put the helm over and run with the seas, quickly reaching the boat’s optimum cruising speed of about 27 knots with 20% tabs to lower the bow.
Lining up the Seaway entrance, I played the throttle to keep us on the back of the waves before we surged through into the calm of the Broadwater. Spinning the wheel round, I put the 6800 into a tight turn which prompted a 10o heel as we spun in a circle and came out for a figure of eight, showing smooth agility for such a large motor yacht. As I’ve said, the 6800 is intended to reward the keen driver and the oomph is there.
In a straight line I reached a speedy 34 knots, while inside the quiet saloon – my decibel meter reading only 65dba – I chatted to company representative Stephen Milne about the prospects for this new model: “We regard the 6800 as our best yacht yet,” he said. And I couldn’t disagree.
Approaching the marina, it was time to experience Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking. It’s a GPS controlled system, much like how my drone operates. So, you simply twist and push in the desired direction – but here’s the clever bit: once you let go of the joystick the vessel retains its exact position to avoid drift.
Upon stepping out to the aft deck, this gave me the confidence to click the outside joystick and guide the 6800 smoothly against the pontoon without any dramas. So, I’d say that the 6800 is indeed a smooth operator in every way, fully rewarding both her skipper and their guests.
