sanctuary cove international boat show & Riviera Festival of Boating 2024

23th -26th May 2024

The R Marine Dillon team are thrilled to announce they we will be at the Sanctuary Cover International Boat Show 2024. The show is a premier event in the marine industry, showcasing the latest technological advancements and new models in the sector.

Customers will have the opportunity to explore Riviera’s latest launches and popular models and attend various workshops, dinners, and social events at Riviera Festival of Boating taking place within Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. To participate in the Riviera Festival of Boating events, customers are required to register online using a code provided by their Riviera dealership representative (ticketing information provided closer to date). Pre-registration is also available for notifications regarding the 2024 program. Click here for pre-registration.

All interested customers are welcome to join us in this exciting experience. However, they are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation arrangements between Sydney and Queensland. To obtain tickets, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ticket information coming soon!.

Ladies & first mates take the helm 

R Marine Dillon hosted a ladies day on Friday, July 21st. This day was dedicated to women & first mates who want to learn more about their boats and improve their confidence on the water.

The morning started at the R Marine Dillon office, where we had organised breakfast platters full of pastries from a local cafe as well as coffees and teas made to order. After a short period of all the women familiarizing themselves with the group, they then headed down to the wharf and hopped onto the Riviera 6000 Sports Motor Yacht where all the training for the day took place.

Once everyone was onboard the boat, the group was split into two. The first group headed down to the engine room where R Marine Dillons electrician was waiting to take them through the engine room. He pointed out to the ladies where emergency shutdown leavers are located on the boat, as well as explaining what the larger components in the engine room are and their functions to the boat.

The second group headed to the bow with Scott Dillon, there he ran the group through ropes and lines where he highlighted the importance of them. He also showed how to do an effective cleat hitch and let each attandie have a turn. Scott also explained the importance of the correct order of taking ropes off when you are preparing to leave the beth. Both groups swapped once they were done.

The group then headed out to Pittwater where the ladies had to chance to control the boat and feel the power of the Volvo engines. Attendees took turns using the joystick and maneuvering the boat in Pittwater. The ladies then drove the boat over to Portuguese Bay where the R Marine Dillon team has a second boat there ready to practice rafting up. The R Marine Dillon team then helped  the attendees place fenders in appropriate areas as well as guided the women how to raft-up safely.

Following the raft up masterclass the group then headed over to Church Point where they all had lunch waiting for them at The Waterfront store. Following the lunch the group headed back to the R Marine Dillon office where some had the chance to dock the boat in its berth.

The aim of this day was to hopefully teach attendees something they didn’t know about their boat or help them feel slightly more confident in handling their vessel.

Sip & Splice with R Marine Dillon

R Marine Dillon kicked off the month of May with one of two events taking place over the weekend of the 12th – 13th. The first event was Sip & Splice. This event was held at the R Marine Dillon office at sunset, creating the perfect atmosphere for Riviera owners to learn how to do a standard three-strand splice, refresh their knot-tying skills, and make a mooring bridle to take home.

The event was attended by about 50 people. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a private chef who was preparing starters and mains for everyone. There was also an open bar with something for everyone.

After a period of mingling and getting comfortable with each other, the presentation and hands-on learning began. R Marine Dillon was fortunate to have Justin Mulkearns and Mia Mulkerns from MyYacht come down to run the demonstrations. Justin and Mia have extensive knowledge and understanding of rope manufacturing, as they own a rope manufacturing factory in the heart of the Sydney CBD.

The group started the evening by learning how to do a standard three-strand splice. They then moved on to making a mooring bridle, followed by a refresher course in knot tying 101.

Mia and Justin walked around and helped anyone who needed assistance as the group learned how to splice the three-strand rope and make the bridle. Many people had no idea how this process worked, so Mia and Justin explained the differences in ropes and the positives and negatives of each one. This further educated attendees on the appropriate ropes for their specific needs.

R Marine Dillon has also organised for 2 Ram Trucks to come down for the event as our locals Mercedes Dealership just started selling RAM and wanted to promote their new products.

The event was a success, as owners were able to learn new skills and refresh old ones in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Keep an eye on this page for RMD’s next educational workshop event.

ICE x RMD- Boats With The Bunch

R Marine Dillon joined forces with International Cycling Executives (ICE) for our 3rd event of 2023 – an exclusive, invitation-only gathering that treated all attendees to great food, company, and a delightful boat ride back to Newport.

The morning kicked off with attendees arriving at 6:30 am at the R Marine Dillon office, where a coffee cart awaited them ready to take orders for coffee and tea, catering to both riders and support staff. Participants had the chance to mingle and familiarize themselves with fellow riders before their 7:15 am departure.

Embarking on their 55km ride to Cottage Point, the group pedaled through some of the most picturesque roads in the area. A stop at West Head Lookout allowed for a group photo and a breather before tackling the second half of the journey.

Upon arrival at Cottage Point, R Marine Dillon had thoughtfully reserved half of the Cottage Point Kiosk to provide ample space for the riders to relax after their 55km trek. Each participant received an R Marine Dillon bag filled with branded merchandise, including a pair of thongs, a hat, a t-shirt, and board shorts to change into. A catered breakfast and refreshing drinks were available to order, with the group spending about an hour at the café.

Afterward, attendees were tendered to two RMD boats: a Riviera 4600 Sports Yacht Platinum Edition and a Riviera 43 Open Flybridge. These luxurious vessels transported everyone back to the R Marine Dillon Office, where their gear and bikes awaited them.

Overall this event was a success, with riders asking our staff when we can host an event similar again.

RMD x ICE

NEWCASTLE V8 SUPERCARS WEEKEND!

R Marine Dillon kicked off the year by hosting a thrilling 3-day journey to the Newcastle 500 Season Opener, which took place from March 10th to 13th on the Newcastle Street Circuit. The event was highlighted by Shane van Gisbergen’s impressive victory in the season-opening Supercars race, winning by a 14-second margin.

Our owners had a packed schedule, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the races and camaraderie with fellow boat enthusiasts while trying to stay cool in the heat. The voyage to the event featured excellent weather conditions, although the return trip to Pittwater experienced slightly choppier waters.

Overall, the event was a fantastic start to the year for R Marine Dillon and its owners.

2023 NEWCASTLE 500

Whitsunday guided NORTHBOUND adventure

Last year’s Whitsunday Guided Northbound Adventure was an unforgettable experience for Riviera owners who attended. This week-long journey was a combination of sun, relaxation, and adventure, providing new boat owners with opportunities to enhance their skills and grow as confident with their boats.

The journey took place along the Eastern coastline starting in the Gold Coast, this allowed owners to stop at world-renowned locations on their trip up to the Whitsundays. The fleet was expertly captained by Mark Lawson, a well-respected skipper, and Josh Nash from R Marine Dillon.

Participants enjoyed unique experiences, such as overnight anchorages at Rainbow Beach and Pancake Creek in Queensland, crossing the treacherous Wide Bay Bar, exploring Middle Island and Percy Island, witnessing whales swim by their Riviera while underway, and developing confidence in their own skills onboard.

Whitsunday Adventure makes boating dreams come true for one owner- Click here to read about Debbies time traveling to the Whitsundays with the R Marine Dillon team.

Whitsunday Guided Northbound Adventure 22

PEATS BITE 

The R Marine Dillon team was proud to host an event at Petes Bite with Riviera owners.  Peats Bite  brought together a community of Riviera owners who were eager to experience good food, entertainment and adventure after restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

Attendees were treated to an array of activities that showcased the region’s finest offerings. Riviera owners enjoyed a diverse selection of live music, which featured popular Australian hits, and the signature Petes Bite Welcome Drinks. The culinary experience was elevated with the addition of an oyster bar, teppanyaki grill, grazing table, and dessert bar, all of which offered a variety of canapes on rotation so there was something for everyone. To top off the experience, customers were also treated to a freshly cooked breakfast delivered directly to their boats in the morning.

The event saw a convoy of boats make the journey from Pittwater and Lake Macquarie up the Hawkesbury River. With convoy leader Scott Dillon leading the way, this event was a success and a testament to the R Marine Dillon team’s commitment to providing exceptional boating experiences for our customers.

Hawkesbury Culinary Cruise 

In 2021, the R Marine Dillon team organized an exclusive event for Riviera owners called the Hawkesbury Culinary Cruise. This unique experience aimed to showcase the delectable local cuisine that can be found along the Hawkesbury River.

For many of the attendees, this was a new and exciting experience, as the culinary cruise allowed owners to explore areas of the Hawkesbury River that they may have never ventured to before by boat. This event offered attendees a rare opportunity to sample the region’s diverse culinary offerings while enjoying the scenic beauty of the river.

During the first part of the trip, the fleet made a stop at Spencer, a charming town located on the bank of the Hawkesbury River. Here, our guests were warmly welcomed with drinks, canapés, and dinner, all served up by the Spencer General Store, one of the town’s two restaurants.

The menu curated by the Spencer General Store was made up of locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the region’s farms and producers. This allowed guests to get a taste of the local cuisine and appreciate the rich culinary offerings of the area.

On the second day of the trip, the fleet made its way to Cumberland Ranch. Upon arrival, all guests were warmly greeted with coffee and pastries. The itinerary for the day included a walkthrough of Stix Farm, led by director David Allison. During the tour, David pointed out the various produce grown on the farm, which is used in the farm’s restaurant and café. In addition to showcasing the farm’s offerings, guests were also given a chance to explore what else Stix Farm had to offer.

The highlight of the day was a Picnic in the Paddock, where guests were treated to a spread of farm-to-table food, all sourced directly from Stix Farm. The meal was accompanied by live music, which added to the already pleasant atmosphere. Following the picnic, the fleet spent the night at Cumberland Ranch before setting off down the river the next morning.

CULINARY Soiree with Chef miguel maestre 

In 2019, R Marine Dillon organized an intimate event for Riviera owners featuring the renowned Australian TV host and chef, Miguel Maestre. This exclusive event took place at The Basin campground, located within the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which was highly accessible to all attendees.

The event provided attendees with a unique opportunity to meet and learn from Miguel Maestre as he prepaied a paella live for all attendies. The Basin campground, with its scenic views and tranquil setting, served as the perfect backdrop for this special occasion. Overall, the event offered a memorable experience for all Riviera owners who attended.

In addition to a live cooking class that featured the making of paella, the R Marine Dillon event also offered attendees a range of culinary experiences, including an oyster bar, sashimi cocktail bar, grilled seafood parrilla, crispy bar, and finally a dessert station. All attendees were treated to an abundance of food and drinks to satisfy their hunger.

The event was a huge success, with over 60 people in attendance. With plenty of food to go around and a lively atmosphere, the event was further enhanced by the presence of a live band, adding to the overall enjoyment of the occasion.

Paddock to Plate

In 2019, R Marine Dillon organized two distinct culinary experiences for Riviera owners, the second of which was called Paddock to Plate. This event took place at Stix Farm, located in Cumberland Ranch on the Hawkesbury River. The unique setting for the event was one of the dining rooms on the farm, which overlooked the surrounding farmland, allowing attendees to be immersed in the rustic ambiance of Stix Farm.

The farm is filled with rare-breed pigs, free-range chickens, and organic vegetables patches adding to the authentic paddock-to-table experience. Attendees were able to savor the farm-fresh cuisine while enjoying the picturesque views from the dining room, making this event an unforgettable culinary adventure.

With over 35 tickets sold for this exclusive lunch, all seats were booked out, and guests were treated to a long catered lunch by the staff at Stix Farm, followed by drinks on the lawn. The atmosphere was enhanced by live music, which complemented the cooking and added to the overall enjoyment of the occasion.

Several Riviera owners arrived at the event via boat, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery of the rolling hills and vast bushland that surrounded the farm. The serene surroundings provided a perfect backdrop for the event, allowing guests to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Overall, it was a truly memorable experience for everyone who attended.