Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht

Eureka, I found it!

This is better than finding the lost city of Atlantis or the proverbial pot of gold. My global search may have just ended when I stepped aboard the new Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht (SMY).

Many boatbuilders have tried combining all boating functions into one platform in an effort to create a utilitarian vessel, offering something for everyone. Many have done it well; few have done it exceptionally. But no one has done it quite like Riviera.

With the familiar Riviera sweeping bow, unbroken sheerline and voluminous superstructure, you may think it’s just another flybridge model from this Australian boatbuilder. But it’s not — this yacht is more, much more.

The “S” in SMY stands for Sports, which includes the looks, performance and features. This motoryacht has such a different feel and presence to it that it really does stand apart from the rest of Riviera’s fleet.

The bridge is calling

Starting at the top, the enclosed flybridge is a destination unto itself. The main helm is here, but the Riviera design team made it so the operator, likely to be the owner, can be in the mix while still commanding the vessel.

The helm has an airplane-like setup with entry to the centerline helm seat and port companion from between the seats. A central console houses components that either captain or co-pilot can control, such as the VHF, Fusion stereo, CZone yacht management display and Seakeeper monitor. MAN engine monitors, Muir chain counter, Raymarine autopilot and more are nestled around the steering station, in easy reach of the captain. Three 22-inch Raymarine multifunction displays interface with the nav, depth and radar systems. Along the right side of the captain’s chair is a console with the electronic throttles, joystick, Humphree stabilization controller and pads for the multifunction screens. Richly appointed with a hardwood finish and leather dash and trim, Riviera allows one to get business done in comfort and style.

Around the bridge is luxurious seating, including a starboard forward bench seat adjacent to the helm and an aft L-settee with ottoman, which converts into a bed. Separating these two seats is a refreshment station with a fridge, cup holders and a recessed tray. To port is a cabinet-mounted TV, making the flybridge another entertainment destination. Large windows with side sliders offer commanding views, and the sunroof brings in the breeze.

Out the aft door is a nice-size terrace deck, with an L-settee and table to starboard. A great feature here is the port docking pod located just aft of the outdoor wetbar, which is perfect when backing into a slip or coming alongside. The pod also lets the captain operate the yacht and keep an eye on the fishing action below.

The main event

Descend the interior staircase to the main deck. Forward is the salon, which will be a sought-after area to relax. A port L-sofa is soft and inviting; I hated that I had to get up after sprawling out on it. Across the way is another L-sofa with a fold-out dining table. Everyone will have a view thanks to the large forward and side (55-inch-wide by 38-inch-high) windows. A great design idea is the open-face flat-screen TV in the cabinet. Watch it where it is or press a button and it raises up. This setup keeps the TV from moving while running, yet allows guests to continue watching as it’s not hidden in a hole.

Midship is the ultra-modern, open-air U-shaped galley, which has everything needed for extended cruises or when staying off the grid: A full-size fridge/freezer, an induction stove with pot/griddle shaped burners, a microwave oven, a dishwasher and split sinks. The U shape allows more than one chef to prepare meals with plenty of elbow room. The cabinet under the staircase can house additional fridge/freezer drawers, a wine cooler, and china and crystal storage. With a full 19-foot, 1-inch beam and 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom throughout, there’s ample space for upper cabinets, too. Rich, high-gloss walnut cabinets, a stout polished grabrail, durable fabrics, soft leathers, and direct and recessed lighting are carried throughout, confirming that Riviera certainly knows how to keep you in the yacht.

On deck

A special feature of the 64 SMY is the mezzanine deck. Through the aft door, you’ll find a covered and enclosed 82-square-foot oasis. Enjoy meals out here or socialize with guests on the L-settee and opposite sofa. Open the large awning window and door so the main deck flows into the mezzanine. You will feel like you are outside without having to be. Keep the aft area open or enclosed with Bimini curtains or Strataglass. The 64 SMY is designed so well you’ll want to be onboard even if it never leaves the dock.

One would think this would be enough to satisfy boaters — but Riviera did not stop there. Aft and down a few steps from the mezzanine is a large 98-square-foot cockpit area. This is perfect for those days when the fishing gods call you to wet a line. Install outriggers, drop in a few rod holders, bolt in a rocket launcher/chair option and you are rigged for the big game. A built-in livewell, in-deck fish boxes, twin transom doors for landings or when boarding from the platform, and tackle drawers fit it out. There is a grill and sink unit on one side and freezer boxes on the other.

Take a bow

Need more social or lounge space? Take the walkaround side decks to the bow for a grand area that will be the envy of the dock. Suited for larger yachts, the forward deck lounge seats are not pads snapped to the deck. These are raised benches with thick Sunbrella-covered cushions that scream “Sit here and relax!” With an L-settee and opposing bench that face each other, the whole gang can be here chatting away, sunning or enjoying the peace and quiet. Utilizing an underused area like this really adds to the enjoyment quotient while allowing you to practice social distancing. Add an overhead sun shade to beat the rays. The low-profile davit to the side allows for a tender to be stored between the seats, as desired.

Down a level

Speaking of social distancing, the master stateroom below is a nice place to get away from the crowd. In addition to a center queen berth, this full-beam room also has a port lounge seat, perfect for sitting with a book or enjoying the view out of the hullside windows.

Riviera keeps it simple, and that’s the way it should be. The ensuite head has a single basin sink, electric head and sizable glass shower stall with seat. Tastefully styled with wood cabinets, Corian counters and tile flooring, it’s classically elegant but not overdone.

A forward VIP has a centerline berth, an ensuite head and hull windows. Two additional staterooms are on either side. One has an upper/lower bunk setup. The other has two twin berths that can slide over and combine with one another.

Pony up

Pushing this 92,594-pound hull through the water are a pair of MAN V12 1,550-hp diesel engines. These powerplants gave instant results on the torque curve, powering out of the hole but on a very even keel. There’s minimum bow rise when getting on the throttle, and soon you’re zipping along at 30 knots effortlessly. To keep the crew at Riviera honest, we ran our own speed numbers on reciprocal runs and they came out very close to the factory specs. Not bad for hull No. 1.

Saunter along at 8 knots and sip 14 gph at 981 nm. Pick it up to cruise at 1800 RPM, 22.9 knots while burning 91 gph and a range of 390 nm. Hit the gas to get home and spin those Veem props to see 34 knots at wide-open, 1,622 gph and 324 nm range.

No matter what speed, the 64 SMY is very responsive, easy to handle and responds quickly even in a cross wind. No matter the speed, the 64 SMY is a quiet, smooth operator. Speaking during our sea trial with Chris McCafferty — international sales director for Riviera Australia and a walking encyclopedia of everything Riviera — he summed up the 64 SMY stating: “It has sporty looks with a motoryacht pedigree and battlewagon blood lines. It’s a true blue-water yacht.”

The folks at Riviera Australia are celebrating their 40th anniversary, having built over 5,650 yachts in that time. The Riviera 64 SMY is the culmination of all those years of experience. It’s an exceptional yacht.