Riviera owners bring out their ‘Inner Child’ to help Western Australia’s sick kids

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Riviera owners have brought out their ‘inner child’ to help Western Australia’s sick kids at the 3rd R Marine Perth Variety Splash, which was held from February 28 to March 5.

Donning colourful character costumes such as, the Smurfs, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Top Gun, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland and the Addams Family, 80 owners and their guests on board 21 Rivieras got into the spirit of the Splash as they left Fremantle Harbour on Thursday, February 28 for five days of fun filled activities during their voyage to the picturesque Geographe Bay.

In its third year, the Variety Splash has grown significantly to become one of R Marine Perth’s biggest calendar events raising more than $225,000 to date for the children’s charity.

R Marine Perth dealer principal Brendon Grieve said the Variety Splash gave owners the chance to give back and help sick, special needs, and disadvantaged children live, laugh and learn.

“Above all, it is a fun event and our Riviera owners take great pride in decorating their vessels in their chosen ‘Splash’ theme,” he said.

“It is also a great way for inexperienced boat owners to go further afield in the safety of a convoy and accompanying service technicians.”

Variety WA CEO Michael Pailthorpe said the ‘Splash’ had proven to be a wonderful fundraiser for Variety and WA’s sick, disadvantaged and special needs children.

“We are indebted to R Marine Perth and all the participants for their loyalty and support,” he said.

In the lead up to this year’s event, a host of fundraising and social activities were held, beginning with the Variety WA national conference on February 8. Australian actor Michael Caton joined Riviera owners and Variety WA for a day out on the Swan River. A fleet of five Rivieras ranging in size from 36 feet to 58 feet left Aquarama Marina at 10am and cruised up the Swan River and into Perth City before returning to Lucky Bay for lunch.

On February 9, Riviera owners Jane and Grant Julian hosted the Cabaret Burlesque Dinner Show at Rigbys Bar, raising $5,000 for Variety WA. And on February 15, Variety WA hosted The Great Gatsby Variety Ball.

Riviera owner Jane Julian said they thought the Burlesque Fundraiser would be a good excuse to get some friends together for a fun night while helping Variety WA.

“We are so excited to be going to the R Marine Perth Variety Splash as it is our first one. We have been looking forward to it for over 12 months. It will be great to get away for five days on our boat exploring Geographe Bay with other Riv owners, and hopefully help raise some more funds for a wonderful cause while having fun at the same time,” she said.

Mr Grieve said, “All of our owners have truly got into the spirit of the event and their generous donations will go a long way in helping WA’s sick and disadvantaged children.”

Riviera offers 15 different models from 36 to 75 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express and the new SUV collection.

In 2012 Riviera celebrated the launch of its 5000th boat, the 445 SUV, a significant achievement in the company’s rich 32-year history.

Riviera also offers the bespoke Motor Yacht line, Belize Motoryachts. Inspired by classic luxury details and timeless style, Belize Motoryachts has recently released the new 52 foot Sedan and Daybridge models.

For more information, please go to www.rivieraaustralia.com