SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Peats Bite on the sparkling Hawkesbury River north of Sydney is an icon of the region, a restaurant and getaway that is accessed only by water.
R Marine Sydney recently hosted a flotilla of 19 Riviera and Belize motor yachts with a total of 57 guests to a cruise in company from Sydney Harbour to the famed restaurant.
For many, the cruise included a voyage out through the Sydney Harbour heads and 16 nautical miles north into the sheltered waters of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River.
R Marine Sydney Dealer Principal Michael Joyce said: “The weekend included three new Riviera owners who had not previously taken their motor yachts outside the Sydney heads. With the comfort of knowing they were in a group and with a member of our team on board, they completed the short voyage with ease.
“Cruising in company is something we love to offer to all our owners. It is a great chance to explore the waterways in the comfort of a group.”
Graham and Kath Swan are highly experienced boaters, having cruised their Belize 54 Daybridge, Bison, as far north as the Whitsundays.
“I’ve also sailed a few Sydney-to-Hobart races,” said Graham.
“We left Sydney about an hour ahead of the fleet and picked up a mooring at Peats Bite.
“We love these events are they are a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded Riviera and Belize owners and share stories.”
Some, including Tracey and Steve McCluskey aboard their Riviera 43 Open Flybridge Mirage, joined the flotilla from the Pittwater, a waterway that connects directly to Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River.
“It was a fantastic event,” said Tracey. “We have been to Peats Bite many times but it is always special to cruise in company with other Riviera owners.”
After settling at Peats Bite either on the marina or after picking up a mooring, everyone took the opportunity to relax through the afternoon before the evening festivities began.
“Many of us spent the afternoon going from boat to boat, sharing company and drinks,” said Steve McCluskey. “Brian Gordall aboard his Riviera 445 SUV had a special set-up that we all needed to experience – double bar taps delivering cold beer right through the awning window to the cockpit!”
By late afternoon, all guests came ashore and made their way to the restaurant where they were greeted with fresh cocktails and canapés while being entertained by a solo guitarist.
“As we all relaxed, we handed out R Marine Sydney gift bags complete with Riviera merchandise and some great gifts from Garmin,” said Michael Joyce.
Graham Swan said: “Tanya, Geoff and Tammy and their team at Peats Bite set up a long table for us and we enjoyed a sensational five-course degustation dinner.
“Tammy just loves to entertain. She sang for us as the wonderful meals were delivered from the kitchen.”
On Sunday morning the restaurant provided a sumptuous hot breakfast with fresh juices, tea and coffee to set the crews up for the voyage home.
“Michael Joyce was kind enough to organise some rain overnight to wash down all the motor yachts,” said Graham.
“It was an awesome event. Kath and I donned our new R Marine Sydney T-shirts and took some extra time to explore the Pittwater before returning south. We spotted a couple of whales on the way. We are loving the Belize experience.”
Some owners chose to cruise the Hawkesbury River for a few more days and everyone agreed it was a special Riviera family weekend.
