GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND – A weekend exploring the northern reaches of south-east Queensland’s Gold Coast waterways drew 45 motor yachting enthusiasts to R Marine Crawley’s Winter Getaway.
Early birds met at Couran Cove on the Gold Coast’s South Stradbroke Island on Friday morning to discuss the coming events.
By lunchtime the fleet had expanded to 11 motor yachts and the R Marine Crawley team produced prawns fresh from the trawlers for everyone to enjoy.
Then it was off to explore the sand island around Couran Cove with nature walks, the beach and then an afternoon enjoying exclusive use of the Virtual Reality Hub at Couran Cove where everyone took part in virtual car racing and other sports.
Pre-dinner drinks at the marina were a wonderful start to the evening, heralding the start of the R Marine Crawley renowned Cheese Platter Competition. Everyone gathered at the marina in front of a brand new Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht that offered a glamorous backdrop for an evening under the stars.
Vickie Lewis from Riviera 48 enclosed flybridge Re-hab took out the coveted prize with her custom made ‘cheese’ miniature muffins decorated with signature R Marine Crawley and Riviera logos. Not far behind was Carina Pollock from Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht Hocus Pokus with her remake of the Riviera logo.
Bottom left: And the winner is … miniature muffins. Bottom-right: Cheese platter runner-up.
Judging complete, everyone enjoyed a relaxing dinner at the Marlin Bar and Bistro.
Fully refreshed the following morning, the fleet headed north to Dux Anchorage at the northern end of South Stradbroke Island where three more Rivieras joined the festivities. While some chose to spend the morning aboard, others disembarked to explore the island.
By midday, more prawns were presented for lunch.
The R Marine Crawley team gathered firewood, kids enjoyed the playground and the entire group gathered around the fire for the afternoon. Marshmallows were brought out as a pre-dinner treat while mums and dads enjoyed a drink.
For Troy and Rachael Adams aboard their Riviera M430, the Getaway was their first R Marine Experience.
“We bought the boat 18 months ago and it has been great fun ever since,” said Troy.
“We loved the bonfire and toasting marshmallows.
“It was also great that one other couple had brought a young child to the weekend. Our two children, Kayla and Heath, had a great time playing.”
A barbecue dinner was served and Dealer Principal Ben Crawley thanked the owners for joining the getaway.
“What a wonderful couple of days it’s been,” he said. “The weather has been tremendous.
“It is always a pleasure spending time with you all.”
John Smith and his family recently took delivery of their new Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht and delighted in the experience of being on the water with the Riviera family of owners.
“We were excited by the entire weekend,” said John. “The R Marine Crawley family are a fantastic and welcoming group of people. We particularly enjoyed the bonfire.
“We are now looking forward to the Whitsundays Migration event in August.”
After a perfectly calm night, everyone was up and ready to go on the tender excursion to Tipplers for a special breakfast. Client Relations Manager Greg Stroud, Marketing and Events Coordinator Yassmina Hamie and little Tommy Stroud – “officially the biggest Riviera fan” says Yassmina – went on a tender ride to gather the owners for breakfast.
Adults enjoyed a coffee and buffet breakfast while the kids made the most of the playground.
Then it was time to pack up and head home, fully recharged.
For information about future R Marine Crawley events and to register, or contact R Marine Crawley on 07 5529 5007.
