Wedding vows and bright sunshine for giant R Marine Perth Christmas Swan River raft-up

MATILDA BAY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – Bright sunshine and a gentle breeze welcomed 43 Riviera owners and their families to Matilda Bay on Perth’s Swan River recently for R Marine Perth’s annual Christmas raft-up.

Greg and Jennifer Ferguson have been to most of the 10 R Marine Perth summer raft-ups.

Be amazed at what the Riviera Family can do… enjoy the highlights of the 2018 Perth raft-up

“We try to come every year,” said Greg. “It marks the beginning of the summer boating season.

“This time was very special for us. We brought friends along and staged a mock wedding ceremony on board. It was their anniversary and they wanted to renew their vows.

“The raft-up is a great opportunity for us to catch up with Riviera friends from past years. And there are always new people to welcome to the Family.”

Basil and Georgiana Lenzo and co-owner – and cousin – Basil and Jenny Lenzo hosted up to 18 people on board their Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht, Intrepid.

“I share ownership with cousin Basil and long-time friends Wolfgang and Helen Jovanovic,” said Basil. “In previous years we have hosted business associates during the raft-up. This year we wanted to share the raft-up with our partners and friends. It was a great day out.

“Matilda Bay is a brilliant location. The R Marine Perth team operated a shuttle service to the shore. We had four on board for the trip to Matilda Bay. By early afternoon it was up to 20 and there were eight of us on board for the run home.

“The raft-up is a great way to ease into summer.”

Andrew and Hayley Tait are newcomers to the Riviera Family and loving every minute aboard their Riviera 3600 Sport Yacht Sunny Life.

“We took delivery of her in May,” explained Andrew. “We were excited to participate although a little daunted. We did not know what to expect. Fortunately, the team at R Marine Perth encouraged us and a friend on board had some experience so we joined the raft-up smoothly.

“The entire day was a fantastic experience. Walking along swim platforms and chatting to so many people was special.”

A three-piece acoustic group, the fascinatingly named Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts, entertained the revellers throughout the afternoon with songs from the pop repertoire from the 1960s to the ’90s.

Michael Pitman was delighted with the response from local Riviera owners.

“Everyone had a great time,” he said. “The number of owners who join us each year is symbolic of the affection for the Riviera family in Western Australia.”