December 23, 2009

Improve-it = Riviera 70 Enclosed Flybridge

Christmas has come early this year for two loyal Riviera owners, taking possession of their brand new 70 Enclosed Flybridges, both customised to the hilt and representing more important sales for Riviera current flagship. The first, will be among Australia’s best equipped luxury game Sportfish Yachts, and is named “Born to Battle” now belonging to an elated Peter Teakle, who set out to create the ideal home for cruising and competing. In his 50,000 nautical miles over twenty years and six Riviera’s, Peter has learned which details make a great game fishing boat, combined with those features that top it off as a thoroughly exquisite cruising boat. The retired Peter Teakle plans to cruise The Whitsundays, exploring the 74 islands in the group and seriously competing in the annual Lizard Island Game Fishing Tournament in which he was instrumental in changing the format to a tag-and-release competition. So enthused is Peter Teakle with his latest addition to his fleet, his new 70 Enclosed Flybridge is painted in Peter’s trademark colour scheme of black hull with black and gold detailing to the superstructure, that he has barely had the keys two days before taking off to his home port of Hamilton Island where the locals are holding their breath in anticipation of her arrival. They will not be disappointed. ‘Born to Battle’ is decked out with over one million dollars in extras, from the upgraded MTU engines boasting nearly 4,000hp, and an ice chipper that blasts out 12kg of ice per hour, to five hundred thousands in Furuno electronics, controlled by a mouse in the Skipper’s helm chair. There are even water sensing devices that operate the windscreen wipers, inspired by the same technology in Peter’s BMW. The engine room is something to behold, equipping Peter’s fourth boat with MTUs, effectively a Mercedes Benz in this case two 1920hp engines. The massive exhausts are sourced from Italy. All up, the engineering of ‘Born to Battle’ is the most advanced in Australia and is truly world standard. Also installed, for comfortable cruising and extra stability during offshore tournaments is a gyro stabiliser system, which virtually eliminates low speed boat roll, at anchor and underway. Peter and Nina have also designed the internal layout to suit the dual purpose of ‘Born to Battle’. The floor plan features the galley aft, flowing out to mezzanine seating and cockpit, plus a detachable boarding platform that can be removed for serious, competitive game fishing. The lounge area is forward of the galley and consists of two generous size tables on either side of the boat, both featuring wrap-around seating crafted in the softest beige leather. There’s also a matching leather bench seat capable of seating up to five adults adjacent to the impeccably equipped galley, but to call it a ‘breakfast bar’ is like calling Born to Battle a barge. Sleeping eight in four cabins, the boat was specifically designed for two couples and three full-time crew. There is a palatial full beam master suite, a guest double stateroom with en suite and the third cabin has been converted into a “bells and whistles” office housing Peter’s gadgets, computers and storage for every manual this technically advanced boat boasts. At the bow are two spacious crew cabins and a fourth bathroom. No detail has been overlooked, from the teak woodwork throughout, Amtico floors, and a neutral palette that owes a lot to Nina’s Swedish origins. Prior to its presentation, ‘Born to Battle’ was put through its paces by Steve McPherson from R Marine, who went as far as spending several nights onboard out on the Gold Coast Broad water to put ‘Born to Battle’ and all of her machinery and equipment through a series of thorough tests. Another Riviera 70 that is enjoying its finishing touches in preparation for delivery is bound for New Zealand and due to be handed over by Bruce McGill and his team from R Marine in Auckland before Christmas. The owner, his crew and Bruce McGill intend to cruise the boat to her home port in Auckland earlier in the New Year. Their delivery trip will take them, 438nm from the Gold Coast to the pristine, rugged and supremely beautiful island of Lord Howe Island for some serious exploring. At Lord Howe they will then take on fuel for the 800nm passage to New Zealand. The Riviera 70 boasts a cruise speed of 30 knots and top speed of 35 knots and a range of 1,000 nm. So far, Riviera has built and launched five of its 2008 presented flagship 70s, more like custom builds than production boats and nearly qualifying to a Super Sportfish status.

No comments:

Post a Comment