A welcome return to Roche Harbour for the 2021 Riviera Rendezvous
by Riviera 8 Sep 2021 04:31 PDT
Emerald Pacific Yachts played host to more than 25 Riviera luxury motor yachts and 80 fun-loving friends at a mid-year get-together at Roche Harbour in the San Juan Islands, on the US northwest Pacific coast.
After many months of quiet social calendars, this year's Riviera Rendezvous was a highly anticipated event, says Lola Applegate, from Emerald Pacific Yachts.
"Everyone was very excited. People were really happy to be able to catch up with each other face-to-face; many of them hadn't had an opportunity to be with their friends in a long time. There was a lot of energy on Friday night; it was fun, with really good vibes!"
The weekend kicked off with cocktails and live music by Tom Henry, before a dinner provided by Riviera and Emerald Pacific Yachts. The revelling carried on into Saturday with breakfast mimosas and donuts followed by a scavenger hunt and cornhole - a typically North American lawn game where small bags of corn kernels are aimed at a raised board with a hole in the far end.
For new Riviera owners Kristy and Dave Everson, the weekend was an introduction to a new way of Riviera life. The Eversons are new to the boating world and adore their new 64 Sports Motor Yacht, which they are also eager to learn more about.
"It was so great meeting other people that have the same brand of boat as us," says Kristy. "We took note of so many things and we enjoyed everyone's company so much. We had multiple people giving us tips as we went along. One neighbour bought us a map of the San Juan Islands and sat down with us to write down every place we should experience. People were so supportive. It felt like we were part of something, one big family for sure, and we really enjoyed that."
"And it was a real validation for us," adds Dave, speaking of their decision to purchase a Riviera. "Everyone is so happy with their boat and there were older boats there that were in fantastic shape, so there's a real pride of ownership."
It was the second Rendezvous for Laurie and Brian Robertson on their 575 SUV. The Seattle-based couple say they enjoy the opportunity to meet other Riviera owners and hear about their destinations and adventures.
"We're not really yacht club people; we're more independent and like to go where we want, when we want," says Brian. "At these events though we meet similar minded people with similar boats, and we can swap notes and learn from each other - such as how to troubleshoot the electronics and systems on board. It's a fun crew, with great stories and humour," says Brian.
The variety of activities over the weekend also appealed to the Robertsons.
"There are are lots of activities and events, like the scavenger hunt, and tender cruises just south of the marina to a place called Westcott Bay where we got clams and oysters to cook up in different ways."
"There were boating lessons as well, with troubleshooting tips, and the chance to hang out with captains and ask a lot of questions," adds Laurie.
The effort that is taken to bring the Riviera family together in a supportive environment is something that has struck a chord with Lola, who is relatively new to the Emerald Pacific Yachts team.
"When you acquire a Riviera, you're not just getting a boat, but an experience and a community to be a part of," says Lola.
"I think it's really unique to have created a community like this and I haven't heard of any other boat builder who has anything similar."
"Many of our Riviera owners have been coming to these events for years; they get to make friends with like-minded people outside of their normal liveslives and learn from each other. These events are like an annual family reunion; it's really exceptional."