Riviera Hosts Annual Technician Training Academy
By David Robinson
The three-day event brought together 30 technicians for hands-on training and skills development.
Australian motoryacht builder Riviera held its annual three-day Technician Training Academy for Australia and New Zealand service teams drawing 30 representatives from the company’s dealership network in the region.
This intensive academy is part of the company’s commitment to the care of their motoryacht owners ensuring that technicians from Riviera’s global dealership network remain current with the latest advances, processes and technical knowledge required to support their world-class motoryachts.
A further academy will be held later this year for technicians from Riviera’s international dealerships.
Focused Skills Development
Riviera’s head of customer support Peter Wheeler said: “The academy was a significant commitment by the company and for their dealership teams as they take time away from their day-to-day roles of supporting motoryacht owners to advance their knowledge of the latest premium systems and equipment aboard todays Riviera yachts.”
The three-day academy syllabus covered more than 15 separate training subjects as well as a number of practical and hands-on workshops covering motoryacht maintenance and repairs.
The academy also brought technical experts together from Riviera suppliers including Twin Disc, CZone, BEP, Mastervolt, Seakeeper and Humphree stabilizers.
Ben Piggott from R Marine Sydney brought a team from the dealership to the conference. He commented: “The immersive environment allowed us to have conversations with the many Riviera factory experts as well as suppliers. I was particularly interested to learn more about the Humphree trim and stabilisation systems that are now utilized on many of our yachts.
“The hands-on sessions were held on-site at the Riviera Academy of Excellence and were particularly helpful. We learned a number of new skills relating to timber, varnish, infusion and Corian repairs and techniques that we can now harness to maintain our owners’ yachts in peak condition.”
The academy focused on information sharing and skills development together with team building. As so many Riviera yachts travel widely around the Australian coast, having the R Marine network providing service coverage and support around the country and across the Tasman is integral to owner enjoyment.
Riviera created several events as part of the academy including a celebratory dinner in the newly opened Riviera Yacht Club, a private venue exclusive for owners located on the waterfront at the company’s Gold Coast facility.
Ben Piggott said his team appreciated the address delivered during the dinner by Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst. He remarked: “Rodney re-affirmed his total commitment to excellence in every aspect of Riviera, from design to manufacturing to ongoing owner care. Our apprentice was particularly impressed by Rodney’s passion and his values.”