Few boat launches on the Gold Coast have drawn a crowd quite like this one. Riviera's world premiere of the 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition brought visitors from Canada, the Americas, New Zealand and across Australia to witness Hull No.1 touch the water for the first time, all gathered at a private event for owners and guests as the year drew to a close.
The reveal leaned into theatre without losing sight of what people had come to see. A live saxophonist performed from the bow as the yacht emerged under spotlights, rotated on her axis and made her way to the Riviera Yacht Club. Fireworks filled the basin, but attention kept returning to the boat herself and what this new model signals for the brand.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst took the opportunity to pay tribute to the company's 900 staff before turning to what the 5600 actually delivers. His view is that the yacht raises the bar for luxury motor yachts under 60 feet, with particular gains in space, comfort, liveability, engineering, blue-water ability and fuel efficiency. "The brief was to create the best mid-50-foot sports yacht," he said. "The result speaks for itself."
Carrying Platinum Edition status, the 5600 brings a more refined level of finish and a sharper overall aesthetic while remaining faithful to the four fundamentals that define the Sport Yacht series: timeless styling, single-level living, genuine offshore capability and ease of handling. Step aboard and those priorities become immediately clear.
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The teak-laid hydraulic swim platform gives an early indication of how carefully the 5600 has been thought through. It lowers to create a private beach area and, when it does, folding steps deploy automatically. Tender management has been reworked as well. A redesigned garage floor, electric winch and removable rails allow a 3.3-metre RIB to be launched or recovered with the outboard still attached. The remaining garage space accommodates paddleboards, two SeaBobs, dive bottles and a range of water gear.
Buyers can choose between a short or long hardtop, either of which frames an aft deck fitted with a full-width lounge and an L-shaped dining area that seats up to eight. The entertainer's galley is well appointed: twin grill units, an extractor fan, drawer fridge, icemaker and wet bar. An electric blind drops from the hardtop when shade or privacy is needed, and an overhead sunroof draws in light and air when it is not.
Inside, the saloon carries on the single-level flow that defines the Sport Yacht line. A stainless-framed glass door and awning window connect the aft deck and interior without interruption. The U-shaped galley is equipped with induction cooking, a combination oven, dishwasher, a full-height fridge and fridge/freezer drawers that can be configured either way. A drinks station with wine cooler sits on the opposite side of the space.
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Two lounges give the saloon a natural rhythm, and swivel stools at the galley breakfast bar mean whoever is cooking remains part of the conversation. Generous windows and a broad sunroof keep the space feeling connected to the water. When evening arrives, the blinds can be lowered and a rising television transforms the room into a more private retreat.
Forward, the deck has been designed with long days at anchor in mind. A C-shaped lounge, a teak-trimmed pedestal table, twin adjustable sunbeds and deep lockers for fender and drinks storage give the space genuine practicality. Waterproof speakers are built in to complete the setting.
The helm prioritises visibility and clean operation. Touchscreen navigation dominates the console behind a curved glass windscreen. The captain's chair is fixed in position while the companion seat swivels to face the saloon when the boat is at anchor. Twin joystick controls, one at the helm and one on the aft deck, take the effort out of manoeuvring at low speeds. Starboard or dual aft-deck controls are available as options.
Down below, three staterooms and two bathrooms make up the accommodation deck, finished in Riviera's characteristic blend of handcrafted timber and considered detailing. The full-beam master suite centres on a queen island bed with cedar-lined lockers and storage throughout, complemented by a Smart TV, reverse-cycle air-conditioning and a private ensuite with a teak-seated shower.
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The forward VIP cabin matches the master in comfort and has its own ensuite access. The port guest cabin converts between twins and a double at the touch of a button and comes with generous storage. A dedicated laundry in the companionway offers a separate washer and dryer, bench space and natural ventilation through a hull window.
Twin Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950s, each producing 725hp (533kW), provide the power and give the 5600 a strong power-to-weight balance. The engine room is full height and accessible through either a stern door or a lockable deck hatch. The options list covers Sentinel telematics, solar charging, Volvo Assisted Docking, Humphree fins, Seakeeper stabilisation and Starlink. Riviera backs the model with five-year warranties on engines, drives and electronics, along with a seven-year structural warranty and a two-year express limited warranty.
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The 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition makes its first public appearance at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2026, with its Australasian debut following at Sanctuary Cove in May. For those who follow the Sport Yacht line closely, this launch marks another confident step in Riviera's ongoing push to refine and expand the range.
