Riviera ladies take the helm

Runaway Bay, QLD: Five Riviera owners boarded the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge for the R Marine Crawley Riviera Ladies on Water class, hosted by Ben Crawley and Karla Herbet-Evans from Nautical Training Marine Services.

The day began with morning tea on board the striking new 50 followed by a theory lesson on skippering, berthing, navigation and basic electronics and then it was time to climb aboard one of the shaft drive Rivieras to put the theory to practise.

R Marine Crawley's dealer principal, Ben Crawley, said boating on the Gold Coast was one of life's pleasures but it was important for both partners to understand their Riviera.

"I have a strong belief that both partners should know how to operate and dock their luxury cruiser, which is why as a dealership, we offer our regular ‘Riviera Ladies on Water classes'," Ben said.

"After the theory session, it was time for the ladies to test their skills and it didn't take long for the nervous looks to turn into laughs and giggles as the girls realised that with some handy tips from Karla and myself, being at the helm wasn't as daunting as it first seemed.

"Each of our guests took turns in docking and it was clear that their husbands better watch out as soon they may find themselves jostling for the skipper role on the next Gold Coast boating weekend away."

The ladies enjoyed lunch on board a new 445 SUV before the engines were fired up and it was time for the girls to experience the Volvo Penta IPS 600 and joystick combination.
Riviera 4000 Offshore Express owner, Maree Hume, said she was pleasantly surprised with Karla's knowledge and the wonderful warm manner in which she advised the team on the many aspects of boating.

"To have the opportunity to drive and park the amazing Riviera 445 SUV with IPS was a ‘once in a lifetime' enjoyable experience for me," Maree said.

"Also, many thanks to Ben for his participation and for hosting the day. I am eagerly looking forward to the next event."

"As I pulled the shiny new 445 out of the dock to demonstrate exactly what the boat could do, it was clear that not only were the ladies aboard impressed, but we heard a distant clapping from onlookers as I powered the 445 sideways the entire length between A and B arm of Runaway Bay Marina to the training pen," Ben said.

"Compared to the morning session, where we almost had to draw straws to see who was the first volunteer to take the helm, this time, all the ladies jumped at the opportunity to be the first to berth the 445 SUV.

"It was great to see such a high level of enthusiasm with everyone rising to the challenge and docking perfectly with very little guidance. It was clear just how much the Volvo IPS joystick control takes the biggest worry out of boating."

R Marine Crawley offer continued support and assistance with educational workshops and social events to ensure all their owners are boating safely and enjoying the Gold Coast's fabulous waterways.

For more information about R Crawley's upcoming events contact the team on +61 7 5529 5007 or www.rmarinecrawley.com.au or visit them at Shop 1A, Runaway Bay Marina, 247 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay.

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