05 September 2024
Riviera’s stylish and sophisticated 5400 Sport Yacht set a new standard for luxury single-level living, cruising and entertaining yachts in the 50-foot category when she was launched during the Miami International Boat Show in February 2016.
Since then, she has gone on to become the most popular Riviera Sport Yacht model in the company’s 44-year history and for very good reason. So, it is no surprise that the team at Riviera’s Coomera headquarters in south-east Queensland are nearing the build of the 200th of this exceptional model.
This striking and extremely spacious avant-garde design epitomizes the Riviera ethos of excellence, enhanced further when the Platinum Edition Sport Yacht offering even great luxury and refinement was launched in 2019.
Platinum Edition refinements across the Sport Yacht collection – the 4600, 5400, 6000 and the recently launched 6800 – include a hardtop and targa arch presented in Riviera Platinum Silver along with a silver/grey upholstered sunbed on the foredeck.
The electronic array, air vents and boot top on all Platinum Edition Sport Yachts are rendered in a striking black finish.
The Platinum Edition Sport Yachts also include a raft of premium fabrics, high-gloss walnut timber cabinetry and trim, pure wool carpet underfoot in the staterooms and in-vogue lounges upholstered in soft-touch fabrics.
The 5400 went on to further accolades earlier this year as one of the yachts became the 6,000th Riviera to be launched in the marque’s 44-year history. The yacht is owned by long-time Riviera owners Peter and Denise Haig. The couple had been proud Riviera owners and flybridge devotees since 1988 – until they stepped on board the 5400 Sport Yacht.
“The 5400 is the perfect motor yacht for a couple,” says Peter. “There is plenty of space for entertaining while, at the same time, being easy to handle by the two of us.
“The superior quality of the yacht is recognisable from the moment we first stepped on board. The fit and finish are world class, and she is superbly comfortable.”
The media have also been effusive in their praise of the 5400.
Ocean magazine’s reviewer wrote: “The immaculate aquamarine hull of Riviera’s new 5400 Sport Yacht we tested would complement any dock from Venice to Sardinia to Fort Lauderdale to Rushcutters Bay, and that’s exactly what this premier boatbuilder intends.
“The designers have seamlessly melded the desire for space with luxurious practicality. The stylish combination of integrated technology and comfort makes leaving port, passage making and relaxing at the destination highly appealing while also offering owners the opportunity to maximise their recreational options even in compressed timeframes.
“The superior level of fit out is again evident in the owner’s full-beam stateroom. This sumptuous space is voluminous enough for a walk-around king-size bed with innerspring mattress. Its inviting ambience stems from the combination of earthy, light tones.”
The yacht’s great allure begins as soon as you step aboard the expansive hydraulic boarding platform. A tender garage immediately forward and under the aft deck opens at the touch of a button.
Stainless steel transom gates lead to a wide entertainer’s aft deck that begins with a wide forward-facing transom lounge. The forward port quarter contains the entertainment unit: a wet bar and double barbecue, a refrigerator and icemaker as well as a solid surface benchtop with sink.
The L-shaped lounge/dining area to starboard features storage underneath as well as concealed feature lighting. The teak table will even lower to become a daybed. The curvaceous fiberglass hardtop extends well aft to provide shelter and shade from the extremities while an electric sliding sunroof brings extra sunlight and fresh air into the alfresco area when desired.
Wide walk-around side decks with well-placed handrails provide easy access to her expansive entertainer’s foredeck that features an upholstered double sunpad with adjustable back rests and an innovative folding bimini for respite from the sun.
A sliding glass door and generous awning window seamlessly connect the cockpit with the saloon. The Riviera interior design team has created a luxurious yacht that is both welcoming and expansive and designed to deliver all the delights of a grand and contemporary life afloat.
The aft gourmet galley is a generous and efficient U-shape replete with premium appliances and conveniences, complemented by breakfast bar stools and varnished cabinetry. To port, a cocktail cabinet includes full-height refrigerator, drawer fridges below as well as a wine cooler and glass and bottle storage.
Immediately forward of this unit is a large L-shaped leather lounge with a highly detailed dining table. An electric-lift hi-lo option to the table allows this space to convert to a day bed.
Further forward, a smaller L-shape lounge allows guests to join the skipper during the cruise. Natural light is welcomed through the electric sliding glass sunroof and also through sliding tinted and toughened glass saloon side windows.
The entertainment systems in the main living area and staterooms include flat-screen televisions and premium surround sound.
The sports-inspired helm console forward on the centreline of the saloon includes a deluxe Recaro electric adjustable helm seat with Alcantara inserts behind a leather sports steering wheel. The helm is equipped with a sunken backlit dash featuring two 15-inch multi-function display screens.
Riviera’s smart technology abounds, including C-zone digital switching that allows the owner to simplify and personalise electrical systems. Joystick controls, offering ease of slow-speed manoeuvring, are located at the helm and in the cockpit. She is also equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) for station-holding, manual trimming with optional auto-trim and Dock Assist as well as the convenience of auto pilot.
The accommodation deck offers two or three staterooms. The full beam master suite amidships includes a king-size bed on the centreline with a feature timber headboard, lounge seating to starboard and an ensuite bathroom in the forward port corner.
Sweeping, fixed and tinted hull windows on both sides of the master stateroom draw in plenty of natural light while fresh air can be introduced through opening portholes alarmed to the helm. His and hers cedar-lined hanging lockers are to port and starboard with automatic lighting, as well as additional cabinetry to port and a private lounge to starboard.
The VIP guest stateroom forward includes a queen double bed. Fixed hull windows introduce natural light, complementing the fresh air introduced through an overhead deck hatch. An ensuite bathroom can be shared with day guests. A pullman berth cabin is on the port side immediately aft. This space can also be optioned as an atrium lounge if desired.
The 5400 Sport Yacht is powered by twin Volvo Penta D11 IPS950 rated at 533kW (725hp) each, offering an excellent power-to-weight ratio, spirited performance, enhanced torque, improved fuel efficiency, simple manoeuvrability and quiet operation. A highly-efficient Anti-Corrosion Protection (ACP) unit is mounted to the transom to reduce the maintenance of sacrificial anodes.
Ocean magazine’s review summed up this exceptional motor yacht: “A concerted push into global markets requires a superior product with significant points of difference to the competition, and the 5400 Sport Yacht easily attains these benchmarks and adds another layer of innovation and technical integration.”