An experienced Riviera owner shares why upgrading to the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht was the perfect next step.

Our sales executive, Simon Don, sits down with Riviera owner Nigel for a chat about life aboard his brand-new Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht, covering performance, design, and cruising adventures. Read the full interview below to discover his Riviera journey.

Simon Don:
Nigel, thanks for having us on board your 5600 today — we really appreciate it. Would you mind answering a couple of questions for us? Firstly, could you tell us a little about your boating history and what drew you to Riviera?

Nigel Waller:
Of course. The first Riviera I owned was a 4800 Sport Yacht, which I purchased from your Rushcutters Bay dealership. It happened a bit by accident. We dropped in to see one of your previous salespeople who had looked after us for quite some time. He had been gently encouraging us to consider Riviera over another brand, and there just happened to be a beautiful 4800 sitting there. One thing led to another, and the deal was done.

The 4800 was a great step up from our previous boat.

Simon Don:
And what did you move to after the 4800?

Nigel Waller:
We upgraded to the 5400 Sport Yacht. It was a significant step up. My wife absolutely loved the full-beam master cabin — especially the extra width and being able to access the bed from both sides. The additional space overall made a big difference, particularly when entertaining guests.

The 4800 was terrific for inshore cruising, and we did a couple of offshore trips, but the 5400 really opened my eyes to longer passages. We cruised to the Whitsundays twice, spending three months there each time. We also crossed Bass Strait to Hobart, which was a magnificent trip. The 5400 was fantastic to live aboard and cruise extensively.

Simon Don:
That’s fantastic. So what has kept you coming back to Riviera specifically?

Nigel Waller:
The after-sales service has been exceptional. Just as importantly, the Riviera network and social side are incredibly strong. It really feels like a big family. You pull into a marina somewhere, someone asks what Riviera you have, and before long you’re chatting about upgrades, maintenance tips or trips you’ve done. There’s always a shared connection.

The engagement from the R Marine network, the events and the social gatherings you organise — that’s been a huge plus for us. It adds real value to owning the brand.

Simon Don:
Excellent. It also sounds like the way you’ve used your boats has evolved over time, and what you look for in a boat has changed as well?

Nigel Waller:
Absolutely. We originally did mostly inshore boating around the bays here. But Riviera has really given me the confidence and desire to head offshore. The way these boats handle in open water is magnificent. They run beautifully, they’re efficient, and you can cover distance comfortably and quickly.

That’s what’s changed for us — from simply heading out for lunch in the bay to undertaking serious coastal cruising adventures. We’d love to do the Hobart trip again next year, and we’re planning to take this 5600 back up to the Whitsundays, possibly venturing further north this time — Port Douglas, even Lizard Island.

That ability to expand your horizons and explore further is really the beauty of it.

Simon Don:
So Nigel, when the 5600 was introduced, what made you feel it was the right model for your next step in boating?

Nigel Waller:
I was introduced to the 5600 very early on, just from the initial plans and drawings. Even at that stage, I could see it offered greater space and volume compared to the 5400. One of the standout features for me was the forward recreation area — the foredeck seating. Now that I own the boat, that space has proven to be a magical addition. We spend a lot of time up there enjoying drinks with friends — it’s become a real social hub.

While the overall layout is familiar, Riviera has refined and enhanced the use of space. The finishes on this new boat are second to none. It really is a significant leap forward from the 5400. I’ve had a smile on my face ever since taking delivery — I genuinely love it and spend as much time on board as I can. It feels very different, even though it builds on what came before — if that makes sense.

Simon Don:
What was it like seeing the 5600 for the first time?

Nigel Waller:
It was magical. I did get a bit emotional. This was a project my wife and I had planned together, and sadly she passed away before she had the chance to see the finished boat. That was difficult. But once I got through that moment, I felt sure she would be looking down and happy to see the joy it’s brought me.

The boat presents beautifully. It looks solid and impressive in the water — definitely a head-turner. Everyone who has stepped on board has been in awe of the finishes and the layout. It really is a superb boat.

Simon Don:
And how did you find the delivery and handover process?

Nigel Waller:
It was fantastic. We had two full days of handover and training. All the key suppliers and trades were brought in to walk us through the various systems and components on the boat. It made for a very smooth transition.

Having owned the 5400 certainly helped with understanding the core systems, but there’s also new technology onboard. It was great hearing from the Garmin and Volvo representatives about how everything has evolved. Those two days were extremely valuable. Riviera also made sure we were very well looked after throughout the process.

This was my first brand-new boat, so the whole new boat ownership experience was very special. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Simon Don:
What would you say to someone considering their first Riviera?

Nigel Waller:
I’d highly recommend sitting down and discussing your boating needs with someone who really understands the range — and yes, I’d certainly recommend speaking with Simon.

Every owner is different and everyone uses their boat differently. With so many models and configurations available, there truly is a Riviera to suit most boating lifestyles. The key is finding the one that aligns with how you want to use it.

Simon Don:
Would you recommend the 5600 specifically to other boaters?

Nigel Waller:
Absolutely. We’re entertaining-style owners, and the 5600 is perfect for that. The openness and flow from the foredeck through to the galley and cockpit is exceptional. It allows everyone to socialise easily without feeling separated.

And that forward lounge area adds an entirely new dimension. It’s easily the most popular spot onboard — guests are always heading up there. It’s been a huge success.

Simon Don:
What would you say has been your best moment so far with the boat?

Nigel Waller:
One of the standout moments was bringing her down from the Gold Coast to Sydney. I’ve done that trip before, but this time it was something else. This boat is fitted with Humphree stabilising fins, and the ride was incredibly smooth.

In terms of handling, it’s a noticeable step up from the 5400. The improvements in ride and balance are significant. The 5400 tended to sit a little bow-high, but the 5600 sits beautifully in the water. It just feels refined and composed.

Simon Don:
If you had to describe the 5600 in one word, what would it be?

Nigel Waller:
Sensational.