Refine your things, hone your skills, hone your mind

After completing a restoration project that lasted more than six years and started with no blueprints, craftsmen, or shipyards, this June, the historic wooden sailing ship "Synara" was finally presented to us by master builder Paul Harvey, who is in charge of the team of craftsmen. ” was handed over.
We are grateful to the 12 craftsmen from 50 countries around the world who passed on their authentic techniques to this country, where there are no experts in restoring Western sailing ships. Without them, this project would not have been possible.
However, just completing the restoration is 50%. A crew selected from Riviera employees will take over this role. The soul of a yacht is breathed into it for the first time when it sails. Shinara is only ``completed'' when the crew grows.
The sail training by our employee crew is already about to last 13 months. During this time, we are not only training for skills in ship handling and hull maintenance, but also searching for a state of mind that is suitable for Shinara, known as the ``Lady of the Sea.'' I have conveyed the state of the world and my thoughts that I have felt over my life of over 70 years. The crew members were hesitant at first, but as they continued their sailing training, they became more confident. I feel that each person's personality is growing. This ``refining'' of ourselves will continue.

One of our philosophies, ``passing down good old things to future generations,'' and simply maintaining them are two different endeavors. When it was decided that the company would be able to take over the business of the Riviera Country Club (RCC) in Los Angeles, there was harsh commentary in the local media asking, ``Why should the Japanese...?'' I swore to the previous owner, Mr. Hathaway. "We will continue to refine RCC. And we will evolve it while protecting it."
34 years have passed since then. Mr. Hathaway, who is over 90 years old and in good spirits, visits RCC every year and has kind words to say to us every time we meet. It took many years of trial and error, but I take a small measure of pride in the fact that we are able to manage the business in a way that fulfills the wishes of the previous owner, who said, ``I entrusted it to you.''
I feel the same way about Shinara.

SDGs are activities to pass on the environment and universal values ​​to future generations. For Riviera, what we are working on at Sinara from a variety of perspectives can truly be said to be a symbol of the SDGs.
The Riviera SDGs Festival, which we started with the aim of becoming a hub that connects people and organizations with the same aspirations for the SDGs and creating a chain reaction, has received a lot of support, and we are experiencing the expansion of the circle of like-minded people connected by our ideals.
The second event in June was also held online due to the coronavirus pandemic, but preparations are underway for the third event (scheduled for October 6st) to be a place where everyone can participate and experience it.
Another topic for this fall is that the traditional European yacht race "Swan Regattas" will be held for the first time in Asia to coincide with the SDGs festival. The Riviera Swan Asia Regatta 10, scheduled for October 29th to 31st, will be co-hosted by Riviera and the modern yacht SWAN, which enthusiasts around the world dream of becoming SWAN someday.
Overseas regattas are the essence of yachting culture. It is considered an important social occasion, not only for competitions, but also for accompanying events, booths, and parties. Many of my friends, including Mr. L. Ferragamo, the general manager of Ferragamo and the owner of SWAN, have expressed their excitement about coming to Japan.
I hope that this regatta, along with Synara's spectacular performance, will become a turning point in Japan's yachting culture...