A soirée to remember

Above the lights of the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show, the Ocean Club hosted its Mid-Winter Soirée in glamorous style, with guests enjoying the opportunity to reconnect after a two-year hiatus.

Photography by Roman Liebich

30 August 2022

On a clear winter evening at Café del Mar in Cockle Bay, there was a buzz in the air as the Ocean Club hosted the much-anticipated Mid-Winter Soirée on the opening night of the 2022 Sydney International Boat Show.

Yacht owners, VIPs, sponsors and industry partners, in fact over 200 guests from every corner of the country and globe, all gathered to celebrate the return of the show in the kind of chic style that Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief at Ocean Media, Hillary Buckman, and her team are renowned for.

With the French Champagne and cocktails generously flowing, guests relished the opportunity to mingle on the alfresco balcony, which was brimming with laughter and conversation throughout the night as old friends caught up and new introductions were made.

As the band played in the background, guests were offered a variety of delicious canapés, as well as caviar tastings from Beluga Caviar served on beautiful pearl spoons, and the hospitality and quality that the Ocean Club is known for was in full swing.

Sam Sorgiovanni and Chris Blackwell.

Francesca Rubi and Hillary Buckman.

Ricki Hersburgh, Andy Murray and Hillary Buckman.

Jon and Hillary Buckman.

After a brief speech by Buckman, who welcomed everyone back to the show, the special guest for the evening, Emmy Award-winning singer-songwriter Toni Childs, performed Stop Your Fussin’ and a number of other classics, wandering through the crowds as she sang.

While many guests took advantage of the chance to be outdoors, others relaxed inside, where two stunning yacht models, one from Benetti Yachts and the other from Echo Yachts, were on display, sparking numerous conversations.

“We have absolutely loved being part of this event; it has truly exceeded expectations,” said Angela Burlizzi, Founder of Analu, who generously supplied flowers for the event.

Indeed, the Mid-Winter Soirée, part of a string of events held by Ocean Media at the show, which also included the Captains of Industry Roundtable and Lunch the following day, and the Ocean Club Lounge, an exclusive space available throughout the show, wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors.

Chris Santon, Head of Burgess, commented: “Burgess was thrilled to be a sponsor of this Ocean Club event. The soirée was first-class, and Cafe del Mar was in a prime location to network with the finest in the local industry – it was an exceptional experience.”

Beluga Caviar supplied Caspain caviar for guests to enjoy.

The delicate and delectable caviar was served on pearl spoons.

Oysters were just one of the many delicious canapés served to guests throughout the night.

Emmy award winner Toni Childs gets up close and personal with the crowd.

Childs performed her global hit, Stop Your Fussin', among other crowd favourites.

All guests gathered around for Toni Childs' unforgettable performance.

The bar served beer, wine, spirits and even a signature Ocean cocktail.

Guests mingle as the night begins.

Musical trio Retro Lane entertained guests as they arrived at the Mid-Winter Soirée.

Cafe del Mar's range of talented chefs cooked delicious canapés for all to enjoy.

The 2022 Mid-Winter Soirée was held as a private event at Cafe del Mar.

Chris Blackwell, Sales & Marketing Manager for Echo Yachts commented, “Echo Yachts was proud to sponsor the Ocean Club events at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show.

“The format was very well conceived, providing the perfect opportunity to network and showcase our large superyacht newbuild and maintenance services to an exclusive audience in a relaxed setting.

“We certainly increased awareness among Australian owners and captains attending, as to the high calibre of large bespoke superyachts they can benefit from having designed and handcrafted right here in Australia. We look forward to our next Ocean Club experience.”

“Ocean Media would like to extend a very warm thank you to our sponsors for supporting the series of events at the Sydney International Boat Show, including our very special Mid-Winter Soirée, which was a resounding success on all fronts,” concluded Buckman.

“I’d like to encourage you to reach out to our sponsors if you need their assistance – they are the best in their field, and made the show and the soirée a spectacular, all-immersive experience for everyone involved.”