Photography by Squirrel House Media and Roman Liebich
17 June 2022
Ocean magazine shone brightly on the first night of the 2022 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), where the achievement of 100 incredible issues was celebrated with a classy event at the Ocean Club’s annual Owners’ Coterie on Thursday 19 May.
Held at the Lagoon Lounge, guests at the lavish party included yacht owners, VIPs, sponsors and industry partners, who all gathered to mark this important milestone with Hillary Buckman, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief at Ocean Media, and her team.
It was a poignant moment in the magazine’s history, not least as the very first issue of Ocean was launched at the show 17 years ago. Since this time, the Ocean Media team has attended every edition of SCIBS, making it the perfect show to highlight the magazine’s evolution and future.
Last year, the Ocean Club launched the Owner’s Coterie, an exclusive event for owners and VIPs to mingle and, above all, have fun, and this year it was the ideal event to reunite those who make the magazine what it is today.
The event was made possible by Ocean’s generous Elite Sponsors – Benetti Yachts, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, Lagoon and Analu – plus our fabulous Ocean Partners – Coral Sea Marina Resort, Quality Marine Clothing, Westpac Private Bank, Dockmate, Diageo Rare & Exceptional and Wine and Only.
Overlooking the superyacht marina and under starry skies, guests enjoyed delectable canapés, superb Champagne and French wine by Wine and Only.
Diageo Rare & Exceptional displayed some of the world’s most spectacular whiskeys. Brand Ambassador Katie Nagar and Adam Douglas took guests through a tasting experience, which included Johnnie Walker’s 48-Year-Old Master of Flavour, King George V Lunar, Mortlach’s 20- and 25-Year-Old Single Malts and a Don Julio Real Extra Anejo Tequila.
Relishing the opportunity to socialise again after a few disrupted years and travel restrictions, guests joined the celebration from all corners of the globe and country, as well as every sector of the yachting industry.
“The Ocean Club events are always a highlight of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show,” said Trenton Gay, CEO of Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM).
“It’s always a great opportunity to reconnect with the industry and create new friendships for the future – it was a truly classy function that epitomised the superyacht lifestyle.
“It was incredible to see so many owners and leading superyacht captains come together to celebrate our growing industry and the 100th issue of Ocean magazine. GCCM was extremely proud to be involved,” said Gay.
Peter Mahony, General Manager of Benetti Yachts, noted: “The Sanctuary Cove International Boat show never fails to entertain and is a highlight of the yachting calendar in the Southern Hemisphere.
“The 2022 edition did not disappoint. Buoyed by a strong market, the vibe of the show was upbeat. It was our pleasure to attend the Ocean magazine celebration at the Owners’ Coterie, and we could not have been more impressed,” he added.
“With a fun ambience, it was a great opportunity to enjoy this fabulous network and make new friendships. Well done to the whole Ocean Media team for once again raising the bar. We eagerly look forward to the next edition!”
Signature cocktails were on offer at the bar and a talented three-piece band created the perfect party vibe for those who chose to dance the night away.
Guests also took advantage of the venue’s alfresco and covered spaces, while others snapped selfies in the Ocean Club’s photo booth complete with themed props.
Andrea Gambacorti, Co-Director of Analu, commented: “Analu was proud to be part of the Owners Coterie as one of Ocean’s Elite Sponsors.
“The evening was a great success, not only in terms of the nature of the event, which had been carefully and successfully curated by the Ocean Media team, but also the calibre of those who attended.
“It was a pleasure to spend a few hours in a great environment with a strong line-up of owners and their guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.
“There was a great buzz during the evening, and it was a pleasure to see so many owners and their guests enjoying both the hospitality on offer and the Lagoon Lounge venue.
“As an Elite Sponsor, the evening was a total success, giving us the opportunity to revisit friends, clients and colleagues in a totally enjoyable and relaxing setting. Our congratulations again go to the Ocean Media team for their great care and the effort taken to stage this unique event.”
Representatives from Quality Marine Clothing, an Ocean Partner of the event, also enjoyed the evening, which dazzled with conversation, laughter and camaraderie.
“Quality Marine Clothing had the pleasure of being a partner to Ocean Media for their annual opening night event at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS).
“Held in the stunning VIP lounge area, the Lagoon Lounge, our founders Duncan Curnow and Tony Liddy were in attendance along with many other VIPs. This was an incredible networking event where we caught up with many old friends and had the pleasure of making many new ones too.
“In honour of Ocean magazine’s 100th edition, Hillary Buckman gave a moving speech about how far Ocean Media has come in the last few years and what her vision is for the future.
“The night was unparalleled with delicious canapes, free-flowing drinks and plenty of laughs. Quality Marine Clothing looks forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Ocean Media and is already counting the days until their next event.”
“Partnering with the Ocean team in the Lagoon Lounge was a great way to entertain and introduce many new Lagoon owners to others in a relaxed environment while looking out at the incredible Lagoon SEVENTY8 in all her finery,” enthused John Cowpe from The Multihull Group.
Joscelyn O’Keefe from Coral Sea Marina Resort was equally enthused to be a part of the event. “We were delighted to sponsor Ocean Media’s Owners Coterie at this year’s SCIBS,” O’Keefe said.
“It offered us a valuable opportunity to extend an invitation to some of our valued superyacht owners and captains as well as an opportunity to network with key industry players and explore avenues for new business. As always, thank you to Hillary, Michele and the Ocean Media team.”
Hillary Buckman, buoyed by the overwhelming support, thanked everyone for attending and being part of the celebrations.
“Being able to offer owners, VIPs and guests an evening of fun and entertainment while acknowledging the achievement that is 100 issues was truly spectacular,” she said.
“The luxurious Intercontinental Hotel Lagoon Lounge made for a memorable event and was the perfect location for an exceptional gathering of friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2023!”
Benetti Yachts
Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard
Analu
Lagoon
Coral Sea Marina Resort
Quality Marine Clothing
Westpac Private Bank
Dockmate
Diageo Rare & Exceptional
Wine And Only
oceanclubinternational.com
oceanmedia.com.au