French flair

The Ocean Club brought together owners, VIPs, sponsors and partners for an intimate gathering at this year's Owners' Coterie during SCIBS 2021.

Photography by Damien Bredberg

08 June 2021

On 20 May, as the sun set over Sanctuary Cove’s new superyacht marina, the Ocean Club held a French-inspired cocktail party to celebrate the start of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS).

The attendees – a select group of yacht owners, VIPs and sponsors’ guests – enjoyed a fabulous night indulging in fine Laurenti Grand Cuvée Rosé Champagne and French wines, including magnums of French rosé. Spectacular cocktails from the Inner Circle Bar were also on offer, as well as four types of Inner Circle rum.

Guests were entertained with live music and a caviar tasting, which was accompanied by vodka shots, amidst the sparkle of over $1 million of Bvlgari jewellery.

As Hillary Buckman, Founder and Managing Director of Ocean Media, explained: “So many Australian boat owners couldn’t attend the Cannes and Monaco Yacht Shows and enjoy summer in the French Riviera as they usually do, so we thought we’d bring a certain je ne sais quoi to our Coterie Owners’ party.”

The French-Riviera-chic theme continued as guests of the Owners’ Coterie stepped on board Australian-built M/Y Patriot and M/Y Corroboree. “It was a fun, relaxed evening in a great setting,” affirmed Warren Yon, Marketing Director, Pilatus.

M/Y Corroboree.

Cocktails were the order of the evening, with the latest copy of Ocean magazine on viewing.

Held during SCIBS, one of the region’s most popular boat shows, the timing was ideal as many superyachts are currently cruising the warmer waters of Queensland.

The event was made possible by Sponsors Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, Burgess, Rolls-Royce, Hayman Estates, Pilatus and Bvlgari, and Ocean Partners Penske Australia, Analu Interiors, Cotswold Furniture, Dockmate, Inner Circle Rum and the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef.

Head of Burgess Australia Chris Stanton enthused, “The Ocean Club events during the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show exceeded expectations, setting an extremely high bar for future events.”

He continued, “The inaugural gatherings for both events were extremely well attended and excellent opportunities to meet new and similarly minded yachting enthusiasts.

“Burgess is delighted to have supported the initiative as Elite Sponsors and we’re already excited about, and looking forward to, next year’s event.”

Signature cocktails – inspired and crafted by the astute collection of Inner Circle Rum – flowed while Champagne and Vale lager was sipped.

Furniture for the evening was supplied by Cotswold Furniture, who commented: “We’re glad we could support Ocean magazine with our furniture for the Coterie and at Ocean Media’s stall at this year’s SCIBS.”

Elite Sponsor Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard.

Ocean Club Owner's Coterie. (Credit: Damien Bredberg.)

Dominic White, Penske MTU Marine (East) Sales Manager, was also positive: “The Ocean Club Owners’ and Captains’ functions allowed Penske Australia and New Zealand to showcase our superior network and the advantages that Rolls-Royce Power Systems MTU engines bring to the marine market.

“The Ocean Club forum relates strongly with our brand. We were delighted to be a sponsor and look forward to working with everyone we met during the evening.”

Andrea Gambacorti, Co-Director of interior design firm Analu, shared White’s sentiments: “The Owners’ event was well planned and superbly managed.

“It was an absolute pleasure to share delightful hours with our best clients in such a select and exclusive environment. The tastings and products on viewing made the night ever so glamorous and relaxed.”

Gambacorti added, “For days after, clients at our stand recounted the high-quality environment and the fun the evening put on for guests.”

Trenton Gay, owner of Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, noted: “The marine maintenance business is people-driven.

“It’s all about developing and maintaining great relationships with owners and captains so they’re confident in our ability to solve their problems and make their time on the water more enjoyable.”

He continued, “While there are many B2B, industry-to-industry events, the Ocean Club ones are unique. They’re an incredible avenue for us to connect on a more personal level with our existing and potential clients – getting that face-to-face time and face-to-face feedback is very powerful.”

“Hillary and the Ocean Club team know how to showcase the luxury yachting lifestyle better than anyone else in the Australian market.”

“Our VIP guests raved about the experience – the caviar, the Rolls-Royce, the Bvlgari jewellery – it was a night to remember and a fantastic way to meet like-minded people in a relaxed and fun environment.

“It was also a great way to showcase a range of exceptional yachts for purchase or charter to a well-targeted audience,” added Gay.

Ocean Partner Inner Circle Rum.

“The Ocean Club’s bespoke superyacht events at SCIBS 2021 were a highlight of our group’s attendance this year,” recalled Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef Manager Joanne Drake.

“The chic occasions enabled lovely interactions in a luxurious and relaxed atmosphere. Conversations naturally flowed toward our world-heritage destination and its many unique experiences. Thank you, Ocean Media, for adding a very special element to the show this year!”

A million dollars worth of Bvlgari jewellery glistened in the moonlight as guests chatted, waiting for the North American and European caviar on the back of their hand to warm to blood temperature.

Two lavish experiences were held on board Patriot and Corroboree. Within Patriot’s saloon, a room full of guests was entertained by Andy from The Gourmet Providore Group, who educated them on the different tastes of caviar and vodka.

On Corroboree, Bvlgari delighted guests with their stunning collection of necklaces, bracelets, handbags and watches. Later in the evening, and after a few glasses of champagne, this became the place to be!

Hillary Buckman, Managing Director of Ocean Media, with XXX.

Bvlgari timepieces.

“To be able to offer owners, VIPs and guests an elegant evening and also a lot of fun during the boat show is what we always try to achieve,” concluded Buckman.

“Having the event on board two of Australia’s iconic superyachts – both built on the Gold Coast – made for a truly exceptional gathering of friends.”