Ocean Club celebrates

The Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée delivered an unforgettable evening of luxury, fine dining and world-class entertainment set against the backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour.

Photography by Roman Liebich

13 February 2025

The annual Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée once again proved why it is one of the most anticipated gatherings on the social calendar for yacht owners and industry leaders.

More than 200 guests, clients, and event partners gathered for a night of refined luxury at the perfectly positioned Sala Dining, Jones Bay Wharf, where Sydney’s glittering skyline and the iconic arch of the Harbour Bridge set a breathtaking stage.

From the moment guests arrived, the ambience enveloped them in elegance. The gentle hum of conversation, clinking champagne glasses, and the sight of superyacht owners, industry VIPs, and connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship engaging in lively discussion created an intimate atmosphere.

Symphony of luxury

As guests sipped Lallier Champagne, they were able to admire the Range Rover SV Bespoke Orpheus Edition, a masterpiece of motoring elegance that epitomises the seamless fusion of craftsmanship and engineering.

Inspired by the Great Barrier Reef’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, this limited-edition Range Rover is an homage to nature’s beauty.

The connection to Orpheus Island runs deeper than just inspiration. The Range Rover Orpheus package includes an exclusive three-night stay at Orpheus Island, complete with gourmet meals, immersive activities, and private helicopter transfers from Townsville.

In a fortuitous twist, the owner of Orpheus Island, who also owns a Benetti superyacht, was in attendance, marvelling at the synergy between the island retreat and its luxury automotive counterpart.

Tom Anderson, Range Rover Brand Manager, Australia, reflected on the occasion: “It was an elegant and entertaining evening, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Range Rover brand and product. The team enjoyed connecting with the discerning guests and the co-partners, who were first-class.”

Timeless elegance & world-class entertainment

Luxury extended beyond the automotive display, with Grand Seiko presenting their latest collection of covetable timepieces, each a testament to Japanese precision and artistry. Guests admired the exquisite craftsmanship that defines Grand Seiko’s heritage while enjoying curated moments of indulgence.

The night’s entertainment was nothing short of spectacular. Award-winning Australian soprano Phoebe-Celeste Humphreys, a full-time performer with Opera Australia, graced the stage with a captivating performance from Verdi’s La Traviata, filling the harbourfront venue with soaring melodies that left guests spellbound.

Peter Mahony, General Manager at Benetti Yachts Asia Pacific, praised the event for its ability to bring together an extraordinary mix of guests.

“It felt like a private, exclusive gathering rather than a corporate event. The atmosphere was incredible, and the entertainment, especially the opera singer, was world-class.

“The feedback I’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive. The event is growing every year, and people appreciate the increased attendance without losing the intimate feel.”

Celebration of culinary excellence

A celebration of this calibre would not be complete without exceptional cuisine, and Sala Dining delivered a menu designed to delight every sense. Led by the expertise of celebrated Chef Danny Russo, guests were treated to a delectable selection of handcrafted canapés that set a new benchmark for refined dining.

Delicacies included more than a kilogram of Beluga Caviar, its delicate pearls bursting with briny sweetness, and freshly shucked oysters, a nod to the evening’s coastal theming. These flavours were paired to perfection with signature Campari cocktails and the effervescence of Lallier Champagne, ensuring each sip and bite was an experience in itself.

Adding to the grandeur of the evening was an unexpected visual spectacle: Crown’s Golden Century Restaurant celebrated its official opening with a breathtaking drone show, illuminating the night sky in a display of colour and choreography that mesmerised.

Personal milestone for Ocean Media

The evening was also a personal one for Hillary Buckman, Founder and Managing Director of Ocean Media, who took a moment to reflect on her 20-year journey in publishing.

Addressing the audience, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the mentors, industry leaders and clients who have been part of Ocean Media’s evolution. Though not the official 20th Year Celebration Party, the significant milestone deserved a mention.

“We have been hosting the Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée since 2012, and it has grown into something truly special – a gathering of not just industry friends, but also some of my dearest friends and family.”

She also welcomed her two daughters and husband Jon, acknowledging the significance of sharing this milestone with them. “I’m so proud of you, and being able to celebrate 20 years of Ocean Media tonight, surrounded by all of you and my incredible Ocean team, truly means the world to me.”

Hillary’s speech was met with resounding applause, a testament to the respect and admiration she has earned within the industry.

Honouring our partners & sponsors

Such an event would not be possible without the unwavering support and creative collaboration of its esteemed partners and sponsors, whose dedication helps raise the bar for the Ocean Club experience every year.

As the evening drew to a close, guests departed with strengthened connections and a renewed appreciation for the finer things in life – a sentiment that sits at the heart of Ocean Club’s mission.

Watch the highlights of the Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée here.