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Against an iconic Sydney Harbour backdrop and in a celebration of ocean lifestyle and sophistication, the Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée transformed a stormy Sydney night into a memorable evening of glamour, connection, and artistry.
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Despite the storm sweeping across the harbour, the Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée proceeded exactly as intended – bringing together a carefully curated room of owners, industry leaders and partners for an evening that has steadily become one of the most anticipated gatherings on the Ocean calendar.
On a night when Sydney was drenched in relentless sheets of rain, more than 115 guests arrived undeterred – proving once again why the Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée has become one of the most anticipated gatherings on the social calendar for yacht owners, industry leaders and Australia’s maritime community. For those who live life around the ocean, after all, the rule has always been simple: rain, hail or shine.
Guests arrived at Sala, positioned at the very end of the historic Jones Bay Wharf in Pyrmont, where floor-to-ceiling glass framed the cinematic harbour beyond. Outside the venue, the striking Range Rover Sport SV commanded attention, with guests pausing beneath umbrellas to admire the high-performance SUV displayed prominently at the entrance – a fitting welcome for an evening celebrating modern luxury, design and capability.
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The storm outside only heightened the atmosphere inside, with rain streaking across the harbour glass as the lights of the bridge and city shimmered beyond the wharf.
Inside, the atmosphere quickly warmed despite the weather outside. Guests mingled with Champagne Lallier in hand while a procession of canapés, curated by multi award winning Executive Chef Danny Russo, circulated the room.
The hospitality set the tone for the evening. An open bar featuring Lallier and Orange-based Printhie Wines and signature Campari cocktails encouraged relaxed conversation among the room of owners, partners and industry leaders, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and energetic – a private club ambience where those with a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, innovation and life on the water gathered among friends.
As Emily Swift from Printhie Wines reflected:
Sala was a fantastic location to celebrate SailGP. As first-time sponsors, it was great to see so many owners, enthusiasts and industry leaders in one room. The torrential rain didn’t stop the enthusiasm of guests to come together and reconnect over great wine and food, which is a testament to the close-knit Ocean Magazine community.”
Cara-Jayne Beh, National Account Manager at Campari Group – representing Champagne Lallier, which ensured guests enjoyed a sparkling start to the evening – added:
“We’re thrilled to be returning to Ocean Club’s community of owners, partner brands and VIPs. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Champagne Lallier at such a memorable, world-class event.”
Entertainment on the night provided another highlight, with Australia’s most award-winning speed painter, Sarah Rowan, captivating the room as she transformed a blank canvas into a sweeping harbour masterpiece throughout the evening.
With theatrical flair, Rowan gradually revealed a dramatic seascape featuring the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the Bonds Flying Roos SailGP F50, slicing across the water – a visual tribute to SailGP and the global spotlight on Sydney’s sailing stage set to unfold over the weekend.
Guests were invited to contribute their own brushstrokes to the artwork as it evolved during the evening, before signing the completed canvas at the close of the event – creating a lasting memento of the night and a shared expression of the spirit of the harbour.
Rowan said she was “thrilled to be part of the Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée – there’s something truly special about events that bring people together through shared experience and creativity.
“It was wonderful to capture the energy of the evening through live speed painting and create a visual moment guests will remember long after the night ends.”
Daniel Lee, Product Manager at JLR Australia – representing Elite Partner Range Rover – said the evening reflected the shared values between the brand and the Ocean community.
It was a fantastic evening. The event brought together an impressive mix of individuals across the luxury, marine and broader lifestyle space, and it was a great opportunity to connect with people in such a relaxed and refined setting.
“That’s really what occasions like this are about – meaningful conversations and building genuine connections. It was a pleasure to be part of it.”
Though unable to attend on the night, Tom Anderson, Head of Range Rover Australia, also commented:
“The 2026 Ocean Club Soirée was a standout celebration of modern luxury and an exceptional stage to showcase the latest in high performance innovation from Range Rover – the extraordinary Range Rover Sport SV. Our team valued the opportunity to connect with guests whose appreciation for craftsmanship, capability and design excellence reflects the very essence of the Range Rover brand.”
Ocean Media Founder and Managing Director Hillary Buckman once again took to the floor as host, delivering an engaging address that set the scene for the SailGP weekend ahead before inviting speed painter Sarah Rowan to share a few reflections on her creative process and the inspiration behind the evening’s live artwork. Buckman also acknowledged the loyalty of sponsors, the support of event partners and the strength of the Ocean Club community.
Warm applause followed – a tribute to the vision that continues to bring together Australia’s maritime industry and a wider community of passionate ocean enthusiasts.
As the evening unfolded, glasses of The Ben Buckler Whisky flowed freely, with guests enjoying the bold, complex spirit and congratulating its creator – television host Larry Emdur – who joined the celebration.
Having partnered with Ocean as a supplier for the evening, Emdur was clearly enjoying the atmosphere as he mingled with guests.
“I loved tonight – I love the vibe here,” he said. “Everyone is talking about the same things, and I can never hear enough about superyachts and great cars.
“I’m really honoured to have The Ben Buckler Whisky here tonight – because this is a very discerning audience, used to drinking exceptional whiskies – and the feedback has been phenomenal.”
The strength of Ocean Club’s long-standing partnerships was evident throughout the evening, with leading brokerage houses, shipyards and industry partners represented among the guests.
Adding his thoughts on the evening as a representative of valued Ocean Partner Burgess Australia, Chris Santon, Head of Burgess Australia, said:
We always enjoy sponsoring with Ocean Club – these events are fantastically well executed, not only for their quality but also the synergy with other sponsors and guests.”
He added: “It’s a great opportunity to meet new clients, bring our own clients along, and enjoy a fantastic evening, always exceptionally well catered with great drinks and food – we will always try to sponsor when we can.”
Leading yacht brands were equally well represented among the room of owners and enthusiasts.
David Jensen, Director of Princess Yachts NSW, applauded the event’s success:
“Tonight’s been an outstanding event. Everyone has come out, and the rain was not a problem. Everyone just pushed through and is having a wonderful time. The food and beverage is outstanding – so thank you to everyone involved.”
Sanlorenzo’s Country Manager, Jo Howard, also noted that the Soirée continues to be a fitting prelude to SailGP on Sydney Harbour and an important touchpoint for the brand’s Australian clientele.
“Sanlorenzo is delighted to be part of the Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée ahead of SailGP on Sydney Harbour,” he said.
We’ve enjoyed a long-standing alignment with Ocean Media, and the partnership is a natural fit across our portfolio – Sanlorenzo, Bluegame and Nautor Swan. It’s always an exceptional evening, bringing together a remarkable group of yachting enthusiasts.”
Ocean Club has increasingly become a meeting point for the broader yachting and ocean lifestyle community, bringing together owners, innovators, designers and brand partners through a series of carefully curated gatherings throughout the year. From private dinners and industry roundtables to flagship events such as the Owners’ Soirée, the platform continues to create opportunities for meaningful connection among those shaping the future of life on the water.
Summing up the spirit of the evening, James MacPhail, Managing Director of Pantaenius Australia, said:
Events like the Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée are exactly why we value our partnership with Ocean Media so highly. Hillary Buckman and her team have an exceptional talent for creating spaces that feel both beautifully curated and genuinely welcoming, where great food, great company and great conversation come together effortlessly.
“It’s a real pleasure to spend time with our owners and friends of the brand in an environment that celebrates not just boats, but the people and stories behind them.”
Rain-soaked yet radiant, the 2026 Ocean Club Owners’ Soirée once again proved that even the fiercest Sydney weather cannot dampen the spirit of the ocean community – an evening defined by camaraderie, craftsmanship and the shared passion that continues to unite the Ocean Club.
We genuinely thank our valued partners and suppliers, without whose steadfast support and innovative collaboration this event would not be possible – and whose commitment continues to elevate the Ocean Club experience year after year.
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