Our history

Ocean Independence (OCI) has grown both organically and through acquisition to become one of the largest and most successful yacht brokerage firms in the world. Discover more about the significant milestones in our corporate history.

12 October: OCEAN Independence is happy to announce that superyacht colleagues Primo Yacht have joined the group, consolidating the largest luxury charter fleet in the world!
March 2011: Charter Portfolio launch event at the Rothschild Private Banking & Trust, Zürich.
Portfolio launch event in Palm Beach, Florida.
June: OCI has the largest luxury charter fleet in the world (source MYBAnet, 7 June 2011).
June: We open an office in Auckland to extend our network in the Pacific.
Superyachts sold include: Haida G, Quantum of Solace, Amels 54m New Build and Asteria.

We sign our 100^thcharter Central Agency (CA).
June: OCI celebrates its fifth birthday.
August: We add an office in Mumbai, India, to our global network.
Superyachts sold include: Nomad, Sensation, Rossi Navi 46m New Build, Skylge, Lady Goodgirl, Millennium, Courage and Gliss.
OCI Commercial Manager Toby Maclaurin is appointed President of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA).
2010 Charter Portfolio launch event at the Lukas Huni AG Showroom, Zürich.
Ocean Management Guernsey founded as a dedicated payroll and recruitment company outside of EU jurisdiction.

March: OCI launches its third Charter Portfolio at the Stockeregg Gallery, Zürich. This edition is a hardcover version featuring OCI's original branding.
Portfolio launch was celebrated with an event at Linley’s in London, where interior design from Linley’s and yachting photography from KOS was displayed.
We have 17 offices worldwide, with 70-75 employees.
We have the second largest charter fleet of crewed luxury yachts and the fourth largest fleet of yachts for sale worldwide.
Superyachts sold include: Hebridean Spirit, Benetti New Build FB257, Midlandia, Casino Royale, Paola, IF, Celtic Dawn, Saudade, Celine Ashley, Hoppetosse and Twirlybird VI.
OCI opens a new office in New York City, USA.

March: OCI launches the second edition of its Charter Portfolio. The 2008 portfolio is launched at two exclusive events in Zürich and Palma de Mallorca.
April: OCI acquires British brokerage firm Cavendish White, enhancing the international scale of the organisation's offering. OCI now ranks second in the world for charter Central Agency (CA) listings and in the top five for sales CA listings.
June: OCI celebrates its third birthday with a donation to the Aqualung Trust, comprising four charities with a focus on cancer research and care, peace, healthcare and emergency relief globally.
July: OCI CA vessels -- 45m MARCO POLO was awarded 'Best New Series over 40 metres', while the magnificent 38.5m SanLorenzo 4H won 'Best New Series under 40 metres' at the 18th Annual ShowBoats International Awards in Monaco on 26 June 2008.
August: OCI opens a new office in London, UK.
September: OCI launches a new image and branding at the Monaco yacht show. London-based design agency Bostock & Pollit created the updated corporate look to accurately reflect the growing company.
Superyachts sold include: Elanymor, Christianne B, Onyx, Amels 212 Alta, Laura Z, Magdalus Terzo, Saga and Aöyssa Maria.
October: OCI opens a new office in Vienna, Austria, the gateway to the emerging markets in Eastern Europe.
December: OCI has 12 offices worldwide.

February: OCI opens a new office in St. Tropez.
March: OCI launches a brand new Charter Portfolio containing a selection of yachts representing the world's finest chartering options. Launch event held at the incredibly beautiful Zimmerleuten restaurant in Zürich.
June: OCI celebrates its second birthday with a donation to the Global Coral Reef Association to support its worldwide efforts to protect and grow coral reefs.
Superyachts sold include: Were Dreams, Floridian, Titan, Altavida, Netanya VII, Vinidrea II, Findings, Avante, Wallyno and Annaliesse.

October: Yacht management activities of the combined group are merged into one centre of excellence based in Switzerland, Uster, to form OCEAN Management. OCEAN Management is a separate company that provides advice on new construction, refits and day-to-day yacht operations management.
October: OCEAN Management is officially certified according to the International Maritime Organisation’s International Safety Management (ISM) standards.
Superyachts sold include: Alithia, Our Blue Dream, Sweet Doll and Ice.

January: Nicholas Dean joins Peter Hürzeler as equal partner in Ocean Cruise.
Spring: OCI buys Velonà Yachting in Monaco.
June: OCEAN Independence (OCI), headed up by Peter Hürzeler and Nicholas Dean, is created by the merger and acquisition of established companies Ocean Cruise and Sea Independence.
OCI has 10 offices across 7 countries (Switzerland, Spain, Germany, USA, France, Monaco and the UK) worldwide, with 19 brokers and consultants.
Autumn: We publish the first edition of our newsletter OCEAN Views, introducing our new yachting company to Clients and the industry.

Peter Hürzeler is appointed President of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA), a role he fulfils until 2007.
Nicholas Dean opens Port Folio Yachts Ltd (a bespoke charter and sales brokerage in the UK) with 28 years' yacht brokerage experience and an exclusive team.

Addition of Ocean Cruise agencies in Fort Lauderdale, Geneva and Mallorca.
1999: Ocean Cruise Monaco opens.
1991: Incorporation of Ocean Cruise AG to manage the Colombaio charter fleet, with addition of sales, charter and yacht management services.
1990–91: Two further additions to the Colombaio sail cruises fleet.
1998–2002: Nicholas Dean appointed Chairman of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) Charter Committee.
1985: First Colombaio sailing vessel launched.