Articles Ocean Independence Turns 20

27 Oct 2025 | Industry Insight

Ocean Independence proudly celebrates 20 years in business this year, a major milestone for the company.

Two decades in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry like luxury yachting is no small feat. Since 2005, we’ve grown steadily, guided by a clear mission and a commitment to doing things the right way. Alongside our international Team, trusted partners and loyal clients, we’ve built a business known for its integrity, innovation and personal service. Throughout it all, our purpose has remained consistent: to shape the future of yachting by delivering tailored solutions across sales, charter, management and new build projects.

CELEBRATING IN ZURICH

To mark the occasion, we gathered with our Clients, partners and our dedicated Team Members on Saturday 04 October 2025, for a celebratory evening in Zurich. The event began with an Apéro at the elegant Hotel Baur au Lac before guests set off on a scenic dinner cruise around Lake Zurich. It was a relaxed and memorable evening, one that recognised the people who have played such an important role in our journey so far.

Throughout the cruise, guests had the opportunity to connect with leading yacht designers and industry peers. Our thanks goes to everyone who not only joined us and helped make the night a special one, but who have supported Ocean Independence within the past 20 years.

20 YEARS OF GROWTH

What started as a small, hands-on operation has steadily evolved into a global yachting business with a far-reaching presence. Today, Ocean Independence operates from 15 offices worldwide, supporting clients across every major yachting region. Over the years, we’ve completed more than EUR 4 billion in yacht sales and facilitated upwards of 750 charter contracts annually.

At the heart of our success is a diverse, multilingual Team of over 120 professionals representing 26 nationalities. This global perspective, combined with local insight, enables us to deliver a personalised, informed service, wherever our clients are in the world.

LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY

As we mark our 20th year, Ocean Independence remains a company shaped by its people and driven by a shared passion for yachting. Our timeline isn’t just a record of milestones, it reflects the values, achievements, and individuals who have played a defining role in our journey.

For founder Peter Hürzeler, the human element has always been at the core. Alongside his brother Hans, Peter launched the business with a simple aim: to share the joy of life at sea. “Being on a boat, going into bays, going into small ports and just experiencing that lovely lift that life on a boat gives you,” he explains.

That same spirit continues today, with family remaining central to the business. Peter’s son Alexander leads Finance, his daughter Lana oversees HR, his nephew Claudio Arpino holds a key position, and Hans still serves as Company Lawyer. Together, they’ve helped preserve the company’s original ethos while guiding its continued growth.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Over the past two decades, Ocean Independence has evolved through a series of key milestones. From its early days to becoming a global leader in luxury yachting, each step reflects a dedication to excellence, trusted partnerships, and a people-first approach. Here’s a look at how the journey has unfolded.

1987: The journey began with COLOMBAIO, a 120ft sailing yacht built by founders Peter and Hans Hürzeler. As one of the first commercially registered and compliant superyachts, she set a new benchmark in the industry. Always in high demand, COLOMBAIO laid the groundwork for what would become Ocean Independence.

1991: Ocean Cruise was established in Zürich, bringing a structured focus to yacht management and brokerage. The hands-on experience from operating COLOMBAIO informed every decision, shaping a client-focused and quality-driven approach that still defines the company today.

2003: With the market evolving, the Team expanded internationally. New offices in Monaco and Palma brought Ocean Independence closer to key yachting hubs, enhancing service delivery and strengthening local networks.

2005: A pivotal year that saw the merger of Ocean Cruise, Velonà Yachting, and Sea Independence. The result was the formation of Ocean Independence, a unified brand combining deep-rooted knowledge, shared values, and global ambition. Key figures including Rebecca Pattinson, who has been with the business from the beginning, and Marco Vandoni from Velonà Yachting played a crucial role in laying the foundations for what followed.

2006: The launch of the Yacht Management division was a natural step in providing comprehensive support for Owners. Under the guidance of Daniel Küpfer, the Team brought together operational expertise to ensure yachts were run safely, smoothly, and with precision.

2008: Ocean Independence acquired Cavendish White, a well-established London brokerage. The integration of a like-minded Team, including Tom Walden and Toby Maclaurin, significantly expanded the company’s presence in the UK and the large yacht sector.

2010: Recognising that great yachts rely on great crew, a dedicated Crew Employment and Recruitment service was introduced. Today, the Team arranges employment for around 400 crew members each year, sourcing top professionals across all departments.

2011: The acquisition of Primo Yacht in Antibes marked an important move into the heart of the French Riviera. With it came experienced charter professionals and enhanced on-the-ground knowledge, further strengthening the company’s charter capabilities. Judith Amselli and Pascal Erba, the founders of Primo, brought valuable charter expertise and local knowledge that helped strengthen the company’s operations in the region.

2015: The headquarters relocated to Küsnacht, Switzerland, reflecting the company’s continued growth and commitment to excellence. That same year, a new office opened in Fort Lauderdale, a key location for the American market. The US presence was further strengthened in 2015 with the arrival of Daphne d’Offay, Thom Conboy and Chris Collins, whose leadership and experience have been instrumental in establishing and growing the company’s operations in the region.

2016: A refreshed brand identity positioned Ocean Independence firmly as a luxury lifestyle brand. The introduction of PURSUIT brought expert insights, inspiration, and storytelling to a global readership.

2017: The acquisition of Hong Kong brokerage Seanergy marked the company’s expansion into Asia. Led by Jeremy Comport, the move brought new regional insight and strengthened the company’s global service offering.

2023: To complement its yachting services, Ocean Independence launched a Private Aviation division. From aircraft charter to sales and management, this seamless service now supports clients from home to harbour.

2025: Today, Ocean Independence operates 16 offices worldwide, supported by a multilingual Team of over 120 professionals. With more than EUR 4 billion in sales, over 500 yachts sold, and 750 annual charter contracts, the company continues to grow with a strong sense of purpose and personal service at its core.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we celebrate this milestone, our focus remains firmly on the future. The industry continues to evolve, and so do the expectations of our clients. We’re investing in digital tools, expanding our services, and exploring new ideas, but always with the same core values.

As Peter puts it, “Our clients really appreciate that it is a family-led business with family values. It’s something that is regularly commented upon.”

Whatever the next 20 years bring, we’ll continue to provide the same trusted, client-first service that has brought us this far.

To learn more about how Ocean Independence can support your needs across yacht sales, charter, management and construction, get in touch with our Team today.

Need help or advice?

The yachting journey can be complex with many decisions to be made. Get in touch with Ocean Independence, and one of our specialist consultants will help you make the right choices.