From a bold idea doubted by many to a globally respected voice in luxury marine publishing, Hillary Buckman’s 20-year journey with Ocean Magazine is one of grit, glamour, and deep devotion to the sea. In her own words, she shares the milestones, the magic, and the moments that made it all worthwhile.
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Every edition tells a story. Every shoot, every interview, every late-night deadline and boatyard visit – each has been part of my world for the past 20 years.
It’s hard to believe, but Ocean Magazine turns 20 this May – and so does my journey with it. What began as an ambitious idea at a superyacht luncheon during the 2004 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has grown into my life’s work. The ride has been nothing short of extraordinary.
When I first floated the concept of Ocean Magazine, many didn’t think it would last more than a few issues. At the time, there were plenty of boating titles on the shelves, but none truly spoke to the top end of the industry. Two decades on, we’re about to publish our 120th issue, launched multiple titles and built an international presence that’s both respected and loved.
From our very first cover in May 2005 – featuring the 61-metre, Australian-built White Rabbit – to our most recent deep dives into the world’s most innovative vessels, our mission has always been to showcase more than just the boats. We’ve set out to capture the lifestyle, the people and the passion that make this industry so extraordinary.
There have been countless pinch-me moments – lunching aboard the 88-metre Maltese Falcon in Monaco, testing Volvo Penta’s new IPS engines in Sweden’s spectacular fjords, paragliding off a 960-foot cliff to check into the Six Senses Zighy Bay resort, touring all the Dutch superyacht yards with journalists from all over the world, and possibly my favourite, cruising aboard True North through The Kimberley region, taking in its raw beauty and gaining a deeper appreciation for the land and Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.
But behind the glamour and adventure lies a great deal of hard work. In 2019 alone, I was away from home for 120 days. That’s the part people rarely see – but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Of course, there have been challenges too. Buying out my former business partner at the start of the 2016 Sydney International Boat Show was a defining moment. It was bold, it was scary – and it was absolutely the right decision. Since then, we’ve rebranded, launched the Ocean Club, expanded into events, built global partnerships and continued publishing in print – because yes, print is very much alive when done well.
None of this would have been possible without my loyal team – especially Michele McCamley, who’s been by my side for 15 of these years – our talented writers and photographers around the world, our supportive advertisers and the many friends I’ve made across the industry who believed in my vision and helped build this global community.
Then there’s my family – my husband, my two daughters and my roots in the family farm back in Kaukapakapa, New Zealand. Fishing trips with my boatbuilding grandfather, deep-sea adventures with my parents, catching marlin and tuna and the odd shark, and a childhood by the sea all fuelled my love for the water.
People often ask where it all began. The answer spans continents and decades – working at Camper & Nicholsons in Gosport during the 1993–94 Whitbread Round the World Race; a stint in Dallas with a company whose CEO was the world drag-boat champion; sailing from Freshwater Yacht Club in Perth; and launching my first business during the 2000 America’s Cup in Auckland. Each experience shaped the next.
Over the years, I’ve tried to use Ocean not just as a platform to celebrate the extraordinary yachting lifestyle but also drive important conversations through our Ocean Keepers feature, where we spotlight ocean conservation heroes and the innovations helping protect the wonders of our underwater world.
Looking back, I feel proud. And grateful. For the lessons, the friendships, the sleepless nights and the unforgettable sunrises. For the wild stories and the quiet wins. For everything the ocean has given me.
So, what’s next? Who knows. But if I’ve learned anything over these 20 years, it’s this – you never know where the current will take you, but if you love what you do, the journey is always worth it.
Thanks for being part of mine.
To celebrate this incredible milestone Ocean Magazine are offering exclusive complimentary access to their current issue + access to their complete archives! Unlock this exclusive deal now!
Chat to the Ocean Magazine team at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2025.
