John Cowpe – TMG Yachts Co-Founder
John Cowpe, Co-founder of TMG Yachts, has built a remarkable career around his lifelong passion for the sea. From his childhood sailing the rugged Scottish coast to leading one of Australasia’s top yacht dealerships, John brings deep knowledge and a personal love for boating that resonates with enthusiasts across Australia and New Zealand.
GROWING UP SURROUNDED BY THE WATER: JOHN’S EARLY YEARS
John’s story begins in Fairlie, a charming village on Scotland’s west coast. This small town, known for its historic wooden yachts built by William Fife, was the perfect place for a young sailor to grow up. John recalls spending long summers on small wooden boats with his family, exploring the west coast’s breathtaking anchorages.
These trips were all about family, nature, and learning the ropes of sailing. John credits an inspiring mentor at the National Water Sports Centre nearby for introducing him to windsurfing, sailing, and racing. These formative years gave him not just technical skills, but also a deep emotional connection to the sea.
ADVENTURES ACROSS OCEANS: FROM SCOTLAND TO AUSTRALIA
John’s sailing journey didn’t stop in Scotland. He embarked on deliveries across the Atlantic and sailed from Scotland to adventurous destinations including, Iceland, Sweden and the French west coast. Eventually, he settled in Australia over 25 years ago, where he found a new playground and community for his love of boating.
“For me, boating is about freedom, connection, and challenge. It’s not just getting from point A to point B — it’s the adventure, pushing your personal limits, and sharing special moments with friends and family.”
THE TMG YACHTS STORY: A SHARED VISION
Australia’s vibrant boating industry and stunning coastline have been a blessing for John. In 2016 John teamed up with Peter Hrones and Tim Vine to launch TMG Yachts. Together, they recognised the growing interest in multihulls and aimed to bring the best catamarans and yachts to the region.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND SHARING A PASSION FOR BOATING
As Co-founder of TMG Yachts, John connects local boat enthusiasts with world-leading brands.
Under John’s leadership, TMG Yachts has become the exclusive Australian dealer for these prestigious brands and has received multiple awards across the Asia Pacific region, including Lagoon’s APAC Best Dealer and Global Brand Ambassador for a record-breaking seventh consecutive year, as well as PRESTIGE’s Dealer of the Year.
These achievements reflect TMG Yachts’ ongoing commitment to quality, education, and exceptional customer service.
John’s hands-on experience, combined with his deep understanding of the industry, makes him a trusted leader for anyone looking to explore boating in Australia and New Zealand.
TMG Yachts has become a trusted name for multihulls and monohulls, both power and sail in Australia and New Zealand, offering expert advice, strong manufacturer partnerships, and a personalised approach to finding the right vessel. With the support of an in-house service team at Vesseltec, the company delivers seamless after-sales care, reflecting John’s belief that great service is just as important as the yachts themselves.
His lifelong passion for sailing, paired with a clear vision shared with co-founders Peter Hrones and Tim Vine, continues to drive innovation and support a growing community of boating enthusiasts. For those ready to explore life on the water, John and the TMG Yachts team are ready to guide the journey.
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