Step into a life brimming with charm, history and adventure on board Ocean, a 34-metre riverboat that has been home to Canadian businessman and climate activist Craig Cohon for the past 14 years. Moored along the Chelsea embankment, Ocean is one of the only fully navigable riverboats in the city. Life on board offers London living filled with peace and nature, all while being just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant heart of the capital. After years of creating lasting memories with family and friends, Cohon has decided to embark on a new chapter and put Ocean on the market. BOAT sits down with Cohon to learn more about this extraordinary life on the water.
A rich history with a modern makeover
Built in 1948, Ocean began its life as a Belgian chemical tanker before undergoing several restoration and renovation projects, the most recent being in 2012. Stepping on board, you are greeted by a spacious aft deck, complete with a Big Green Egg barbecue, perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining.
Moving forward into the interior, you enter a spacious reception room and wheelhouse, which features a concealed access door to the engine room. The vessel’s single Volvo Penta diesel engine underwent maintenance in 2022 along with all onboard electrical systems. The wheelhouse is equipped with all the modern controls you would expect on any boat, including satellite navigation, autopilot, generator and propulsion controls. “The bridge is one of my favourite areas on board,” says Cohon. “You can see the sky through the huge forward-facing butterfly windows, which open electronically so that you can be open to the elements. It is the perfect place to have a cup of coffee in the morning and work all day long."
From the wheelhouse, descend into the heart of the boat to find a spacious galley and dining area, outfitted with all the appliances and amenities you would expect in a modern home. A hidden larder provides access to the hull of the boat, where the water storage tanks are located.
Moving forward, a passageway leads to three bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, including a master suite and two additional family or guest bedrooms. A spacious media and games room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment. Towards the bow, you’ll find a fourth bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.
Finally, the upper sundeck is a perfect spot for hosting family and friends, whether cruising or docked, providing an ideal space to enjoy the views and the ambiance of life on the River Thames. “The deck is a fantastic spot,” remarks Cohon. “Going out with 12 guests, cruising on the River Thames, listening to music, having a barbecue, drinking a beer or some fine wine is just magical.”
A lifestyle of adventure and serenity
Docked at Cadogan Pier, next to Albert Pier in Chelsea, Ocean enjoys a prestigious and historic location. The pier, built in 1841 to bring affluent buyers to view Lord Cadogan’s new Chelsea estate houses, is now the vibrant heart of Chelsea. “It’s a great community - the other boat owners are both eclectic and interesting,” Cohon says. This prime spot offers easy access to all other areas of London, particularly the famous Kings Road, world-class restaurants, bars and parks.
Life on board Ocean provides a rare opportunity to experience London and the River Thames from a completely different standpoint, blending the tranquillity of life on the water with the excitement of one of the world’s largest cities on your doorstep. “There is a lot of wildlife on the river,” Cohon reflects. “There are geese that come back every year and lay eggs that hatch little goslings, I witnessed the famous whale that swam into central London, and I even had two seals pop up during Covid.”
Ocean can host up to 12 people while cruising or up to 40 people when moored. Often seen cruising along the Thames as the sun sets over the capital, Cohon reflects on some of his favourite voyages with Ocean. “I have taken her out about 150 times over the course of 14 years and every single time is quite magical. I have taken her up to Hampton Court to go and listen to jazz. I continuously take her to the Thames Barrier, Canary Wharf and through the City of London. I even take her to concerts at the O2, hosting the after-party back to Cadogan Pier after midnight.”
Cohon's connection to Ocean goes beyond ownership. He describes life on board as being transformative, reflecting on the profound impact this lifestyle has had on his family's life. "Both of my kids have grown up on the water with me. They have successfully entered adulthood. Ocean gave them the opportunity to thrive in a somewhat paradoxical lifestyle. One full of freedom, discipline, safety and tolerance for risk. Ocean helped them build resilience. We also had so much fun. I want another family to have the same adventures and joy that we had.”
Ocean is currently available for sale and presents a rare opportunity to experience a quirky, enriching life on the water in London. To find out more information about Ocean, contact estate agent Richard Wharram at Jefferies James today.
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