Get to Know John Cowpe: Cofounder of COBLI and the Future of Boat Sharing

From Scottish Waters to Australian Shores: A Lifelong Sailing Journey

In this interview, we sit down with John Cowpe, cofounder of COBLI, to explore his personal journey as a lifelong sailor and his inspiring vision for making boating more accessible through innovation and boat sharing. From his Scottish roots to shaping the future of boating in Australia, John shares insights into what boating truly means, why he started COBLI, and how the rise of the sharing economy and boat sharing models are transforming the industry.

A Life Dedicated to Boating

John grew up in Fairlie, a small village on Scotland’s west coast, known as the home of William Fife, who built incredible wooden yachts. Surrounded by this rich maritime heritage, he was fortunate to have a mentor at the National Watersports Center nearby, which helped him dive into sailing and windsurfing. Family sailing trips were a cherished tradition: every year, they would spend two weeks sailing the west coast of Scotland, camping ashore with no distractions, just family and the sea. After sailing across the Atlantic and exploring waters from Sweden to Iceland, John moved to Australia 25 years ago, calling it a blessing to share his love of boating there.
To John, boating is more than just a hobby or a mode of transport, it’s “a sense of freedom.” He explains, “When I look back on my childhood, my most enduring memories are that of being out on the water, albeit being very cold in Scotland. But… getting out there with friends and family, having adventures, pushing yourself, doing new things.”
Boating is about the challenge and experience, not just “going from A to B.” It’s “all those experiences you get when you get out on the water.” This lifelong connection to the ocean is what fuels his mission to make boating more accessible through boat sharing, allowing others to experience the same joy, adventure, and freedom.

Meet the founders Video thumbnail
Meet the founders Video thumbnail

Making Boating Accessible: The Rise of Sharing and Syndication

COBLI was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: “to share the passion of boating and get more people out on the water.” John explains, “We want boating to be more accessible to more people. We want to see boats being used more, not just sitting in marinas.” This desire to open up boating to a wider audience was at the heart of their vision.
With the rise of the sharing economy, John and his co-founder Peter saw a new opportunity in boat sharing. “We looked at how we could make that a frictionless process, something that appeals to a wide range of people, perhaps those who hadn’t originally thought they would get involved in boating,” John says. Their goal was to create a premium, accessible platform that removes barriers and simplifies the boating experience.
COBLI limits the number of owners per boat, ensuring more flexibility, availability, and a seamless walk-on, walk-off service. John adds, “COBLI is designed for those who want the joys of boat ownership without the headaches. By keeping the number of owners smaller, we ensure a first-class experience where people can truly enjoy their time on the water.”
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Identifying a Gap and Embracing the Future of Boating: Syndication and Sharing

John explains that the gap in the market wasn’t obvious at first, it emerged as an evolving demand for hassle-free access to new boats without the full responsibility of ownership. The rise of the sharing economy provided the perfect model, and COBLI offers a high-end syndication solution in Sydney that lets members share a boat, reduce costs, and enjoy flexible boating experiences. Boat clubs, syndication, and charters are gaining popularity worldwide as answers to modern consumers’ desire for convenience and community. Looking ahead, John believes the future lies in sharing and syndication, with more people comfortable owning a share rather than a whole boat. COBLI aims to lead this change by providing premium, seamless syndication experiences that combine quality, convenience, and community. While private ownership remains important, sharing presents an exciting and sustainable alternative that broadens boating’s appeal.
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John Cowpe’s journey from a small Scottish village to cofounding COBLI exemplifies how passion combined with innovation can reshape an industry. Through boat sharing, syndication, and smart technology, COBLI is making boating more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Whether you’re an experienced sailor or curious newcomer, the future of boating is open, social, and full of possibilities. Discover the freedom and adventure of the water! With COBLI, it’s easier than ever to get on board.
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