It all started with a little sail around the globe

Throughout our history, we've never stood still

Black and white illustration of a sailboat circumnavigating the globe, with a dotted line indicating the traveled route.

Check out our milestone dates to see where we’ve come from and where we’re heading.

Line drawing of a sailboat with raised sails on the water, featuring waves and clouds in the background, and a person at the helm.

1969

Sir Robin wins Times Golden Globe Race on his Bermudan ketch ‘Suhaili’, a world-first. He’s awarded a CBE, and receives his first UK Yachtsman of the Year award.

A bottle shatters against the hull of a boat, creating a splash, in a black and white illustration.

1986

Boat insurance provider Haven founded, managed by Murray Lawrence and Partners.

A black and white illustration of two hands shaking to form a handshake.

1992

Knox-Johnston Insurance brokers, founded by Sir Robin’s brother Chris, acquired by Murray Lawrence and Partners to form Haven Knox-Johnston.

A cartoon of a queen knighting a kneeling person with a sword. Both are wearing winter clothing.

1995

Sir Robin is knighted – and receives his second UK Yachtsman of the Year award.

Two hands shaking, one hand has an anchor tattoo on the forearm, the other hand is in a sweater.

1998

Merger of Angerstein and Murray Lawrence completed to form Amlin.

A black-and-white illustration of two hands shaking, one arm with two stripes on the sleeve.

2004

Amlin acquires St Margarets, a popular yacht and pleasure craft brand.

Three identical trophies with sailboat engravings are arranged side by side in a simple black and white illustration.

2007

At 67 years old, Sir Robin comes fourth in class in the Velux 5 Oceans Solo around the World Race, setting a record as the oldest yachtsman to complete a round-the-world solo voyage. He receives his third UK Yachtsman of the Year Award.

Black-and-white illustration of two hands shaking, one in a suit sleeve and the other in a plain sleeve.

2010

Both Amlin businesses, Haven Knox-Johnston and St Margarets, merge under the Haven Knox-Johnston brand.

A person holding three trophies and wearing a coat with a fourth trophy in their front pocket.

2015

Sir Robin comes third in class in the Transatlantic race – and receives his fourth UK Yachtsman of the Year Award!

A hand holding a paintbrush adds an 'E' to the end of the word

2016

From September, Haven Knox-Johnston starts trading as MS Amlin.

Simple line drawing of a pirate flag on a pole, with clouds and birds in the background.

2021

Haven Knox-Johnston is back – with EEA business run through Aston Lark Europe Limited and a lot of excitement….

Black-and-white illustration of two hands shaking, one in a suit sleeve and the other in a plain sleeve.

2022

Aston Lark Europe acquired by Howden in a significant takeover deal bringing many parts of the marine insurance world together

Beyond

Bringing shipshaped boat insurance to every boater on every body of water? Watch this space…

For EU enquiries, call us:
+44 (0)330 008 5675
For a boat insurance quote

From the helm

News, true stories and expert insights from the HK-J crew

Why insure with HK-J?

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We love talking boats
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We shipshape insurance around you