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About Haven Knox-Johnston

Our history

Throughout our history, we have never stood still. Shaped by decades of milestones, mergers, and relaunches. Today, Haven Knox-Johnston stands as a proud guardian of the boating community, offering protection that reflects its heritage of resilience and passion for life on the water.

Black and white illustration of a sailboat traveling around a globe with a dashed line indicating its route.

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

A person navigates a sailboat with multiple sails on the ocean, with clouds in the sky and waves in the water.

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.

1986

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

Two hands shaking, one tattooed or patterned, the other with a rolled-up sleeve, in a black and white illustration.

1992

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

A person kneels while another person wearing a crown touches their shoulder with a sword, depicting a ceremonial knighting.

1995

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

Two hands shaking, one with a tattoo of an anchor on the wrist. Simple black and white illustration.

1998

Merger of Angerstein and Murray Lawrence completed to form Amlin.

2004

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

Three identical trophy illustrations featuring a sailboat engraving on the front.

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.

Silhouette of two hands shaking, one in a suit sleeve and the other in a plain sleeve, symbolizing a handshake or agreement.

2010

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

2015

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

Illustration of a hand painting the word

2016

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

Black and white drawing of a sailboat sail attached to a mast with clouds and birds in the background.

2021

Haven Knox-Johnston is back – with new owners Aston Lark, and a lot of excitement for the next chapter.

Illustration of two individuals standing side by side, one in formal attire with a tie and the other in casual wear with a beard.

2022

Aston Lark was acquired by Howden paving the way for a strategic consolidation, uniting marine insurance entities including A-Plan Marine, Euromarine Insurance and Howden Fastnet.

Illustration of a person on a ship's mast, standing on a platform with a flag and lookout post, with clouds in the background.

2023

Curtis Marine, based in Plymouth, was acquired by Howden. As a result of this acquisition, the Haven Knox-Johnston brand expanded to introduce two new divisions: Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist and Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial.

Beyond

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

For enquiries, call us:

+44 (0)1732 223 650

For a boat insurance quote

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