Forty Years of Excellence
CMI BROKERS – CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for CMI Brokers (formerly Club Marine Insurance) as they celebrate 40 years of service, growth, and leadership in the insurance industry. From humble beginnings as a social watersport club in 1985, CMI has evolved into one of South Africa’s premier providers of watercraft and comprehensive short-term insurance solutions.
Under the exceptional leadership of Caryne Duvenhage – a former Springbok barefoot waterskier, boating enthusiast, and visionary businesswoman – the company has grown from strength to strength. Over the last 25 years, Caryne’s dedication, industry expertise, and forward-thinking approach have transformed the business, expanding its offerings to include domestic, cargo, business, specialist risks, and other areas. Her commitment, coupled with the support of a skilled and professional team, has enabled CMI to deliver exclusive solutions to clients both locally and abroad.
From Watersport Club to Industry Leader
Born out of one of South Africa’s leading boating businesses, led by industry icon Derrick Levy, Club Marine & Boating evolved under the chairmanship of Vince Warriner. Initially a vibrant watersport club hosting boat rallies, waterski lessons, and fishing competitions, it catered to families and enthusiasts alike. For an annual fee of R35, members received a T-shirt, cap, and subscriptions to top watersport magazines – including Ski-Boat magazine. In addition, through a partnership with Derek Warne & Associates - an exclusive package for club members included low-rate boat insurance and the widest boat covers available.
For over a decade, the club provided both recreational benefits and the country’s first standalone watercraft insurance. In 1999, Caryne, with 10 years of boat sales experience behind her, took over its management. In 2002, she successfully negotiated taking over the club completely, transforming it into a professional insurance brokerage. It was clearly a good move, and the company has since flourished.
Their expertise now covers a wide range of insurance needs, from watercraft and cargo to homes, buildings, businesses, and specialist risks. Their network of trusted partnerships with leading insurers, including Santam, Bryte, Old Mutual and CIB, allows CMI to continue to innovate and adapt to global trends such as cyber risks, war and strikes, renewable energy, and specialised liability covers.
The brokerage also actively supports selected charities and orphanages and numerous initiatives including golf days, KZN school rugby trials, fishing tournaments, and sailing events such as the MSC sailing regatta, and ILCA/Laser Nationals.
What the future holds
Caryne is grateful for all the support she and CMI have received over the last four decades and shows no signs of taking her foot off the pedal. “As we reflect on 40 remarkable years, we are equally excited about the road ahead. We’ve built a trusted brand, and we are ready to embrace new opportunities while continuing to prioritise our clients' needs. Thank you to our valued clients and partners who have been part of our journey – we look forward to strengthening these relationships as we grow together.
Whether you need watercraft, domestic, buildings, vehicles, business, or travel insurance, CMI remains committed to delivering innovative insurance solutions for every need.
Here is to the next 40 years of success!
“Caryne’s qualifications, dedication, and expertise have been instrumental in building CMI into the iconic brand it is today.
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– Derrick Levy, Boating World
“Who would have guessed 40 years ago that CMI would morph into the ever-growing business and success it is today! Congratulations to Caryne for having the vision, courage and determination to see it through. You and your hard-working team deserve every accolade on this milestone!”
– Vince Warriner, former chairman, Club Marine & Boating
“Forty years ago the idea of having an insurance company attached to a boat sales company and watersport club was, in my opinion, a shot in the dark. How wrong I was! Club Marine Insurance has mushroomed exponentially over the last 40 years and deserves its dominance in the field of boat insurance.”
– Erwin Bursik, publisher, SKI-BOAT magazine
