We invite you to join us on a very special VOYAGE as we celebrate 30 wonderful years.
We invite you to join us on a very special VOYAGE as we celebrate 30 wonderful years. Let’s start at the beginning, revisiting the first five years of VOYAGE charters in the BVI, while also highlighting the family members, staff, and owners who have been instrumental in making VOYAGE the success it is today.
Much love and gratitude to amazing parents, Jack and Noon Downing, for making their children’s dream possible.
This story is told with deep gratitude, especially to Jack and Noon Downing, Robin's blessed parents, who helped turn their children's vision and dreams into reality.
It all began on October 25, 1995, when Robin and Jo Downing, owners of VOYAGE charters, arrived in Tortola. They fell in love at first sight with the colorful, quaint West End location on Frenchman’s Cay, known as Soper’s Hole. There was no doubt—this was “The Special Spot” they had dreamed of to house a VOYAGE catamaran fleet. Back then, the fleet consisted of just one 40-foot boat, “Scubadu.”
Robin's passion for boats began as a teenager on fishing trips with his grandfather off Durban's coast. These outings sparked his love for the water and naval design. At the age of 25, he built his first boat, AVA, a 37-foot Endurance, in his backyard. After launching AVA, Robin sold his house and began living on his yacht full-time. Around this time, he also started dating Jo, his childhood friend since age 11, and they married in 1991.
Rob later began custom-building larger cruising monohulls, including Blue Chip, Sovereign, Cha-Cha, and Spirit of Knysna to name a few. His incredible talent earned him national recognition in 1992, when he won the Centenary Boat Show Award for “Best Boat of the Year.”
Proverbs 16 v 9: A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Rob sails "Sovereign" from Durban to Barbados to meet Jo before they head to the Cayman Islands.
In 1994, Robin sailed Sovereign, his 54-foot custom-built racer/cruiser, from Durban to Cape Town and onward to the Cayman Islands. Jo joined him in Barbados, and together they continued to the Caymans. This ocean journey deeply impacted Robin’s life. Inspired by the adventure, he proposed a Caribbean island lifestyle to Jo, who eagerly embraced the idea.
During his time in Cape Town, Robin met Ian and Jo Stopforth, as well as Tom and Deidre Lubbe. Robin purchased a hull, deck, and bulkhead, outfitting a 40-foot charter catamaran, which he named Scubadu. Friends from Durban, Terry and Jacqui Weddell, purchased a second VOYAGE 400, naming it 40 Something. Robin assisted with the systems for 40 Something before Kay Oldenburg was appointed as the VOYAGE Yachts Boat Builder. This marked the formal establishment of VOYAGE Yachts, with Tom and Deidre Lubbe serving as directors/owners. To this day, Kay continues to build VOYAGE Yachts, having constructed nearly 200 yachts. Following these developments, Robin and Jo immigrated to the Caribbean, later joined by their younger children to embark on their new journey together.
Scubadu was launched in June 1995 and began her maiden voyage from Cape Town across the Atlantic, captained by Karl Prince. After enduring hurricanes Louise and Marilyn in Antigua’s mangroves, the yacht made her final leg of the trip, arriving safely in her new home in Soper’s Hole on 25 October 1995.
In November 1995, Rob and Jo met Dave and Stella Beavis at the Charter Yacht Society Boat Show in Village Cay. A strong professional and personal friendship quickly formed, and the Beavis duo crewed Scubadu for several successful years, impressing charter guests with their exceptional service and expertise.
During this time, the Downing’s also connected with Alfredo Penn “Junie” of JP Transport at Pusser’s Landing in West End. Junie’s reliable taxi service has supported VOYAGE guests since 1996, and he is cherished as part of the extended VOYAGE family to date.
Another key connection in 1996 was Francoise “Frankie” Frank, a waitress at Pusser’s West End. Frankie later became VOYAGE Charters’ front office concierge, winning the hearts of guests and staff with her warmth and dedication.
In January 1996, Rob and Jo’s younger children, Sharn (16) and Sarah (12), joined their parents in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). They completed their education at Cedar International School, which later became a school for their children as well. The children quickly adapted, making new friends and embracing island life.
In early 1997, Rane (19), the Downing’s' eldest son, traveled from South Africa to visit his family in the Virgin Islands. At the time, he was thriving in Cape Town’s film production industry but became captivated by the Caribbean lifestyle. After a few joyful months exploring the BVI, Rane decided to follow in his family’s footsteps, even if it meant changing his career and location to pursue the dream of island living.
By mid-1996, Rob and Jo joined Ian and Jo Stopforth in the BVI, starting with two 40ft catamarans, Scubadu and 40 Something. Their first home and combined office was the double-story pink house near the West End Ferry Terminal, where Rob’s porch served as a maintenance workshop for the two catamarans. Rob dedicated himself to ensuring the boats were always in excellent working order, while Jo, with Stella’s help, meticulously prepared the colorful interiors to welcome guests for their fully crewed yacht experiences.
Despite their busy work schedules, and coordinating many boat-shows and photoshoots, the Downing’s recognized the importance of taking a little “time out” here and there to enjoy the beauty of the islands, balancing their hard work with the occasional opportunity to explore idyllic BVI hot spots.
Life in the Caribbean came with its quirks—visitors often mistook their home for the well-known Jolly Roger Restaurant, adding a touch of humor to their busy days. Adapting to the buzzing of mosquitos, chickens wandering through the house, and the constant noise and fumes from the nearby ferry became part of the charm of island living.
In 1997, Kim “Kimo” Deutchman, a longtime friend of Robin, began delivering VOYAGE Yachts from Cape Town to the BVI fleet. Over the years, Kimo sailed an impressive number of VOYAGE yachts across the Atlantic, starting with the VOYAGE 470s Adelante and Sense the Magic, and later the 500 models, beginning with Infinite Zest. Other 500s, such as Genesis, Feel the Magic, and Top Secret, soon followed. Kimo also delivered VOYAGE 430s models, accumulating so many miles at sea it’s said he’s sailed the equivalent of a trip to the moon and back!
The VOYAGE 470, originally designed in 1989, was considered one of the finest cruising catamarans of its time. Evolving charter needs, like dive platforms and larger sterns, led to the development of the VOYAGE 500, which became highly popular among blue-water cruisers and charterers alike.
Between 1997 and 2010, when the last VOYAGE 500 was built, VOYAGE Yachts sold many of these innovative sailing vessels. Renowned for their performance and charter-ready designs, these yachts set new standards of excellence in the charter industry, solidifying VOYAGE's reputation and setting VOYAGE charters apart.
There were approximately 22 VOYAGE 430 Yachts sold into the private yachting sector, further enhancing the legacy of the model and reinforcing its reputation for quality and performance.
Naming new fleet boats has always been a collaborative and enjoyable process for both owners and management. VOYAGE owners often seek a personal connection to their boat’s name, while ensuring a touch of fun is included. Between 1996 and 1999, several VOYAGE 430s joined the fleet with memorable names such as Kinahu, Quixotic, and Maverick Lady.
Maverick Lady was delivered in 1997 from Fort Lauderdale by South African couple Mark and Cecilia Pistor. Soon after meeting this exceptional duo, they were offered a position aboard Maverick Lady. Mark and Cecilia went on to complete 15 outstanding all-inclusive charters before joining Infinite Zest on a journey to Cuba. This Cuba trip aimed to explore the possibility of establishing a charter base in the Southern Archipelago. However, the idea never materialized as Rob and Jo remained focused on expanding the BVI fleet, firmly rooted in what they believed were the world’s best charter grounds.
Mark remained a cherished friend of the Downing family over the years and is now a part-owner of the VOYAGE 590 Home Away. Sadly, the beautiful and vibrant Cecilia passed away, but her memory is held in deep affection by all who knew her. Mark and Cecilia’s bond with the BVI, and especially with Robin, was so profound that they named their first son after him—a deeply touching and enduring connection between the two families.
It was also the year 1997, when Rob and Jo first met Sean and Debbie Campbell. They were the proud owners of Wall Street, another new VOYAGE 430 that joined the BVI fleet. Wall Street was the first yacht in the fleet operated by its owners. Sean and Debs raised the bar once again with exceptional service and memorable island experiences, attracting numerous repeat charter guests. After five successful years with VOYAGE Charters, they left to start their own business in the USA but have remained invaluable supporters of the Downing family and investors in the VOYAGE Company. Their friendship has been a cherished relationship ever since.
Currently, Sean and Debs own Home Again, a VOYAGE 590 in the fleet, with more adventures to come. By 1998, the team had outgrown the pink house and relocated to a waterfront property on Frenchman’s Cay, across the bay. This move marked a significant turning point for VOYAGE Charters. Rob constructed a dinghy dock to streamline charter operations, host lively crew gatherings, and provide a vibrant outdoor environment for their growing children and their island friends.
During this time, Tanya Tompson, affectionately known as "Tan," played a vital role as the company’s administration person. Her infectious personality uplifted the team and crews, making her a cherished asset to VOYAGE Charters. Tan's contributions extended beyond daily operations, as she actively participated in the early boat shows at Village Cay, showcasing her dedication and enthusiasm for the company’s success. The dock became a crucial part of the business, so much so that during hurricane threats, Rob, Sharn, and crew would meticulously dismantle it, sink it for protection, and then refloat it once the winds and storm surge had passed. This dedication not only preserved the dock but also ensured the uninterrupted operations and success of VOYAGE Charters.
The first five years of VOYAGE Charters were defined by resilience, camaraderie, and a steadfast dedication to excellence. Exceptional crew teams played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the enduring legacy of VOYAGE Charters. Among the early trailblazers were the first two crews of 40 Something: Trevor & Breda and Mark & Jen, followed by Joss & Jay. This also included Bev Nelson, who assisted with much of the day-to-day administration and charter coordination.
The VOYAGE 470s and 500s were entrusted to a lineup of spectacular crew teams, including Heinrich & Victoria, Tess & Ryszard, Alan & Jan, Bruce & Vanessa, Will and Kim and Nick & Molly. Their skill, professionalism, and passion helped define the VOYAGE Experience, setting the standard for the company’s success and reputation in the years to come.
In June 1999, Rane returned for another family visit, this time accompanied by his fiancé, Alice, and their 18-month-old son, Reef. It was a joyful reunion as the family warmly welcomed Alice and celebrated meeting the first grandson and Sharn and Sarah’s nephew.
Looking Ahead—Treasured Friendships.
Around this time, Dave and Stella Beavis, whose contributions had been essential to VOYAGE’s success, relocated to Annapolis to help establish VOYAGE Reservations with Ian and Jo Stopforth in the United States. Their hard work and dedication led to a significant increase in charter sales, fueling VOYAGE's expansion.
As the fleet grew so did the captain and chef teams. Rob began considering and exploring the idea of offering Bareboat Charters alongside the crewed experiences, further broadening VOYAGE's offerings. This period marked the solidification of a legacy centered on adventure, excellence, and innovation in the BVI. As 1999 came to a close, the building near the last dock at the end of Soper’s Hole Marina became available for rent. Recognizing the potential, Rob and Jo seized the opportunity to relocate VOYAGE Charters' base and offices to this new space.
This move provided a more professional environment with the added benefit of dock space, enhancing operations and guest experiences. It also marked a significant step forward, paving the way for future developments and setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come.
The first five years of VOYAGE Charters were shaped by grit, determination, and the invaluable contributions of many remarkable people. Their hard work and passion helped bring Rob and Jo’s family vision to life, delivering the exceptional VOYAGE Experience that continues to draw guests back year after year.
As the story unfolds, we continue to give thanks to God and with deep gratitude to everyone who played a part in VOYAGE Charters’ incredible early success. Their dedication laid the foundation for a legacy that thrives to this day.
Stay tuned for the next chapter, covering the years 2000 to 2005, as the journey continues!