TAGaCODE.com

01/27/2025

Celebrating 30 Years – The VOYAGE Story
First Five Years - Part IV

Let's take a nostalgic look back at the early days of VOYAGE Yachts and some of the past teams.

Before we dive deeper into the history of VOYAGE charters in the BVI, we would like to highlight the significant role VOYAGE Yachts has played in shaping our story.

VOYAGE Yachts was initially led by Directors Ian Stopforth and Tom Lubbe, with Kay Oldenburg as the Yacht Builder. Over the years, the team expanded and brought together many skilled individuals from the boatbuilding industry, to innovate and drive the development of new yacht models. For over 30 years, Kay and his exceptional teams have been instrumental in the success of VOYAGE, overseeing the construction of close to 200 yachts.

The First Yachts and the Beginning of a Fleet
It all began with “Scubadu”, the first boat. Robin purchased a hull, deck and bulkhead and completed her with a small team. “Scubadu” set sail in 1995, followed by "40 Something, which VOYAGE Yachts then completed." The owners of "40 Something", Terry and Jacqui Weddell, had long-standing friendships with the Downing family. Jacqui and Jo had known each other since their time at Durban’s NAPAC Ballet Company in 1976. A fun little detail, the Weddell’s named their yacht "40 Something" because Terry had just turned 40!

VOYAGE Charters is offering a celebration special: call us 1.888.869.2436 or visit www.voyagecharters.com/forms/anniversary-special

The Special offer ends Jan 31st, 2025!

01/20/2025

Celebrating 30 Years – The VOYAGE Story
First Five Years - Part II

A Craftsman’s’ Legacy
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.

A Life-Changing Journey
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.

The Beginning of VOYAGE Yachts
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.

The Launch & Maiden Voyage of Scubadu
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.

As we mark 30 incredible years, we’ll be sharing our history and milestones all year long. Stay tuned!

VOYAGE charters is offering an celebration special: call us 1.888.869.2436 or www.voyagecharters.com/forms/anniversary-special - Special offer ends Jan 31st, 2025

ebrating30YearsOfExellence

01/20/2025

01/13/2025

Celebrating 30 Years – The VOYAGE Story
First Five Years - Part I

An Invitation to Celebrate

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.

A Family’s Gratitude

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.

The Arrival in Tortola

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

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.

12/30/2023

HNY03

12/29/2023

Let me know what you think of the Happy New Year Text I used from an Adobe template...

12/28/2023

I am working out the champaign shot because mp4 is giving my system some problems... I will add it.

12/25/2023

Voyage Dolphin Experience...
I don't know how to make it to a New Year's post.

12/19/2023

Christmas01 - Ill add wave and other sounds after I get your opinion :)