Voyage Yachts embarked on its journey in 1994, founded in the vibrant marine hub of Cape Town, South Africa Provided Data, 1, 10. The company's inception was deeply rooted in the personal cruising ambitions of its founders, Robin and Jo-Ann Downing, who had previously sailed from South Africa aboard their own custom-designed monohull. Their vision was to create offshore-capable multihulls that offered both exceptional performance and comfortable living spaces.
Early leadership saw Ian Stopforth and Tom Lubbe serving as initial directors, with Kay Oldenburg taking on the crucial role of Yacht Builder. The fruits of their initial labor quickly materialized; "Scubadu," the very first boat produced by Voyage, set sail in 1995, followed swiftly by "40 Something". These early vessels laid the groundwork for the builder's future, showcasing their commitment to building reliable and capable catamarans.
History and Evolution
Since its founding, Voyage Yachts has steadily built a formidable reputation within the marine industry. The company's progression has been marked by a consistent focus on producing multihulls designed for serious offshore sailing and comfortable living. Over the years, the directorship evolved, with Tom and Deidre Lubbe eventually becoming directors and owners, further guiding the company's trajectory.
A significant aspect of Voyage Yachts' evolution has been its symbiotic relationship with its charter operations. The company established VOYAGE Charters in the British Virgin Islands, a strategic move that not only showcased their vessels in one of the world's premier cruising grounds but also provided invaluable real-world feedback for design refinement. This continuous feedback loop from charter use has been instrumental in the development and enhancement of their models, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of both performance cruising and comfortable living.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Voyage Yachts is renowned for manufacturing luxury, performance-oriented, cruising catamarans Provided Data. The builder has cultivated a strong reputation for producing offshore-capable multihulls that excel in performance while simultaneously offering a high standard of liveability. Their vessels are distinguished by their robust, seaworthy designs, often characterized by a "charter-ready" build that emphasizes durability, comfort, and ease of handling.
The design philosophy at Voyage Yachts centers on integrating quality and comfort into every aspect of their vessels. This approach has led to the development of catamarans that are not only capable of long-distance voyages but also provide luxurious and spacious environments for their occupants. While specific external naval architects are not widely publicized for their catamaran designs, the company emphasizes a focus on in-house development, often incorporating insights gained from their extensive charter fleet directly into the design process.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Voyage Yachts has launched several significant and successful models that have cemented its legacy in the catamaran market. The VOYAGE 500, for instance, was particularly innovative, with many units sold, further solidifying the brand's reputation for high-performing, charter-ready designs.
More recently, models like the VOYAGE 590 have garnered significant acclaim, earning the prestigious "Best Charter Boat" award from Cruising World's 2022 Boat of the Year. This award underscores the company's ability to combine performance with the practicalities required for a successful charter operation. Other well-known models in their lineup include the 480E, Mayotte, VOYAGE 480, VOYAGE 520, and earlier models such as the 440, 580, and 650 PC. The introduction of newer models like the VOYAGE 510, described as a "spiritual sibling" to the award-winning 590, continues the brand's tradition of blending performance cruising capabilities with their signature comfort. These various models cater to a range of discerning clients, from private owners seeking bluewater cruising comfort to charter companies demanding robust and luxurious fleets.
The Builder Today
Today, Voyage Yachts continues to operate from its base in Cape Town, South Africa Provided Data, 1. The company remains a key player in the luxury catamaran market, manufacturing vessels that are sought after globally. The current ownership, with Tom and Deidre Lubbe as directors/owners, continues to steer the company's direction.
Voyage Yachts' modern offerings appeal to individuals and charter operators who desire a blend of performance, luxury, and the proven reliability of offshore-capable multihulls. The company's strong ties to VOYAGE Charters in the British Virgin Islands ensure that their designs are continually refined based on real-world usage and customer feedback, offering an ownership experience that is both sophisticated and robust. This integrated approach contributes to a dedicated owner community that benefits from the company's long-standing expertise in both yacht building and charter operations.
