30 Years of VOYAGE Charters

A strong community thrives on the values of kindness, support, and appreciation. Recognizing the contributions of individuals within a community fosters a sense of belonging and unity while at the same time strengthens relationships. In this segment of our story, we would like to honor those who have positively impacted our lives through their generosity and friendships. We are also extremely grateful to the longstanding staff who have shown such loyalty to the VOYAGE company over many, many years.

Life for the Downing family in their early years in West End, was both thrilling and, at times, daunting. They fondly recall their roadside residence, The Pink House, known by many as "Cats and Critters Veterinary Clinic." A cherished part of those memories is their remarkable neighbor and landlady, Miss Marion Romney. A woman of grace and integrity, Miss Romney was not only kind and considerate but also deeply respected in her role as the BVI’s Chief Immigration Officer. Her warmth and genuine friendship left a lasting impact on the Downing family, a memory they hold with deep gratitude and affection.

Another remarkable woman is Eleanor Smith. The connection goes as far back as 1995, before the establishment of the VOYAGE fleet, when Eleanor offered Robin a job at her boatyard, then known as Frenchman’s Cay Shipyard. Recognizing Robin’s expertise, she valued his insight and sought his assistance in managing the yard.

Though Robin’s tenure at the boatyard was brief, the bond he formed with Eleanor and her family remained strong, both as friends and business partners.

Between 2000 and 2002, VOYAGE was renting and operating the growing business from Frenchman’s Cay Marina, which was owned by Eleanor and her family.

Before the start of 2000, Marc and Cecilia had left for America and Ian and Jo Stopforth had relocated to the USA in search of premises to establish a VOYAGE Reservations office. Meanwhile, Dave and Stella had transitioned from their years aboard Scubadu to spend nine successful months as crew on Sense the Magic as well as a few months on Genesis, thereafter, joining the Stopforth’s in Annapolis.

Many of the early crews contributed their unique skills and perspectives, fostering a dynamic and forward-thinking environment—one that left a lasting impact on the organization. Among them, much is owed to Stella Beavis.

Stella’s energy and dedication were extremely instrumental in expanding the US Reservations team, recruiting new sales agents, and broadening VOYAGE Charters' reach—all of which she accomplished with her warm and dynamic personality.

At the same time, Sean and Debs maintained a strong bond with the Downings and continued to execute successful charters aboard their 430 Wall Street, bringing back many repeat customers. Other great crew teams on the VOYAGE 500’s was Tim & Tammy Stonich, owners of Rendezvous Cay, Tess & Ryszard on Adelante, Bruce & Vanessa on Genesis and Will & Kim aboard Infinite Zest.

Rob appointed Captain Joe Mellen, a fun-loving individual, to helm Scubadu alongside his partner and chef, Laura. Joe eventually became the proud owner off his much-loved boat keeping her in the BVI fleet for a couple more years before relocating to the USVI. Scubadu changed hands once more after Joe sadly lost his life. Captain Joe will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and great sense of humor.

Scubadu was renamed Sweet Pea—a vessel that, even today, can still be spotted sailing through the Virgin Islands, a lasting testament to the enduring legacy of the build quality that VOYAGE Yachts produce.

Jo Stopforth initially served as the company’s administrator, but before her move to Annapolis, she officially handed over all administrative responsibilities to Jo Downing. The two Jo’s shared many interests, particularly their passion for photography.

For over a dozen years, Ian and Jo Stopforth played a pivotal role in marketing VOYAGE products, producing high-quality brochures and organizing countless photoshoots. With a camera always in hand, Jo was dedicated to capturing quality imagery of the boats, crews, and BVI hotspots. These weren’t just staged promotional shoots—they were dynamic and exhilarating sailing experiences, showcasing the yachts in action under real conditions.

Each yacht in the fleet had already proven its seaworthiness by successfully crossing the Atlantic under its own hull—a true testament to their exceptional build quality and performance.

As the company expanded, growth became inevitable. Rob and Jo remained committed to providing an unparalleled charter experience for boat owners, charter clients, and their guests while the beautiful BVI islands continued to offer a level of charter industry excellence unmatched by any other international sailing destination.

Between 2002 and 2003, VOYAGE charters had welcomed new crews, Neil and Fiona and Gordon and Tracy as well as several new 500s into the fleet; Kinahu, Infinity, Feel the Magic, Seahorse Seeker , and Tchin Tchin. The VOYAGE 500 quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest blue-water cruising yachts. Charter guests were equally impressed not only with the company and level of crew service, but also the high standards of vessel equipment and charter appointments that provided all the comforts of home.

One of the most talked-about boats was Top Secret, a name that Jo Downing chose and one that always caught the attention of charter guests. Owned by Cecil & Roslyn Corban, Top Secret was crewed by Heinrich and Victoria Steyn, another exemplary crew with extremely high standards of service. Cecil, originally from Barbados, had a very good relationship with the Downing’s as did his fantastic crew. The Corban’s would always extend kind invitations to their lovely Bajan home for visits when short breaks were possible.

Heinrich’s cousin, Ed Naude—better known as “Big Ed”—became an integral part of the VOYAGE charters maintenance team. Ed, always ready with a helping hand, was particularly invaluable during hurricane season. Although Ed left the BVI after Irma he returned to VOYAGE several years later. Ed remains a key player in the company, assisting with vessel maintenance and working as a qualified charter captain.

Running a charter company was demanding work, but there was always time for a little fun. Jo’s parents, David and Pam, were frequent visitors to the BVIs, as were Rob’s parents Jack and Noon. They quickly embraced the island lifestyle and became well-acquainted with the entire VOYAGE Team. On their few and far between days off, some of the crews insisted that the parents be invited onboard for a day of sailing and an evening of onboard fun!

After long workdays, crews, staff and charter guests would often gather at Pusser’s for happy hour, always with great service from the lovely ladies behind the bar, Frankie, Pearl and Bella. These fun gatherings always included entertaining stories over drinks while also indulging in the famous 25-cent chicken wings, a particular favorite of David’s. Friendly competitions often broke out to see if anyone could surpass the standing record of consuming more than 28 wings in one sitting, doubtfully that record would stand today!

No night at Pusser’s was complete without a performance by Francis Esprit. His soulful voice and masterful guitar playing created an atmosphere that was truly unforgettable, drawing in crowds from around the BVI. But Francis was more than just a musician—he was also the Dockmaster at Soper’s Hole Marina, welcoming both transient and charter yachts to the docks and mooring field. His deep laugh, warm smile, and natural ability to bring people together made him one of the most beloved figures in the community in and around the Bay of Soper’s Hole. Francis will always be remembered with great affection.

As VOYAGE charters continued to develop and grow, it became clear they needed a larger base. In early 2002 a fantastic opportunity arose. Rob secured a lease on the former Sunsail premises at Soper’s Hole Marina. This wasn’t just a move—it was a game-changer. The marina had some of the clearest, most pristine waters in the Virgin Islands, making it the perfect location to showcase the fleet.

Rob wasted no time transforming the space. He restored both the exterior and interior of the building and handcrafted furniture for four cozy hotel rooms upstairs.

Thus, the Bay View Inn was born—a charming Caribbean-style retreat where guests could enjoy a stay before or after their charter adventures. Visitors loved the inn’s prime location, just steps away from quaint, Caribbean style shops and Pussers Landing where they could stroll down the dock for an evening of delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and live music.

The four quaint, Caribbean-style rooms—Savannah Bay, White Bay, Mango Bay, and Little Bay—quickly became a favorite among travelers looking to experience the islands. Set in the breezy West End of Tortola, overlooking the lively Marina, Bay View Inn provided the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and vibrant island atmosphere.

Between 2002 and 2004, VOYAGE Yachts partnered with an external yacht builder, Maxim Yachts, to produce a 380 featuring many of the same systems and design elements as the larger VOYAGE models. Rob and Jo welcomed three of these vessels into the fleet, Dulcinea, Time Out, and Calypso Quean.

The little 380 proved to be an excellent introductory yacht, particularly for couples and small families looking to enter the yachting industry and explore the possibility of owning a VOYAGE Yacht.

These years marked a period of tremendous growth and achievement for VOYAGE charters. As the fleet expanded and demand increased, so too did the need for a strong sales team. Ian Stopforth played a key role in strengthening VOYAGE Yachts’ presence in the U.S. market by bringing in Stuart Hegerstrom, an internationally recognized sailor and top-tier yacht salesperson.

Interestingly, Rob had crossed paths with Stuart years earlier in Durban, South Africa, during the construction of several yacht projects. At the time, Stuart had supplied boatbuilding materials for Robin’s various builds, making their professional reunion in the charter industry a full-circle moment.

During a Miami Boat Show, Stuart met Clardy Swartz, a skilled and friendly salesman who soon became an integral part of the U.S. yacht sales team. Clardy quickly established himself as a valued member of the VOYAGE family, building strong relationships with Rob and Jo, their family, and the BVI teams during his visits to Tortola. He also formed close connections with Dave & Stella in Annapolis, further strengthening the team’s network and collaboration.

Recognition soon followed. In 2002, VOYAGE Yachts introduced a new hull design—the VOYAGE 440 Kikkikat. Presented by Stuart, the 440 went on to win the Cruising World Overall Boat of the Year Award, a prestigious honor in the sailing industry. That same year, it was also named a SAIL Magazine Top 10 Winner, solidifying its reputation as a premier blue-water cruising yacht.

The VOYAGE 440 quickly became a standout success. Stuart played a pivotal role in showcasing the yacht’s capabilities, making it widely recognized not just as an exceptional cruising yacht, but also as an outstanding charter vessel. These accolades propelled VOYAGE Yachts and VOYAGE Charters to new heights, leading to numerous VOYAGE 440s being sold between 2002 and 2007, both for private ownership and charter operations.

With an award-winning fleet and an exceptional team, VOYAGE charters continued to set new standards in the industry, proving that dedication, innovation, and strong relationships were the key to long-term success.

As the VOYAGE Brand grew, so did the need for an experienced and dynamic yacht sales team. The expansion of key company members played a vital role in strengthening operations in the BVI and beyond.

It was late 2001 when Robin first met Tom Petrone at a local chandlery in Tortola. Always friendly and engaging, Tom would often follow Rob around the store, pushing the cart while keeping up a lively conversation. Rob, intending to leave with just a basket of essentials, would inevitably walk out well-equipped, as Tom made sure the trolley was filled to the brim!

Recognizing Tom’s natural sales talent, Rob saw great potential in him and, in early 2002, invited him to join the BVI yacht sales team. Tom was highly enthusiastic about the opportunity and quickly became a key asset to VOYAGE charters. Over the years, he successfully sold numerous VOYAGE 440s and 500s, both within the private yachting industry and into the VOYAGE BVI Bareboat fleet. His contribution was instrumental in expanding the company’s reach and reputation. Tom remained a dedicated member of the VOYAGE BVI yacht sales team, selling boats until 2009 before heading off to Belize.

Bringing together skilled professionals with a deep understanding of the industry, the team fostered strong relationships with clients and business partners. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in expanding the company’s reach, ensuring VOYAGE maintained its reputation for excellence in yacht sales and service.

This period of growth solidified the company’s foundation, paving the way for continued innovation, collaboration, and success in the international yachting market.

In late 2001, Nigel and Annelise Johnson, joined the VOYAGE charters team. Annelise played a crucial role assisting Jo in front-of-house services and housekeeping, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and exceptional guest experiences. Meanwhile, Nigel provided maintenance services to the fleet, helping Robin keep the yachts in top condition. After several years with VOYAGE charters, they eventually also relocated to Belize, taking their expertise and experience to new ventures.

In January 2002, VOYAGE Charters welcomed a new member to its growing team—Cathy Costermans, a skilled accountant with extensive experience in the BVI charter industry. When Cathy approached Rob and Jo about an administrative role, they were thrilled—especially Jo—who knew that Cathy’s expertise would be a tremendous asset to the company.

From the moment she joined, Cathy proved to be an indispensable part of the VOYAGE company. For the past 23 years, she has been the backbone of the business’s administration, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. Fondly known as “the cog in the wheel”, she has played a crucial role in keeping the financial and administrative aspects of VOYAGE charters running seamlessly.

Cathy’s long-standing professional and personal relationship with the Downing family has made her more than just a colleague—she has become part of the VOYAGE family, contributing to the company’s legacy in more ways than one.

In 2010, Cathy’s husband Marc joined VOYAGE charters, further strengthening his family’s deep connection to the company. Their eldest son, Damien, had grown up alongside Sarah, forming a close childhood friendship, along with many other great kids who were part of the Cedar School clan. Together, these children grew into a remarkable group of young men and women, many of whom remain part of Tortola’s community today, contributing to the Virgin Islands workforce across various industries.

Following his own passion for the maritime world, Damien pursued a career at sea, eventually captaining numerous yachts within the VOYAGE fleet.

Towards the end of 2002, Rane and Alice officially joined the family business, marking an exciting new chapter for VOYAGE charters. Their arrival was especially thrilling for young Reef, already a true water baby, soaking up every bit of attention from his grandparents, uncles, and aunts.

In early 2003, not wanting to miss out on a family reunion and all the fun that came with it, Rob’s parents, Jack and Noon and sister Leigh arrived for a visit with her baby daughter, Aimee. The cousins were absolutely delighted to be together, and the marina was filled with the laughter and energy of a growing family.

Rane and Alice were immediately immersed in the fast-paced world of VOYAGE charters. Rane quickly found himself working long days alongside his dad and the captains, tackling everything from preparing vessels for charters, routine maintenance, and hurricane preparedness to relaunching boats at the start of the season. It was demanding work, but Rane took it all in his stride.

Meanwhile, Ali seamlessly stepped into an office role, working alongside Sarah, where they handled guest relations, owner communications, hotel check-ins and housekeeping. Their warm hospitality and infectious energy made the front office a welcoming space for owners, clients and crew. The bond and close relationship between the sisters in law, and good friends was and continues to be, a great strength within company.

All the while, Cathy kept an eye on operations, ensuring that daily deadlines were met, and everything ran smoothly. The team dynamic was lively, efficient, and, above all, fun.