MODERN LUXURY Powered, on the water

By Erin Paviour-Smith

Photographs by Caribbean Jules Photography

Family-owned and operated BVI charter yacht company, VOYAGE Charters are recognised both at home and internationally for their bespoke, personalised service and their very own brand of award-winning sailing yachts.

The team invited me to their base at Soper’s Hole Marina on Tortola’s West End to take a tour of the stunning VOYAGE 650 Power Catamaran and learn all about the Company’s brandnew range of all-inclusive crewed charter packages.

It’s a beautiful calm day on the water, with a temperature of 81F and crystal-clear visibility as far as the eye can see. “This is the perfect day to start a charter” I think to myself as I drive along Tortola’s coastal highway to the VOYAGE Charters base where I’m taking a guided tour of the sleek and modern VOYAGE 650 Power Catamaran, the Company’s flagship power boat.

I meet Jo-Ann Downing, the Company’s Director on the dock. It’s close to 12pm and the atmosphere is buzzing with excited guests about to board their charter yachts; the staff and crew putting final touches in place for the midday set of departures.

As we slip off our shoes and step on board, Jo-Ann explains “This motor yacht is one-of-a-kind, designed and purpose built by VOYAGE Yachts in Cape Town, South Africa and is exclusive to VOYAGE Charters in the BVI”.

Very spacious with clean, modern lines and totally unique styling, the 650 accommodates up to 12 guests in total, or 10 guests with three crew. We start the tour by moving from the aft deck through the double sliding doors into the bar and dining area with the expansive, light and airy open concept galley, saloon and dining area with its sociable bar, perfect for cocktails while watching your private Chef prepare mouth-watering cuisine.

“Depending on the temperature and wind direction, the crew can keep the dining area fully enclosed with the air conditioning running, or fully open the aft set of windows on each side and the rear double sliding doors to create alfresco dining on beautiful balmy BVI evenings.”

The galley features state-of-the art appliances, separate coffee and cocktail stations and there is also a BBQ installed on the aft deck, so the guests’ every want and need is catered for.

I notice that there are wrap-around windows encircling the whole boat and Jo-Ann adds “Depending on the temperature and wind direction, the crew can keep the dining area fully enclosed with the air conditioning running, or fully open the aft set of windows on each side and the rear double sliding doors to create alfresco dining on beautiful balmy BVI evenings.”

Moving forward through the central front door into the forward cockpit lounge area with its large forward deck and two shaded double loungers for guests to retreat with a book and relax during the hot midday sun. Jo-Ann points out the extra wide walkways running on each side of the boat with grab rails designed for guests’ comfort and safety under way and at anchor.

Turning back through the galley and saloon Jo-Ann leads me down the port forward stairwell into the forward King en suite cabin which is mirrored on the starboard side.

“Each of the cabins on this particular yacht feature original paintings depicting a full day from early morning tide, noon day shade, to sunset in the BVI” she says. “VOYAGE yacht owners have lots of fun choosing their yachts’ name and we enjoy curating the cabin artwork to reflect their individual personalities.”

The tour then takes us back up into the saloon and then down another stairwell to the mid-ship and aft cabins, again mirrored on the starboard side, to make a total of six king en suite cabins. Every cabin boasts an incredible view from the panoramic windows all equipped with privacy shades and Jo-Ann also talks about the beautiful, ambient lighting and air conditioning throughout the boat.

Leaving the cabins, we head up the teak, spiral staircase from the saloon to the upper deck fly bridge, which is a gorgeous, dual-purpose space - that can again either be semi enclosed against the elements, or opened up to take in 360 degree views and breeze.

Stretch out and relax in the shade of this U-shaped lounging space, which offers an unparalleled vantage point of your stunning surroundings. There is also a forward seating area opposite the Captain’s helm station and further forward are two doublesized loungers, perfect for soaking up the sun.

As we almost complete the tour of the VOYAGE 650 on the aft deck, we talk about just how familyfriendly this motor yacht is. There are countless thoughtful features throughout, right down to the teak yacht’s tender platform that doubles as a swim platform so guests can enter the water with ease. This gorgeous yacht is a credit to the service-oriented VOYAGE team.

Still daydreaming after my tour of the 650, I wander down the dock to the office where Sarah Jones, VOYAGE’s Marketing Manager outlines the Company’s brand-new all-inclusive crewed yacht charter packages, that make private crewed chartering on any of the Company’s yachts super simple.

VOYAGE Standard Plus:

• Friendly and professional VOYAGE Captain

• Friendly and professional VOYAGE Chef

• Premium VOYAGE menu option

• Max 12 guests

VOYAGE Premium:

• Friendly and professional VOYAGE Captain

• Friendly and professional VOYAGE Chef

• Friendly and professional VOYAGE Stewardess

• Premium VOYAGE menu option

• Max 10 guests

VOYAGE Premium Plus:

• Friendly and professional VOYAGE Captain

• Friendly and professional, award winning, master VOYAGE Chef

• Friendly and professional VOYAGE Stewardess

• Premium plus VOYAGE menu option

• Max 10 guests

To see all of the sumptuous menu options to match each of these packages, visit VOYAGE’s website using the QR code.

VOYAGE charters are also exclusive operators of the beautiful VOYAGE 590, winner of Best Charter Boat in 2022.

To book your charter vacation on the VOYAGE 650 or any of VOYAGE’s other yachts, please contact the USA Charter reservations team:

+1 888 869 2436 or +1 443 569 7007 info@voyagecharters.com voyagecharters.com

@voyagecharters @VOYAGEcharters

To discuss VOYAGE yacht ownership opportunities, please contact Peter Jones, Yacht Sales Manager:

+1 284 346 5507 info@voyageyachts.com voyageyachts.com

@voyageyachts @VOYAGEyachts