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Safehaven Marine

When You Demand Strength and Sea-Keeping

World Speed Record holders with our own vessel and crew

NEW 2024 T-2000 Voyager. 20m High performance, long range blue water explorer catamaran revealed.

The T-2000 ‘VOYAGER’ is a Safehaven Marine designed high speed, long range, blue water explorer catamaran. Its main design remit was for a vessel providing the best efficiency, economy and range in its size bracket at higher cruising speeds circa 30-40kts, but also be equally efficient and economical at lower planning and semi-planning speeds right down to displacement speeds, and to be capable of, due to her large fuel capacity of an extremely long range at these speeds: (1,000nm+ at 30kts and 1,700nm at 16kts and over 3,000nm at 9-10kts). As such Voyager is capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean non-stop. The T-2000 Voyager perfectly fulfils the role of an ‘Explorer’ yacht and will appeal to an owner looking to explore remote and occasionally inhospitable locations but who, on occasion wishes to get there fast and take advantage of favourable weather windows, but not at the sacrifice of comfort and excitement.

Combining potentially a very high speed capability of well over 50kts when fitted with the largest engine options, with exceptionally good seakeeping abilities enabling high cruising speeds of circa 30kts+ to be maintained in even moderately rough sea conditions. Blue water cruising can inevitably mean bad weather is encountered simply due to the long distances involved, and when encountered a true blue water yacht must be able to deal with such situations. Drawing upon Safehaven Marines 25 years of experience in building commercial all weather pilot, S.A.R. and patrol craft, Voyager is capable of true ‘all weather’ operation. The design also draws from Safehaven’s experience in setting multiple UIM World long distance speed records: In 2021 Safehaven set a World record in their XSV20 demonstrator Thunder Child II for crossing the inhospitable North Atlantic from Ireland to Iceland, an 862nm voyage at an average speed of 30kts. As such Voyager will be well able to deal with hard weather, and able to safely weather a storm at sea and do so in comfort, as the interior design incorporates a high degree of luxury in its fit out and will be equally at home cruising and entertaining in the Mediterranean.

Below: A couple of examples of Safehaven’ Marines more than 150 all weather commercial vessels, an Interceptor 48 and HMS Magpie built for the Royal Navy, together with the UIM World record setting private motoryacht XSV20 Thunder Child II

Hull Design. The T-2000 Voyager features hydrofoil supported symmetrical semi-wave piercing hulls that combine an inverted bow with traditional topside flare. The inverted bow provides a very fine waterline entry to cut through waves but also maximises waterline length, thereby increasing its displacement hull speed and corresponding efficiency whilst the topside flare keeps the boat dry, throwing spray clear. The bridge deck is terminated 3.5m from the bows to eliminate the possibility of waves slamming on the bridge deck in large steep head seas when inevitably forced to slow down, (traditionally the Achilles heel of catamaran designs). Additionally the bridge deck to waterline clearance is substantial, being a minimum of 1m at the transom in order to prevent wave impact on the bridge deck. Overall the visual design of T-2000 is very graceful being exceptionally sleek, far removed from the typical boxy looks of most catamarans and in side profile has the looks of a sports monohull yacht. A hydrofoil is optionally incorporated which improves efficiency at higher speeds by as much as 20% with little low speed penalty, lifting the hull out of the water at speeds over 20kts reducing drag and resistance. Its design and position being optimised through CFD, as were the hulls spacing which, at a 6.2m beam proved optimum for wake interaction, and 6.2m, (which could be considered moderate for its length) provided the best compromise between static stability and dynamic behaviour in waves. The moderate beam eliminates the sometimes uncomfortable motion very wide beam cats can have in a seaway on certain courses, whereas the T-2000 in essence rides like a monohull that doesn’t roll or yaw in beam and following seas, or slam in head seas. Its moderate beam also makes the T-2000 ‘marina friendly’.

Being fully custom built Voyager can be specified with a range of engines and propulsion systems. Alternative propulsion systems such as Volvo IPS, Waterjets and conventional shaft drive are available where still very fast maximum speeds of circa 40kts are adequate.

With an L.O.A. of 20m the Performance of Voyager for her size is extremely impressive. The first of class being powered by a pair of MAN V12 1,550hp engines and Twin Disc MGX5146A gearboxes with surface drive propulsion from a pair of France Helices SD5 drives. Surface drives were chosen as they provide the best efficiency at higher cruise speeds (circa 35-40kts), and the surface drives props are vented for smooth low speed operation. A maximum speed of well over 50kts makes her one of the fastest boats of her size around, comprehensively fulfilling the ‘high performance’ brief and providing excitement in abundance, yet the design almost uniquely also offers ‘Trawler style yacht’ range and ocean crossing capabilities. Close quarters manoeuvring is assisted by large and powerful twin bow thrusters and twin stern thrusters incorporating ‘variable speed’ capability, allowing the vessel to be held against the quay or marina whilst being tied up or cast off, a real advantage when short-handed or mooring in adverse conditions. The powerful thrusters combined with the gearboxes ‘Quick shift’ low speed function ensure the T-2000 is very easy to operate when berthing.

Above, the main cabin arrangement and below the forward accommodation sleeping areas.

Accommodation: The very spacious and luxuriously appointed main cabin features a central helm with a two seats, and a navigators seat to st/bd, all being air suspension Grammer shock mitigation seating. The helm position features a ‘floating’ console wide enough to house the three Garmin 19” displays in a glass helm effect. A lower dividing console between the seats houses the dedicated Empire Buss touch screen boat systems control panel, allowing all the boats various systems to be monitored and controlled from the helm. A navigators position features a glass digital chart table housing a 40” touch screen, allowing route planning to be comfortably undertake. To port alongside the helm area is positioned a lounging settee with a table seating 2-3, this provides a sociable area forward allowing passengers to also enjoy the view forward underway. Aft lies a full comprehensively equipped galley in a ‘U’ configuration. The inboard side of the worktop incorporates a concealed 42” TV electrically lifted and viewed from the elevated large five seat dinette seating opposite. The table here is a split design on electric pedestals, allowing the area to convert to a large berth. A unique feature of the main cabin is the ‘Glass floor’ section behind the helm, giving a spectacular view of the hydrofoil in operation at speed underway, as well as providing a cool ambience to the cabin when moored from LED lighting within the bridge deck.

Sleeping accommodation is provided between three cabins in the forward hulls, one being a spacious master’s cabin in the st/bd hull with the large king sized bed extending over the bridge deck. Outboard here is a lower seating area with a bureau and provides a great view just above the waterline through windows. The masters cabin features large bathroom and shower compartment. A VIP guest cabin is situated in the port hull with its own ensuite bathroom and shower. Both Master and VIP compartments are accessed from the main cabin via sliding doors and steps. A third separate crew cabin fitted with twin bunk berths and a bathroom / shower compartment is accessed via a hatch on the foredeck. Utility multiple air-conditioning units ensure a comfortable environment and a 30l/phr water maker combined with a 400L fresh water tank provides the necessary capabilities for fresh water during long voyages. An 18kw 240v AC generator and 5kw inverter provides AC power aboard both underway and at anchor. A very spacious aft deck area incorporates a ‘U’ shaped seating module with storage underneath and a large folding table on a pedestal for both comfortable underway seating and moored entertaining. A module incorporating a barbeque, sink and fridge provides dining and entertaining facilities for the aft deck. A 250kg SWL slewing deck crane with winch is fitted across the transom enabling easy launching of a 3.5m RIB which is stowed outboard off the transom on support arms forming a cradle, the arms are hinged allowing them to be stowed back against the transom when not in use. The RIB is stored very securely high above the waterline for safety in heavy weather. A forward lounging area with removable cushions and table is situated in a well deck quickly drained through the bridge deck by two large 4” scuppers, allowing the well area to be cleared of water in 8 seconds. Each bow is fitted with an anchor and windlass (two anchors for safety) and a bridle system. Large anchor lockers also provide a storage area for fenders, warps etc with the st/bd compartment also housing a workshop. Stern to mooring is assisted by two capstans at the transom quarters and a Hydraulic extending Besenzoni Passerelle fitted to the transom.

A flybridge is accessed from the aft deck via a substantial stainless steel ladder with wide teak steps and hand rail. The flybridge incorporates a two seat helm position, the console being electrically adjustable for height allowing a sporty low seating position for helming underway, but can be raised 50cm to allow standing at the helm when undertaking close quarters docking manoeuvres. A large ‘U’ shaped seating area with a table allows for comfortable lounging and entertaining underway. Each hull incorporates a large dive platform. The aft, side decks and forward decks as well as the flybridge are laid in teak and holy synthetic decking for low maintenance and durability with the side, foredeck and aft deck areas being enclosed by railings .8-1m, high ensuring all deck areas are safely accessed by the crew. The first of class T-2000 is fitted with a valved exhaust system, incorporating by-pass valves allowing switching between watertrap silencers for quite running or straight through, allowing the exhaust note from her V12 engines to be appreciated when offshore emitting a fantastic exhaust sound befitting her extreme performance.

Below the first T-2000 under construction July 2023 showcasing its graceful lines, its MAN V12 engines and surface drives. Safehaven’s first of class demonstrator is scheduled for launch mid 2024.

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Your Yacht. Ultimate Sailing Experience.

Voyage 590 best charter boat, luxury sailing catamaran.

The ultimate, luxury sailing catamaran with all the comforts of home surrounded by panoramic views of paradise...

A modern design that offers exceptional accommodations integrated in beautiful hulls beneath a perfect sail plan. This charter yacht will leave you wanting to come back again and again...

Dine in  paradise

Providing spacious accommodations.

The VOYAGE 590 offers beautiful, modern deluxe accommodations, all with en-suite showers, walk-around queen beds, and heads for up to 14 guests.

Bareboat Charter

• 14 Passengers
• 0 King Beds
• 6 Queen Beds
• 0 Double Beds
• 2 Single Beds

Yacht & Captain

• 13 Passengers
• 1 Single Bed

All Inclusive Crewed

• 12 Passengers
• 0 Single Beds

Exceptional Service

Your seaside office.

Choose to work or play onboard this magnificent yacht that allows you the space to easily transition. Thoughtful areas for comfort & leisure, which can also inspire a productive day’s work. Scenic areas for fine or casual dining as well as shaded lounges and sun-tanning beds ... everything you need.

Panoramic vision

If you love open plan living, plush appointments, ambient lighting a modern gourmet galley blended with oceans and beaches this yacht is for you!

Fresh air beyond compare

Sliding cockpit windows allow you to dine al fresco. Savor a simple meal in the comfortable, forward cockpit or relax in the warm sun on the upper deck, fly-bridge lounge. Large, forward opening windows allow the fresh, cool breeze to flow through this yacht, forward to aft breathing fresh air through the living space. Close everything up to enjoy crisp air conditioning, or even just for a quick squall!

Disconnect. Unwind. Recharge.

Modern. stylish. luxurious..

Enjoy deluxe queen walk around beds with pull out drawers and under-bed storage. These beautiful staterooms also provide soft plush headboards, ambient side and celling lighting and cool air-conditioning. Other features include, in-cabin basin & vanity plus double, inside lit hanging lockers. Towel rails are supplied below the large portholes that offer stunning views of the Virgin Islands. For extra comfort, each cabin offers black out shades and an en-suite shower with dry head.

Unwind. Recharge.

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Sailboat Review: Voyage 590

• By Herb McCormick
• May 1, 2023

Over the years, I’ve heard marketing folks offer some pretty ambitious descriptions of a given vessel’s aims and capabilities. A couple of years ago, a sales rep said that I could take his company’s new 40-something-footer and “do a Bermuda Race on it, or live aboard, or sail around the world.” Except the deck layout was horrible for racing, the galley and storage were too tight for long-term ­habitation, and there wasn’t nearly enough tankage for crossing oceans. In reality, it was a pretty fair coastal cruiser. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t win any prizes.

In sharp contrast to that experience, it was refreshing to step aboard the Voyage 590. The marketing was actually the straightforward skinny: This 59-foot cat , built in South Africa, is a high-end charter boat with a half-dozen equally sumptuous staterooms. Not a long-range cruiser. Not for living aboard. 

What’s more, it has one and only one chartering venue: the British Virgin Islands, from a base at Tortola’s Soper’s Hole. Not the Mediterranean or South Pacific—just the BVI. Simple, no? What wasn’t said is that the 590 is an engineering marvel that addresses its design writ superbly. But I was about to discover all that on my own. 

Voyage founders Robin and Jo-Ann Downing set out from South Africa to the Caribbean aboard their own boat—a custom monohull design that Robin was not only sailing, but also selling—nearly 40 years ago. They then returned home and switched allegiances to cruising catamarans. The first two Voyage cats launched in 1995. By 2017, Voyage ran some 30 charter boats in the BVI and offered dedicated cruising boats beyond those sold into their ­charter-management program. 

Then Hurricane Irma happened, decimating their fleet. With help from their three kids (and their spouses), the Downings regrouped and carried forth with their family-run BVI charter business. It is now replenishing its charter-boat numbers, at this time exclusively with the 590. Going forward, the company has completed preliminary designs for “owner’s layouts” with fewer staterooms, as well as different amenities for long-range cruising and living aboard. The first is expected to launch in early 2024.

Phil Southwell is the ­company’s current naval ­architect of record, but the 590’s concept, layout and objective are all Robin Downing’s. And he is clear about what he was after. 

“It’s a six-cabin layout with slightly different configurations but all of equal size,” he said. “It fills a niche in the market.” 

Of course, not everyone wants to vacation with a dozen companions, but if you do, here you go. Bareboats are available to super-qualified sailors—we’re basically talking longtime, repeat customers—but many charter parties go all-inclusive with a captain and chef, or at least a captain. Which makes sense. The 590 is a lot of boat, my friends. As such, it was named Best Charter Boat in CW ’s 2022 Boat of the Year competition . 

The comfort of vacationers was on Downing’s mind when it came to propulsion and charging systems. The 590 is available in a dedicated all-electric version, or a hybrid setup with a diesel engine for propulsion augmented by a set of Bellmarine electric generators (and accompanying solar panels). In all instances, there’s a bank of lithium-ion batteries. Voyage wants its guests to enjoy full nights of air-conditioned comfort without the noise and bother of a diesel generator. Anyone who has picked up a mooring in a crowded BVI anchorage will also appreciate this silence.

“It’s a techy boat, and they’re doing a lot of cool things with lithium tech and 24-volt systems,” BOTY judge and systems expert Ed Sherman said. “In terms of the systems integration, they’re using very high-end inverters with variable-speed air-conditioning systems that step down as it gets cooler at night. That’s pretty cool stuff. They’ve selected the MG lithium battery banks, which were originally created and designed by Victron Energy in Europe. And there are a lot of refrigeration units on board. They want to make sure the beer is chilled, and they went to great lengths to ensure that it is.”

Nothing is simple about the 590’s construction, including the hand-laid, three-piece hull mold. There’s another vast mold for the deck. All of it, including the structural grid, is foam-cored and vacuum-­bagged in a laminate that incorporates a vinylester skin. It’s all extremely solid and well-executed. 

How to describe the rest of the boat? My notes had two related entries: “laid out for gracious living” and “party palace.” Both were meant to be high compliments.

Stashed in the hulls, those aforementioned six staterooms—four with athwartships bunks, and another pair with fore-and-aft berths—are indeed of equal size and appointments, though with different color schemes and accoutrements for a bit of variety. Topside and aft, swim platforms in each hull step up to a wide boarding platform that accesses the cockpit, with sliding doors that lead to the saloon. With those doors open, the layout makes for a sweeping, integrated space. There’s an outdoor grill, naturally, and a couple of members of the related fridge family. The dining table is long and wide enough for the entire New England Patriots offensive unit. 

The galley is forward with a window for ventilation and easy entree to a forward cockpit, in the event one wishes to throw separate parties at the same time. Five steps lead up to the flybridge, which hosts all the sailing controls and running rigging, ably tamed by a trio of electric stainless-­steel Andersen winches and a series of Spinlock clutches managing color-coded lines. A single wheel is to starboard, with engine controls for the twin Yanmars and a suite of B&G instrumentation. There’s a hard Bimini overhead with windows to the mainsail, in addition to the windshield. Sun pads for lounging are here, there and everywhere. 

The gargantuan mainsail is of course raised by an electric winch, and I was surprised to see what I thought was a black carbon laminate, but it turned out to be Dacron painted black (it still looked cool as could be). The next surprise under sail was the steering, which I thought would be hydraulic on such a beast of a boat. It turned out to be a standard wire Lewmar arrangement that wasn’t exactly sensitive, but it was more than adequate. In 8 to 10 knots of breeze upwind, we made better than 6 knots and sped up to better than 7 on a reach. The fact that these boats are delivered on their own bottom to the Caribbean is a testament to their seaworthiness. 

I asked Robin about top-end boatspeed, and with a look of mock horror, he said: “You don’t want to ever do more than 12 on this boat. It’s 26 tons.” He then listed the many things you’d need to compromise to go faster: slender hulls (which would erase the spaciousness of the accommodations), a higher bridge deck (ditto) and so on. Besides, on the 590, haste is definitely not the point of the exercise. 

BOTY judge Gerry Douglas said that the 590 reminded him of “a boutique hotel.” His words ring true to me, and I personally would be more than happy to check in anytime. 

Voyage 590 Specifications

• More: catamaran , Charter , Print April 2023 , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , Voyage Yachts
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T-2000 Voyager first look: The extreme explorer cat being built at Safehaven Marine

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Heavy weather boatbuilding specialist Safehaven Marine is preparing to launch its most extreme leisure vessel yet – a 60ft semi- wave-piercing, hydrofoil-assisted powercat billed as the ultimate high-speed explorer yacht…

Renowned for its tough commercial and military craft as well as the Rockall record-setting Thunder Child , Safehaven Marine now plans to take on the market for offshore adventure yachts with its new 67ft T-2000 Voyager.

Key to its success is the Voyager’s ability to cover long distances at speed. At 30 knots it has a claimed range of over 1,000nm, while still allowing for a safe reserve of fuel and challenging sea conditions. Drop the speed down to 10 knots and that should triple to 3,000 miles, enough for most trans-oceanic routes.

It’s this ability to deliver both strong all-weather performance and long-range passages that makes the T-2000 Voyager unique, according to Safehaven Marine’s managing director and chief designer Frank Kowalski.

The logic is that speed should enable the owner to take advantage of tight weather windows in inhospitable areas of the globe that may not be of long enough duration for more conventional displacement and semi-displacement designs.

The T-2000 Voyager’s powertrain matches those aggressive lines with a pair of twin 1,550hp V12 MANs hooked up to Twin Disc ‘quickshift’ gearboxes and surface-drives from France Hélices.

Kowalski is predicting a top speed of 56 knots thanks in part to a hydrofoil between the two hulls that increases lift and reduces drag for more efficient high speed running. A huge 11,000-litre fuel capacity helps deliver those impressive range figures.

The wheelhouse includes a starboard-side lounge, portside galley and centreline helm position. There is also a glass pane in the main saloon sole which gives passengers a bird’s-eye view of the hydrofoil.

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As for accommodation, this first one, which will serve as a company demonstrator, has three cabins – an owner’s suite in the starboard hull with its double bed crossing the bridge deck aft – plus a VIP double and twin-bunk cabins in the port hull.

Safehaven Marine says that subsequent T-2000 Voyagers could easily be fitted with less extreme propulsion such as regular props and shafts, pods or waterjets while still delivering top speeds of around 40 knots.

Based in Cork, Ireland, Safehaven Marine has built up a strong reputation for building some of the toughest boats on the planet. Since it started in 1998, it has launched over 160 craft – mostly pilot boats, patrol boats, military interceptors and stealth vessels, plus a few leisure variants – all of which get put through their paces in the notoriously rough seas outside Cork Harbour.

Safehaven T-2000 Voyager specifications

LOA: 65ft 7in / 20m Beam: 20ft 6in / 6.25m Displacement: 30,000 kgs / 66,000 lbs Range: 3,000nm Engines: 2 x 1,550hp MAN V12 Top speed: 50 knots Price: TBC

Unusual semi-wave-piercing bow design and a hydrofoil between the two hulls deliver efficient running at low and high speeds

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Description

Voyage Yachts is a family run business based in Cape Town in South Africa, another multihull specialist from that part of the world. What an ecosystem for building catamarans they have on that coast!

This company has built its business up over the years hand in hand with Voyage Charters who are based in the Caribbean. Their boats are famously sturdy and a key part of the philosophy behind the design is low maintenance. The same group that builds the boat also run a charter fleet of Voyage Yachts, so if there is a problem, the feedback is quick and the design is improved- a very useful feedback loop. This is what a Prout 45 might have looked like if Prout was still around producing cruising cats.

Fast Cruiser They manufacture two sailing models: the 590 and their workhorse: the Voyage 480 which is an evolution of the earlier 450 and 500. This is a seaworthy, comfortable cruising catamaran with an eye on performance. If we were pushed, we’d put it alongside a Nautitech on the performance/comfort graph, with a higher end finish. Read our Lagoon 42 review to make a comparison of the finish level between this manufacturer and other higher volume production boats.

Photos: Voyageyachts.com

Like many of their compatriots, the Voyage team have spent many hours thinking up ways to keep the weight off their boats and maximise the performance for the length and volume. Foam coring is used in the hulls, deck and cockpit bimini, with vacuum-­bag construction techniques. This has allowed them to achieve an impressive  displacement/length ratios of 117, without losing any of the comforts that you would hope to see on a well kitted out cruising cat. And like many of the smaller South African builders, where you really win versus the production cats, is in the quality of the finish.

With all this attention to detail on the weight, the Voyage 480 is no slouch, and with her low slung profile she looks the business. The profile is sporty with her sleek lines and a low boom.

She packs some punch with a generous sail plan. The Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) on the 480 is around 23. To give you a comparison, the Lagoon 450 sits at around 20. Again, that puts her in a similar bracket as a Nautitech. She won´t compete against a Looping 50 on speed but sits more in the upper middle of the performance/comfort scale.

Well Organised 2 bridles control the mainsail which makes it easy to trim your sails and gybe safely. The helm is on the starboard bulkhead with plenty of room for two and a sliding hatch in the bimini lets you pop your head through it when the sun is out. Slide it shut for the fully protected position.

All of the main lines come back to twin winches on the coachroof by the helm and in general the running rigging is very tidy and organised with tail bags

In a fresh breeze (say 18 knots), you should easily see speeds in the early teens on this boat, especially if you keep the weight off, but that low bridgedeck clearance does mean that this boat is susceptible to slamming going into the weather, although they have improved this with the newer design compared to the 450.

Going upwind, she is a competent performer and will get you off a lee shore. You should see 8-9 knts even at a TWA of 45 degrees in a fresh breeze. Point 5 or 10 degrees lower to reduce your leeway and keep your VMG up.

Living Space

While many of the volume manufacturers are starting to look very similar on the layout front, the Voyage 480 is almost quirky – a breath of fresh air. They have evolved the earlier 450 and increased the length, and widened the hulls, with a higher bridge deck clearance. The finish can seem spartan down below (up top is cosy), but she wears well and cleans easily.

If you can find a Voyage 480 on the second hand market it is likely to have done its time in charter and will probably be the 4 cabin version. These are popular boats: they don´t come up often.

High Quality Finish It’s probably up top where the Voyage 480 stands out against the competition. In the saloon, there is a large horse-shoe sofa set around a dining table with a U/shaped galley to port facing forward with loads of working space.

It’s a cosy feel with a nav station aft and the finish is top end with a double sink, large burner & oven and some great wooden surround touches on the furniture. The Lewmar hatches let in plenty of natural light and help keep the interior well ventilated.

In the aft cockpit, you have a large swimming platform which looks fantastic at anchor, but I would worry about the safety at sea. When you have your tender tied down at the back, it feels more secure. But if you are diving with tanks off the back of the boat, or launching a kite surfer or a SUP,  it doesn´t get much better than this.

You raise and lower your tender with a crane (Boom Stinger) that extends out of the boom, and having the dinghy on the deck means that it is more secure than it would be on davits.

Going Green

Voyage are in the leading charge in the industry when it comes to eco options. They have been working with Finnish company Ocean Volt to provide ways for their customers to achieve low emission or even emission free sailing.

If you are looking for a higher quality finish in a catamaran that is quicker than the average, the Voyage 480 ticks a lot of boxes. She is a solid, seaworthy design that has evolved over the years based on feedback from Voyage Charters.

Technical Specification

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