The Catamaran Charters Team

Catamaran Charters started operating in January 2004 with Fred and Astrid Deetlefs and Marko and Daniela Jansen Van Vuuren. The Catamaran Charters team is a family business and is now owned by Marko and Daniela Jansen Van Vuuren.  

The Team consists of Astrid and Fred Deetlefs (Daniela’s parents) with Daniela Jansen Van Vuuren, Marko Jansen Van Vuuren, Willi Deetlefs and Sven Deetlefs (brothers of Daniela). Willi and Lilo Probst, parents of Astrid Deetlefs, are also involved.Vidette Christoph and Mike Lloyd joined the team as additional members in 2009.

Completing the crew are Leonard Amukwaya, Joel Iita and his brother Sakeus Iita as well as volunteer onboard photographer Mrs. Orlanda Sardinha.

History

‘Fairweather 1’ – our first catamaran

Fred and Astrid Deetlefs purchased the two-hull yacht ‘Fairweather 1’ in November 2003 in Cape Town. In early December 2003, three of Mr. Roos’ yachts men prepared themselves for the journey along the coast up north to deliver the catamaran to the Walvis Bay Harbour.

Fairweather 1’ had arrived safely and had immediately started operating in Namibian waters by setting new standards and starting a new trend in the Marine Industry.

She paid her dues in the charter business up to the end of 2004 when the Catamaran Charters team decided that an upgrade was needed.

She was put on the market and the search for a ‘new’ boat began.  In January 2005 a buyer had booked her and by 1st of April 2005 she was officially sold.

‘Silverwind’ – our second catamaran

Fred had once again set his eyes on a Cape Town beauty…. A 45’ Royal Cape Catamaran, named ‘Biznizz’. Built in 1999 by Mr. G. Buckle, from Royal Cape Cat in Durban, she was launched in the year 2000 and was only used as a private charter yacht by the owner.

Furnished in oak interior, with six cabins featuring en-suite toilets, a broad swim platform for the seals, trampolines, spacious deck seating, a big saloon area, microwave and television…a dream had come true!

With the first window of good weather, on 20th April 2005, Mr Adrian Kuttel and Mr Evert Groenewald set sail from Cape Town’s harbour. Racing against time and weather, they arrived five days later at the Walvis Bay Yacht Club.

The beautiful 45’ Royal Cape Catamaran had a name change from ‘Biznizz’ to ‘Silverwind’ within the first week of its arrival. ‘Silverwind’ has been blessed with good fortune. Being in ownership of Catamaran Charters for less than two months she already appeared in all Namibian coastal newspapers and even enjoyed the privilege of hosting the Miss Namibia 2005 photo-shoot for the Diet Pepsi credits.

The business grew swifltly as our services became more popular and the Catamaran Charters team soon realized that ‘Silverwind’ couldn’t do all the work on her own anymore…we needed yet another catamaran…

 ‘Silversand’ – our third catamaran

This time Astrid joined Fred on the trip to search for and inspect the catamarans that were on the market. It took a few flights to South Africa, but eventually they found a boat that could meet the standard of the business and would soon join ‘Silverwind’ to form the Catmaran Charters fleet. ‘Silversand’ stunned us with her size and comfort. She’s a 60’ Simonis Catamaran, and to many that have previously seen her or travelled on her, she might still be known as ‘The Islander’.

She was purchased from Mr. Johan Basson in Mykanos, Langebaan where she had also been used in the charter business. Mr. Basson had customized the boat to suit the needs of his clients and made her more comfortable – which makes it very easy for guests to step aboard…and relax.

Willi and Orlanda joined Fred on Friday the 13th of April 2007.
By lunch the next day, the excited crew: Mr. John Martin (Skipper), Mr. Kevin Tate (Second Mate) and Willi and Orlanda (as deck hands) waved goodbye to the crying crowd ashore at Mykanos… in anticipation of four days at sea. She arrived in Walvis Bay on the 18th April 2007 and was welcomed into Namibian waters with excitement beyond belief.

Proud to say – our fleet now consists of Silverwind and Silversand – the two biggest sailing catamarans along the Namibian coast.

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