Captain Kirk & Jan’s Feline: Charting New Waters with the BVI’s Most Distinctive Yacht

When you meet Captain Kirk Anthony Robinson, it doesn’t take long to realise you’re speaking with someone who was destined to lead on the sea. Tall, affable, and with a quiet confidence forged over decades of hard work, Kirk has spent over 20 years commanding yachts throughout the Caribbean, but Jan’s Feline—a custom-built Lagoon 78—is something entirely different. It’s not just another vessel in his long resume; it’s personal. 

A Journey from the Pitch to the Port

Captain Kirk A. Robinson

Before Kirk Robinson was charting courses through the Caribbean, he was dribbling down the football fields of Jamaica. A semi-professional footballer and former player of Jamaica’s U19 national team, his early life was dedicated to the beautiful game. “I was playing Premier League football with my hometown team Galaxy in Clarendon,” he shares with a reminiscent smile. “Football was everything.”

But life had a different path in store. After his mother relocated to Antigua during his teenage years, Kirk joined her in his late teens. Not long after, a sports injury changed the trajectory of his life forever. Unable to continue playing competitively, he found himself working in the family supermarket and restaurant business, delivering supplies to yachts anchored nearby.

That experience became his first introduction to the maritime world. “We used to stock boats with food and drinks. I wasn’t even thinking of boats like that, but I was always around them,” he says. One opportunity led to another, and soon Kirk was cleaning boats part-time for Sunsail. From scrubbing decks to repositioning vessels—often without a license—Kirk’s natural aptitude didn’t go unnoticed.

In 2003, he was offered a full-time position in the BVI, thanks to a regional Sunsail director who saw promise in the young Jamaican. “He told me I had good personality and skills, and said, ‘We need someone like you in Tortola.’ That’s how my Caribbean yachting story really began.” 

A Captain Crafted Over Time

Kirk’s ascent from crewman to captain is a story of grit and growth. From those humble beginnings as a cleaner, he worked his way up, learning every inch of the boat—literally and figuratively. “I started as flotilla support—like the engineer who knows everything on the boat,” he recalls.

Kirk was later sent to England for advanced training in boat handling and navigation, and then to Panama, where he earned his captain’s license. By 2006, he officially took command of his first yacht. Since then, he has captained both private and commercial vessels, with charters that span from the Grenadines to the Virgin Islands.

What’s kept him going after all these years? “I love a clean boat,” he laughs. “It might sound funny, but taking care of the vessel and seeing guests happy—that’s what drives me.” 

Jan’s Feline: A Floating Dream Made Real

Kirk’s current command, Jan’s Feline, is unlike any other. A top-of-the-line Lagoon 78 Power Catamaran, the yacht is the final hull (#15) in its series—making it a one-of-one  creation built by Lagoon, a premier French shipbuilder. But what truly sets Jan’s Feline apart is that Kirk was there from the very beginning.

“I saw it when it was just paper—before a single piece of it was even shaped,” he recalls. “We worked closely with the shipyard to make it exactly what we wanted. So, when I finally saw her in the water last December… man, I cried.”

Every feature on Jan’s Feline was chosen with intention. The yacht boasts twin 30kW generators, solar panels that power the batteries, and dual watermakers that convert seawater into fresh, drinkable water. It’s also outfitted with infrared and mineral water filtration systems—eliminating the need for bottled water on board.

One standout design feature is the dual captain’s station at the front of the vessel, allowing guests to sit beside Kirk while underway—a personal touch not seen in other Lagoon 78 models. “Most boats don’t allow guests near the helm. But we wanted connection,” he explains. “It’s about making the guests feel like part of the journey.” 

An Unforgettable Charter Experience

Chartering Jan’s Feline is more than just booking a vacation—it’s stepping into a bespoke experience. The yacht carries four highly skilled crew members, including a chef from Spain, a stewardess from Argentina, and a first mate from England. Together, the team delivers world-class service that keeps guests coming back—over 40% of their clients are repeat customers.

“A typical day starts when guests wake up to the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of waves. Breakfast is served—continental and hot—and then it’s onto water sports, kayaking, e-foiling, or just relaxing,” Kirk explains. “We move from one stunning location to the next, wrapping up the day with sunset cocktails and a chef-prepared dinner under the stars.”

The yacht is also packed with toys—underwater cameras, sonar, infrared night vision, paddleboards, and more—designed to entertain everyone from thrill-seekers to serenity lovers. “Whether you want adventure or luxury, Jan’s Feline gives you both,” says Kirk. 

Exploring the Caribbean—Beyond the BVI

While based in the British Virgin Islands, Jan’s Feline is licensed for charters across the region. Popular destinations include St. Martin, St. Barths, Antigua, and Grenada, especially during hurricane season when the boat relocates to the southern Caribbean.

“There’s nothing quite like seeing the Windward and Leeward Islands from a vessel like this,” Kirk says. “We don’t just move fast—we move smart. Guests can see more in less time, and still relax.” 

From Paper to Paradise

The emotional connection Kirk has with Jan’s Feline is evident in every word he speaks about it. “I’ve captained seven boats in my time, but this is the first one I was involved with from the start. It’s personal,” he says.

“This is my third yacht I’ve helped manage. You can’t put a price on the pride you feel watching guests fall in love with it the way I have.”

And as for cost—all inclusive charters for Jan’s Feline begin at $76,000 USD for 2 guests and go up to $82,000 USD for a maximum of 8 guests for a week-long charter experience. Availability is typically listed online, with bookings in high demand. 

A Captain with Vision

Over the course of his career, Kirk has witnessed the evolution of yacht technology—from paper charts to GPS autopilot systems that make navigation easier than ever. “Technology has made things more efficient,” he admits. “But what hasn’t changed is the value of human connection.”

He credits his long-term success to his ability to adapt and build strong relationships—not just with guests, but with his crew and industry peers.

When asked what message he’d want readers to take away, Kirk doesn’t hesitate: “It’s not just about the boat. It’s about the experience. And when you come aboard Jan’s Feline, you’re not just a guest. You’re part of something unique.”

FAST FACTS: Jan’s Feline
Type: Lagoon 78 Power Catamaran
Length: 78 feet
Built: France, Hull #15 (Final in Series)
Crew: 4 (Captain, Chef, First Mate, Stewardess)
Features: Solar panels, twin generators, infrared water filtration, underwater cameras, dual helm station, custom design
Charter Base: BVI
Destinations: BVI, St. Martin, St. Barths, Grenada, Windward & Leeward Islands
Minimum Charter: 4 nights
Estimated Weekly Rate: ~ $76,000 USD – $82,000 USD