About “VC”

Expeditions with purpose. A vessel with history. A mission with heart.

How It Started

The Voyagers Club was founded by Captain S. Davis Alford and Leila Davenport Ross through a shared passion for the ocean, adventure, and conservation. Their goal was to create more than just an adventure travel company — they set out to build a platform for real-world impact through scientific research and storytelling at sea.

The VesseL

In 2024, Captain Davis discovered R/V ROBERT GRAY — a 125-ft research vessel built in 1936. She was structurally sound and rich with history, “a real head turner.” With Leila enlisted and the dream laid out, her and Captain Davis began restoring “RVRG” to serve as the heart of The Voyagers Club expeditions.

Screenshot 2024-12-18 at 11.10.44 AM.png

Our Mission

To provide meaningful expeditions with purpose — through marine research, historical storytelling, education, and creative collaboration at sea.

  • Original vessel. Real work. Unfiltered experiences.

  • We go beyond the beaten path, literally and figuratively.

  • We protect the places we explore.

  • Between people, place, and purpose.

MEET THE CREW

  • Captain S. Davis Alford

    FOUNDER

    DIRECTOR of OPERATIONS

    MASTER of RVRG

  • Leila Davenport Ross

    CO-FOUNDER

    CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER

    DREAMWEAVING GODDESS

  • Philip Henry

    CHIEF ENGINEER

    MEDIA SPECIALIST

    FORMER SKI BUM

  • Vicki Carson

    VESSEL MANAGER

    NEW CREW INSTRUCTOR

    CULINARY LIAISON

In collaboration with:

Check out cnamms dispatches aboard r/v robert gray from california to charleston