1995 Devonport Challenge 6720m

The Challenge 67 Class yachts were designed for The Challenge Business by David Thomas, specifically to race around the world “the wrong way”. The design brief called for exceptionally strong, seaworthy, fast, attractive, modern and steel yachts that were able to sail to windward across the Southern Ocean in relative comfort.

Safety was paramount both in terms of structural strength and crew safety. Because of the One Design nature of the race, the design was not influenced or distorted by any rating rule and a sensible displacement was specified. Other important design considerations include ease of access to the structure, equipment, systems, wiring and fittings for maintenance and inspections both at sea and in harbor. Every piece of equipment had to be robust enough to survive a race around the world with minimum maintenance.

Many of the design principles were based on Sir Chay Blyth’s (then unique) experience of sailing around the world single-handed against the prevailing winds and currents.

Devonport Yachts (DML) were chosen to build the fleet to Bureau Veritas highest notation. The construction method allows relatively simple and cost effective alterations to the interior layout.

Yachts Challenge Business 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30 were part of the ten strong fleet, which raced around the world in the British Steel Challenge in 1992/93. During the autumn of 1995, they underwent a series of detailed surveys and inspections. Whist the yachts and all their systems/equipment were found to be in exceptionally good condition, they underwent a major refit.

Yachts Challenge Business 31 through to 35 were built during 1994/95 and launched, together with the refitted yachts, in April 1996. All the Challenge 67' yachts benefited from the lessons learned in the outstandingly successful British Steel Challenge, with many detailed changes/developments being incorporated during this refit.  NASHACHATA II is No 33 - built in 1995.

The Challenge Fleet sailed a combined distance of over two million miles since the prototype was launched in 1990. The fourteen strong, BT Global Challenge fleet proved to be extremely reliable with identical performance.

The Challenge 67 Class yachts have proven themselves to be outstanding yachts; they are probably the strongest and most seaworthy fleet ever to have raced around the world.

The yachts have an almost legendary reputation for their performance in difficult conditions, comfort at sea and confidence inspiring ability. Their strength and ability also makes them ideal for high latitudes and gives almost unique access to many places that are inaccessible by other means.

The design lends itself to a wide variety of uses as well as Ocean Racing. The deck layout and accommodation makes the yachts suitable for corporate entertaining, adventure sailing, chartering and private use. The accommodation layout could be economically and quickly changed by virtue of the fact that the bulkheads do not penetrate the cabin soles.

The Challenge 67' class yachts quality equipment and sound engineering ensures reliability and low maintenance costs. The frequent and stringent regime of surveys and inspections has illustrated that well built and maintained steel yachts can race around the world at least twice in the world’s toughest yacht race and still remain in Bureau Veritas highest notation. The surveys also show that the yachts are in extremely good condition and ready for further Challenges.

• Top of mast from waterline: 85ft 3in - 25.98m.

• Fuel: 385 gallons - 1900 litres.
• Water: 242 gallons - 1100 litres.
• Greywater tank. All valves for grey water tank changed to stainless steel (2018).

• Including 100% foretriangle 1,932 sq ft 179.49 sq m.
• Main 926 sq ft 86.01 sq m.
• Genoa 1,480 sq ft 137.49 sq m.
• Spinnaker 3,780 sq ft 351.17 sq m.

• New Main 2016 Hydranet, C-Tech/Antal.
• New Yanki I 2017 Vectran 100.
• New Yanki II 2015, Vectran 100.
• New Heavy Duty Stay II 2016, Hydranet HNR 483/533.
• New Stay I Vectran 100 2013.
• Asymmetric gennaker (very little used).
• Spinnaker 350 sqm (very little used), overhauled 2021).
• Oryginal Hood sails.
• Yanki II.
• Yanki III.
• Jib.
• Traysail.
• Main, After main overhaul 2013.
• All sails fully serviced 2021.

• Designer: David Thomas.
• Working Drawings: Thanos Condylis of C & S Yacht Designs.
• Structural Engineering: Roger Scammell.
• Builder: Devonport Yachts Ltd.
• Coding Authority: Mecal

• Build Date: Challenge Business 21 through to 30 first launched 1992. Challenge Business 31 through to 35 first launched 1996.

All the Challenge yachts have been built under Bureau Veritas supervision to their highest yacht notation. Subsequently, a rigid regime of regular inspections and surveys developed by The Challenge Business has been conducted by independent Surveyors.

• Design Approval: Bureau Veritas.
• Classification Authority: Bureau Veritas.
• Bureau Veritas Class: +I 3/3 Charter Yacht /S (yacht removed from class by Challenge Business in Sept 2000).
• MCA compliance Surveys & Inspections by: MECAL (Certifying Authority of the Institute of Marine Engineers).
• Royal Ocean Racing Club: ORC Cat 0.

The Challenge Business Policy for Safety at Sea.

A full and detailed service history of this yacht is maintained by The Challenge Business.

• Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) certification requirements of code "0" for Small Commercial Vessels met.

The yachts were designed to be exceptionally strongly built of steel in order that they could face all that the Southern Ocean might throw at them, with absolute confidence. The hulls are constructed of high tensile steel shell plating over “T” bar longitudinals and angle ring frames. A full depth skeg and ertalite bearings provide support for the steel rudder and good engineering ensures absolute reliability.

The entire deck and superstructures are of stainless steel in order to reduce maintenance to a minimum.

The stainless steel fuel, water and sullage tanks are provided with good access for cleaning. The International Paint coating systems are the best that current paint technology can provide with the result that on return from the world’s toughest yacht race, the yachts looked as if they had returned from a summer cruise.

Above the waterline, the hull and deck are lined with approximately 60 mm of sprayed Polyurethane foam to provide thermal and sound insulation. The extensive use of Warerite laminates in the interior fit out, ensure light, bright accommodation, which is easy to maintain and keep clean. Maple hull liners and Afrormosa trim are highlighted by the white bulkheads and provide a warm comfortable feel to the accommodation.

• Hull Shell Plating & Stringers: British Steel - 50A Steel.
• Hull & Deck Framing: British Steel - 43A Steel.
• Deck, Deckhouse, Coamings & Plinths: British Steel - 316 Stainless Steel.
• Ballast Keel: Cast Iron by Iron Brothers Ltd.
• Keel Bolts: 16 x 30mm Bolts.
• Painting and Fairing Materials:  

1. International Paints Ltd & AWL GRIP.

• Non Slip Deck Covering Material: TBS.
• After purchasing in 2011 she was stripped to bare metal, completely repainted, including deck and below water hull.
• The engine and all the tanks were dismantled to facilitate precise thickness measurement of metal sheets and the structural control of the hull (2020).
• 12 layers of paint - plus the additional protective layer of "wax" (applied in particular to the under water tanks) (2020).
• Cleaning and varnish has been supplemented in targeted corrosion areas and whole hull interior plates, below the waterline, have been subject to three additional coats of paint (2020).
• Side Power 240H bow thruster, powered by engine direct drive SUNFUB load sensitive hydraulic pump (2013).
• 6mm Teak deck in cockpit in (2012).
• Cockpit foldable table made form teak (2017).
• Interior Trim: Afrormosia and Maple bright work in accommodation, Iroko bright work in sailroom.
• In 2012/2013 whole interior redesigned and rebuild to comfortable cruising style, made from high quality mahogany wood.
• Two watertight bulkheads with stylish Seaglaze doors sprayed in colour interior (2009).
• All new bearings and shaft seal installed (2018).

• Interior Marine plywood with laminate surfaces, Mahoney and teak in forward cabs.

• Type: Bermudan Cutter
• Mast section replaced at Berthon in 2015.
• All standing rigging and replaced by Berthon ltd in 2015.
• Spinnaker poles (carbon) refurbished (2021).
• Tricolour LED top mast nav. lights (2015).
• Deck spreader light (2015).
• All running rigging replaced in 2015.
• Lazy jack system on main with Hayrack (2008).
• Tracks on deck extended forward (2009).
• New furler C530 for the genoa, and C480 for the inner stay installed (2018).
• The mast step was replaced, new floors with the supporting structures mounted (2020).
• Mast underwent a major overhaul replacement of rigging parts and was repainted (2020).
• Rollers were renovated and a new mast rope organizer crafted - based on Antal equipment (2020).
• In terms of rigging, some ropes were replaced and new Antal deck blocks installed (2020). 
• The boom spinnaker has been restored (2020). 

The deck layout was designed to be safe, seaman like, efficient and provide as much protection for the crew as practically possible, even in extreme Southern Ocean conditions. The deck hatches are defended from wave action by plinths. Dorade vents keep the accommodation well ventilated even in extreme conditions.

The aft cockpit is particularly comfortable and the bridgedeck area ideal for corporate entertaining.

During their circumnavigation's both Mike Golding and Sam Brewster illustrated that the yachts can be sailed single handed fast, safely and efficiently.

The deck equipment was selected for its efficiency, robustness and ease of maintenance. All the equipment used fully justified its selection and remains in good condition.

• Blocks: Lewmar Marine Ltd & Atlantic Spars Ltd.
• Companionway Hatch: Goiot.
• Deck Hatches & Port-lights: Lewmar Marine Ltd.
• Jammers, Genoa Tracks & Cars: Atlantic Spars Ltd.
• Mainsheet System & Foot-blocks: Lewmar Marine Ltd.
• Pulpits Stanchions & Fabrications: Hercules CSMD.
• Steering Gear & Wheels: Edson.
• Radar Mounting Structure: Scanstrut.
• Winches: ANDERSEN 2x72st , 2 x 67st, HARKEN 4x 56st, 3 x 53st, 2 x 32st; 4 winches (Andersen 67 and 72) located in the cockpit have been replaced (2020).
• Cockpit Redesigned and rebuild in 2009 to extend upper saloon.
• 6mm Teak deck done in cockpit in (2012).
• Cockpit foldable table made from teak installed in (2017).
• New Muir electric anchor winch installed in 2016.
• Heavy duty stainless steel bow roller welded on with Delta anchor (2009).
• Spare shore lines.
• Second anchor including chain and warp.
• New sprayhood and bimini (2018).
• The anchor bed and the position of the windlass were modified, the chain moved to the crash chamber, freeing up a lot of space in the forepeak (2020).

Tender and Outboard:

• Forward lowers, to make Zodiac fit on foredeck (old baby stay fittings still there).
• 6 person zodiac (2016) Mercury heavy duty.
• Mercury 2 stroke outboard 15 hp (2016).
• Outboard engines serviced (2018).

The Challenge Fleet were designed to be self-sufficient and have adequate stowage to enable them to stay at sea for up to 55 days in any part of any Ocean. The Challenge races have illustrated the yacht's ability to do this with a surprising degree of comfort, in absolute safety. A multitude of handrails & pillars allows safe movement below decks. The deck saloon is light and airy and is a comfortable place to spend time in.

The twelve berths are situated in 6 cabins. All berths have high leecloths for security at sea and comfort at any angle of heel. A box stowage system enables dry and orderly stowage of clothing and personal belongings in each cabin. Each cabin has a cowl vent and hatch/skylight.

• 12 berths in 6 cabins.
• All berths have very high leecloths for security at sea.
• A box stowage system enables dry and orderly stowage of clothing and personal belongings.

Note: All new 12 berths are with new mattresses, made from high standard material. In saloon, all mattresses were change as well.

• New Vetus deck vents installed (2018).
• The forepeak has been redesigned with two new berths (2020).
• The entire interior, including all cabins, has been revived (2020).
• The upholstery in the mess was refurbished and pristine cabinets fitted in the galley and bathrooms (2020).

Sailroom:

• The sailroom is situated aft of the collision bulkhead and the full inventory of sails can be stowed here together with all the warps, fenders, sheets and guys.
• The main & kedge anchors together with their associated chain and warps are also securely stowed in this compartment.
• A central passageway runs aft from the sailroom to the deckhouse. New aluminum sail berths installed in bow for better room management.

Head & Shower Compartments:

• Additional foldable doors installed between bow and toilet compartment and now.
• NASHACHATA II has 2 heads located forward giving bathroom, toilet with shower facilities, hot and cold water and personal storage space for a full compliment.
• Two Rhinestrom toilets replaced to new one in 2016, Whale pumps refurbished and repainted with new parts, ensure simple and reliable systems.
• Dorade ventilation and Lewmar hatches (2015).
• New showers installed 2015.

Forward Cabins:

• Mirror image cabins are situated aft of the heads compartments.
• Each has two berths and box stowage racks.

Amidships Cabins:

• Each amidships cabin has two berths with box stowage outboard at the forward end.
• Owner cabin had foldable upper berth.

Chartroom/Deckhouse:

• The navigation & communication equipment is situated around the full size chart table, as are the Perspex covered switch panels.
• Off watch seating allows good visibility through the deckhouse windows.

Drying/Oilskin Room:

• With hanging/drying space for a full complement of foul weather gear.

Saloon:

• The whole crew can be seated around the saloon table.
• Stowage areas and cupboards are arranged outboard and below the comfortable seating.

Galley:

• A gimbaled 4-burner domestic size Calor gas hob is mounted in a custom-made stainless steel housing. Substantial fiddles allow safe preparation of food at sea in virtually any conditions.
• A separate Calor gas oven is mounted at the forward end of the proper sea going galley.
• Electric Siemens Oven installed in galley and additional refrigerator build in, next to existing freezer.
• Freezer/refrigerator (2009).
• Refrigerator Webasto (2012).

Aft Cabins:

• Each aft cabin has two berths and stowage.

Note: All installations i.e. fuel supply, bilge, water supply, electrical, hydraulic for bow thruster and autopilot changed to new systems (2020).

All the mechanical systems are robust with good access to permit easy and efficient maintenance both at sea and in harbour. The equipment was chosen for reliability and long service life.

• Perkins M130C Hp naturally aspirated in line 6 cylinder, new 1996 this engine continues to be a smooth and reliable propulsion system.
• After 10 thousand of smooth running engine was taken out from the boat, completely rebuild with all new main parts, by MAN Marine Services in 2012.
• From the original engine only the main block left, all other parts including main shaft bearings, cylinders sleeves, pistons, all engine head valves were replaced.
• All through hull valves were replaced and an additional independent engine cooling system installed (2020).
• Engine pistons, valves and cylinders replaced (2020).
• Engine compartment has been covered with a new insulating fireproof coating and equipped with a new extinguishing system (2020).
• The engine received a new electrical installation and switchboard (2020).
• All through hull valves were replaced and an additional independent engine cooling system installed (2020).
• ONAN 11KV, 230 V generator with an acoustic hood installed in 2012, serviced every 200 Hrs, total running hours 1200h only.
• Spare Bruntons folding prop.
• New fixed propeller now on shaft for better propulsion efficiency (2016)
• The steering column was disassembled, all bushings replaced and the shaft re-machined (2020).
• Propeller shaft bearings were exchanged and a new shaft braking system installed (2020).

All the electrical wiring together with the switch panels and fittings are of high quality for reliability and safety. The major cable runs are easily accessible with no wiring below the cabin soles. The major systems are all 24 volts.

• All interior lights change to LED system, for power save.
• Victron MultiPlus Charger/Inverter Chargers at 70 Amps 24 volt and inverter 3000 W continues with remote control to regulate charge taken in (2018).
• Second Victron Phoenix 24/25 charger (2014).
• 12VDC Master Volt stand by generator battery charger.
• Fully controllable via the Victron, Quatro inverter/charger shore power 230V with deck connection
• Start batteries 24V 100Ah replaced
• Four new AGM batteries with capacity 480Ah, 24V installed (2020).
• All cabins have now been equipped with USB charging sockets.

• Schenker watermaker, 80 l. per hour when working in low water temperatures, bypass to control pressure depending on water temperature (2009).
• New bilge/fire/gas alarm system (2010).
• Deck wash pump (2009).
• Wide range of kitchenware, sleeping bags (12), blankets, pillows etc.
• All through hull valves checked and serviced (2020).
• An upgraded air heating system based on two independents Eberspacher Airtronic D4 Plus units was installed (2020).
• A new heating system based on the Refleks diesel furnace was installed (2021).
• Electric shower drainage pumps (2020).
• An advanced gray water system in the galley which meets the premier ecological requirements and allows gray water to be collected through a connector in the deck (2020).

• New bilge pump for engine area (2018), previous automatic bilge pump (2016) now in mast bilge.

Safety Equipment:

• New 12x Crewsafer 290N pneumatic life jackets were purchased 2020.
• Three new SOLAS A class Zodiak life rafts.

• B&G autopilot (2021).
• New B&G Zeus 12 Plotter (2012).
• New B&G 4G Radar (2012).
• B&G Hydra 3000 CPU processor (2016).
• 2x B&G GPD Displays (2012).
• 2x B&G FFD Displays.
• 2x Hydra 2000 FFD.
• GFD B&G graphic wind display.
• Furuno Navtex NX300 (2012).
• B&G AIS class B (2016).
• New GPS 2016.
• Echo Pilot forward looking sonar echo sounder with 145 metre range (2022).
• B&G WiFi NMEA data (2016).
• All water and diesel tanks equipped with electronics sensors (2013).
• Daily diesel tank electronic sensor and level alarm (2013).
• Icom VHF with masthead antenna, remote in cockpit (2015).
• 2x Handheld VHF waterproof (2015).
• GPS Magnavox.
• 1x Handheld VHF with GPS.
• Stereo, Philips DVD, Radio and USB system with 4 speakers in saloon.
• 19” TV with GLOMEX external antenna, HDMI and DVD.
• Foreword looking depth sounder made retractable for when sailing in ice (2010).
• A state-of-the-art satellite communication system Iridium LT-3100S GMDSS has been installed which meets the SOLAS A GMDSS (Sea Areas A1, A2, and A3) requirements. SOLAS Certified 2021.