Challenge Wales

(Yacht) Class C

Challenge Wales is a 72 foot, 18 berth Ocean Racer. She is an experienced vessel for longer voyages, whatever the weather conditions. You will get fully involved in all aspects of running the yacht and you don’t need any sailing experience to take part. The crew will be there to help you get involved and if you do have experience of sailing, you will get helped by improving your skills too. The official language onboard is English. The Ship has a fun and friendly team who enjoy working hard together when onboard!

History

Challenge Wales has successfully raced around the world twice, the wrong way, in the famous Global Challenge Yacht Race which at the time was the toughest yacht race in the world. She was one of 12 identical yachts that took part and was designed by Welshman Robert Humphreys and built by Devenport Yachts in 2000. She raced as Olympic in the first round-the-world race and Viao in the second. The yachts were built with a steel hull and a stainless steel deck and while racing around the world experienced weather conditions from gentle airs to over 60 knots and from sea slapping against the side of the boat to 50 foot waves crashing onto the deck. In 2009 she became a sail training vessel, based near Cardiff (UK) and has won several trophies over the last 7 years. The vessel was also re-named Challenge Wales reflecting her heritage and her home port. She has taken part in Small Ships Races and Tall Ships Regattas and the famous Round the Island Race. In 2012, Challenge Wales was the official Welsh sailing yacht to be part of the Queen’s Jubilee pageant on the Thames in London and in 2014 was the lead boat for the last few miles in the Commonwealth Games Flotilla in Scotland. Although most of the people that sail on Challenge Wales are aged under 26 years, when she isn’t sail training she is used for teambuilding and leadership activities as well as adult big boat sailing voyages, adventure voyages and wildlife watching experiences.

Accommodation

Challenge Wales can accommodate up to 18 people on all its voyages, with 18 bunks onboard. The vessel is equipped with a galley, saloon, two bathrooms (toilet/shower), safety systems, plasma screen/presentation facilities.

What shall I bring with me?

Bring practical clothing and lots of ‘layers’. Wearing layers just means that you’re ready for all conditions and you’ll (hopefully) never get cold. Walking boots, welly’s or sailing boots/shoes are recommended. A sun hat and warm hat are helpful, as is sun cream and waterproof trousers and jackets – you never know what the weather will do. Bring a swimming costume/shorts. Don’t forget your sunglasses! Gloves will be needed for sailing and handling ropes. A note book, sketchbook and novel will keep you busy in between watches. A head torch is handy for night and evening watches. There is bedding however an all-season sleeping is a good idea and an extra warm fleece even if it is the summer.

Oh – don’t forget your camera, you’re going to see some amazing sights!

Specifications