Global Challenge 2008/09 Round the World Yacht Race

the yacht

Yacht Specifications
Designed by Rob Humphreys, the identical 72-foot steel ocean racing yachts were built by Devonport Yachts in the UK by a new method using a unique flat-pack yacht assembly kit.

The steel is laser cut to such a degree of accuracy that no two pieces can go together if they are not designed to fit together. This system produced yachts more exactly alike than any other one-design in existence. Ten of the twelve yachts were built by Devonport, UK, the other two by Kim's Yacht Company in China.

HULL Metres Feet

LENGTH 22 72

BEAM 5.5 18'2"

DRAFT 3 10

DISPLACEMENT 38500Kg 37.5tons

SAIL AREA Sq. Metres Sq. Feet

100% FORE 111 1,195

SPINNAKER 358 3723

MAINSAIL 112 1,206

TANK CAPACITY Litres Gallons

WATER 1,774 391

FUEL 2,022 445

yacht specification

challenge 72' class yacht

The design principles for the 72ft Global Challenge race fleet were carefully chosen to ensure they are safe, seaworthy and offering high performance in a wide variety of conditions. The yachts, built during 1999/2000, proved their worth having successfully completed two circumnavigations of the world (competing in the BT Global Challenge 2000/01 and the Global Challenge 2004/05) plus numerous offshore races since then.

They are optimised for heavy upwind sailing but perform well in the wide variety of conditions they will face while racing around the world.

The yachts have will undergo an extensive refurbishment programme in preparation for the Global Challenge 2008/09 during which the yachts return to their "one-design" status with new masts, sails and rigging. Every single piece of equipment is checked, serviced or replaced in preparation for the World's Toughest Yacht Race. In 2004, this refurbishment cost £3.8m.

The comfortable and heated accommodation berths eighteen, (fourteen open plan berths aft and two two-berth cabins forward). The berths are more inviting than on most ocean racing yachts and each bunk has a full length pipecot with a deep leecloth. There are two heads (toilets) on board each fitted with a hot shower. A table around which the entire crew can sit dominates the spacious saloon located in the middle of the yacht.

As you race around the world, the 9-strong Challenge Technical Team will meet you at each port to maintain the yachts in top racing form. At each port, any sails mended on the leg are inspected and re-sewn professionally by the race sailmakers. In Wellington, the yachts are lifted out and the rigs removed for a full and thorough service.