XPLORE breathes new life to Global Challenge Yacht

by Betsy Crowfoot on 11 Apr 2007 When Xplore Expeditions launches their 67-foot flagship in Plymouth, UK, on 11 April 2007, it will mark a ‘second wind’ for a famed round-the-world racing yacht from The Challenge Business.

The opportunity to acquire this sturdy offshore vessel arose when Sir Chay Blyth’s adventure sailing firm -- The Challenge Business -- dissolved last year.

At the time, Stephen Wilkins, Skipper and Expedition Leader for Xplore Expeditions, had been scouring the globe for a suitable boat for Antarctic exploration. Subsequently Wilkins acquired the vessel Xplore – originally Yacht #21, first launched as Coopers and Lybrand for Blyth’s 1992 British Steel Challenge – and he and First Mate Debbie Lewis have been working several months to prepare the yacht for its’ new life in the high latitudes.

'She meets all of my requirements and dreams,' says Wilkins of the 67-foot cutter-rigged sloop, 'one that will take it hard when the going gets tough, but has warmth and comfort for when we are tucked up in some of those secluded anchorages deep south.'

The yacht, which has proven herself in two circumnavigations, will be re-christened Xplore and launch in Plymouth, 11 April 2007.

Built by Devonport Yachts Ltd. of high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel, Xplore is a fast heavy-weather sailor with reliable motoring capabilities. Wilkins, and Co-Skipper/Project Manager Nicolas Pichelin, have scheduled trips to Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic islands, Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland and South Georgia islands, and other remote and exotic high latitude destinations beginning October 2007. Guests can book individual berths on scheduled trips, or charter the vessel for customized passages -- for scientific, exploratory, and documentary film-making groups.

Additionally, Xplore serves as a platform for activities such as kayaking, mountain climbing and trekking; bird watching; wildlife and marine life viewing; wreck discovery; photography; and diving; plus sail training and leadership training excursions.

Outfitted with generous fuel and water tanks and stowage capabilities, Xplore is designed to be self-sufficient at sea, or holed up in remote areas, for three months or more. Additionally Xplore has a comfortable layout which provides space and privacy for the crew and guests (sleeps 12).

Following a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sail training trip to Montevideo, Uruguay – which will double as a delivery -- the final refit will take place before the Antarctic season begins October 2007.

Xplore Expeditions relies on the support, excellent products and services of: Profurl; Hood Sails UK; LingariSports/Orealys; Bruntons; and Xaxero SkyEye.

The website [www.xplore-expeditions.com] has a complete programme of events and activities, plus a gallery of phenomenal photographs taken during the teams’ prior years sailing in the high latitudes.