The Challenge 72 is a 72-foot steel ocean racing yacht designed by Rob Humphreys for The Challenge Business'' Global Challenge round-the-world race. Built by Devonport Yachts in the UK using a laser-cut steel panel assembly system, the twelve-boat one-design class was purpose-built to sail the "wrong way" around the world, against prevailing winds and through the Southern Ocean. The Challenge 72 is cutter-rigged, robustly engineered, and features a high ballast ratio and substantial freeboard for survival in extreme seas. After the Challenge Business race series wound down, the fleet moved into commercial sail-training and adventure charter roles, and several have completed multiple ARC crossings in their second lives.
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What is the Challenge 72's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Challenge 72 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 22.56. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Challenge 72's comfort ratio?
The Challenge 72 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 41.91. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Challenge 72 safe for offshore sailing?
The Challenge 72 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.65. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Challenge 72?
The theoretical hull speed of the Challenge 72 is 10.53 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Challenge 72 weigh?
The Challenge 72 has a displacement of 83,776 and a length overall (LOA) of 72.17.
Who designed the Challenge 72?
The Challenge 72 was designed by Rob Humphreys, first built in 2000.