Background
Freethinker (Challenger 263) is the only Challenger owned by the Challenger Class Association (CCA).
The boat has an illustrious history. Freethinker was built in 2007 and used that year by Geoff Holt in his "Personal Everest" sailing around Great Britain. In 2008 Zoltan Pegan (sailing for Hungary) raced Freethinker to victory in the IFDS Multihull World Championships.
In 2015 ownership was transferred to the CCA. Freethinker is currently based at Rutland Sailing Club.
RYS Dinghy and Watersports Show
In recent years, Freethinker has been displayed at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show where the CCA is usually part of RYA Sailability's Para Sailing Hub.
"Have a go!"
The CCA provides opportunities for potential Challenger sailors to try Freethinker.
- If you are sailor thinking about moving into a Challenger, then you can come to Rutland SC and have a test sail in Freethinker.
- For Sailing Clubs or Sailability Groups interested in adding the Challenger to their club fleet, we can bring Freethinker to your club to see how it fits in and to allow club members to have a go.
To arrange a sail in Freethinker please send us an email.
Racing and coaching
Experienced non-Challenger sailors may be offered the opportunity to sail Freethinker at a Challenger event.
Use of Freethinker by members
Provided that Freethinker is not required for any of the activities outlined above, the boat may be made available for competent members to borrow for an event. There will be a modest fee for borrowing the boat which will go towards its maintenance.
- For Challenger events held at Rutland SC, if a sailor has not been invited to sail Freethinker, it is available to members.
- For Challenger events at other venues, a sailor may be able to borrow Freethinker but they will be responsible for towing Freethinker to and from the event.
To borrow Freethinker for an event you first need to contact us. If the loan is agreed you will need to complete this loan agreement form.
