Cavalier (Challenger 292)
Cavalier (Challenger 292) is the only Challenger currently owned by the Challenger Class Association (CCA).
Cavalier and her sistership 291 were built in 2010 and they initially went to The Ahoy Centre and then, in 2012, to Erith Yacht Club. Unfortunately they saw little use at either venue both of which are on the tidal Thames.
In 2025 Erith Yacht Club generously gave both Challengers to the CCA. Challenger 291 was sold (for the cost of refurbishment) to Ogston Sailing Club. Cavalier became the CCA Challenger, replacing Freethinker, and is currently based at Rutland Sailing Club.
RYS Dinghy and Watersports Show
In recent years, the CCA Challenger 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 the CCA Challenger.
- If you are sailor thinking about moving into a Challenger, then you can come to Rutland SC and have a test sail in the CCA Challenger.
- For Sailing Clubs or Sailability Groups interested in adding the Challenger to their club fleet, we can bring the CCA Challenger to your club to see how it fits in and to allow club members to have a go.
To arrange a sail in the CCA Challenger please send us an email.
Racing and coaching
Experienced non-Challenger sailors may be offered the opportunity to sail the CCA Challenger at a Challenger event.
Use of the CCA Challenger by members
Provided that the CCA Challenger is not required for any of the activities outlined above, the boat may be made available for competent members to borrow for an event. A donation is requested 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 the CCA Challenger, it is available to members.
- For Challenger events at other venues it may be possible for a sailor to borrow the CCA Challenger. There are two options:
- The sailor is responsible for towing the CCA Challenger to and from the event.
- The CCA may be able to arrange transport of the CCA Challenger. In this case, the sailor must agree to refund the travel costs of the individual who tows the boat to and from the venue.
To borrow the CCA Challenger for an event you first need to contact us. If the loan is agreed you will need to complete this loan agreement form.
Freethinker (Challenger 263)
Between 2015 and 2025 Freethinker (Challenger 263) was the Challenger Class Association (CCA) Challenger.
Freethinker 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 2023 Freethinker won the UK Open Challenger Championship and was helmed by Chi Chian Wu.
In 2025 ownership was transferred to Oxford Sailability and Freethinker forms an integral part of their Challenger fleet.
