Making the Mariflex Challenge sea-ready for an ocean crossing is a serious undertaking. These yachts may have been built for the toughest conditions, but after years of use they require thorough inspection and maintenance.
The Mariflex Challenge: built for the ocean
The Mariflex Challenge was originally designed by David Thomas for the Challenge Business, a British organisation that gave "ordinary people" the opportunity to participate in ocean races. Between 1996 and 2009, these steel yachts sailed around the world multiple times, through the heaviest seas.
The design is robust: a steel hull, a deep keel design for stability, and rigging set up for the forces of the open ocean. The Mariflex Challenge is a vessel from this Challenge series.
What needs to be done?
The preparation involves several phases:
Hull and underwater body
Rigging and sails
Safety equipment
Navigation and communication
Comfort and liveability
This entire process takes months and is an essential part of the expedition. Founding Crew members are involved in this — you get to know the ship inside out.