Berthon International, acting as brokers for Challenge Business, has sold four Challenge 67′ class steel yachts to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for use by its Joint Services Adventurous Training Centre (JSASTC) based at Gosport. The yachts will replace four of the Nicholson 55’s operated by the JSASTC.

The Challenge yachts have an illustrious past having participated in two round-the-world races, the British Steel Challenge 1992/93 and the BT Global Challenge 1996/97.

The rigorous selection process undertaken by the MoD and JSASTC identified the advantages of purchasing second-hand yachts of proven design, which are in exceptionally good condition.

Safety is paramount with all of Challenge Business’ yachts and all JSASTC yachts will now have Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) compliance to Category 0 for unlimited voyages. This factor together with availability and value for money were considered essential in the MOD’s choice.

The Challenge Business is delighted to see four of its yachts go to an organisation whose attitudes to safety, seamanship and training so closely mirror its own.

Andrew Roberts Project Director, Challenge Business comments: “The Challenge 67′ class yachts have, during two “wrong way” circumnavigations of the globe, established legendary qualities of seaworthiness and strength which combined with excellent performance and low maintenance costs, make them worthy successors to the incredibly successful but ageing Nicholson 55 fleet currently used by the Joint Services Sail Training Centre.”

Sue Grant, managing director, Berthon International added “This is an exciting start to the new-year and reinforces Berthon Internationals’ position at the forefront of the world-wide brokerage market.”