Q: What was the most challenging part of the Challenger 5 refit?

Managing time amongst our day-to-day operations and fleet refits. We couldn’t pause everything else while we worked on Challenger 5. We had active voyages running, other vessels needing maintenance, and a team stretched across multiple commitments. Keeping that balance, delivering current voyages while planning for the future, that was the real test.

Q: What was your top priority during the entire refit process?

Absolute structural integrity and safety, full stop. We carried out a thorough, top-to-bottom survey of the hull and completely overhauled our onboard safety gear, adding the necessary equipment to achieve Category 0 status. This ensures the vessel is built to the highest possible standard, meaning she is fully prepared to sail anywhere in the world.

Q: What was the most exciting moment for you during the whole process?

Using Challenger 5 as the base model for our future fleet refits and upgrades. Once we understood what worked, what made the difference for crews and young people, we could apply those lessons across the entire fleet. That moment of realisation, when you see a refit become a blueprint for the future, that’s when it all clicks into place.

Q: From a sailor’s perspective, what is the best thing about these Challenger boats?

They’re a proven yacht design that can handle some of the most severe conditions. This makes them ideal for youth work because they’re very safe and stable, allowing us to voyage all year round. Young people can be involved safely in all aspects of sailing and living onboard. But there’s something else: the Challenger setup is designed so that crews have to work as a team. You can’t sail one of these boats alone. That teamwork element can be adjusted up or down to meet the goals and needs of each voyage crew. That’s what makes them special for what we do.

Q: What’s your favourite new bit of tech or upgrade that was installed?

On Challenger 5 and across the fleet, thanks to support from B&G, we’ve upgraded all the navigation and communication equipment. Better systems mean young people can understand what’s happening in real time, learn from it, and actually see the decisions being made. It’s not just about having the latest tech, it’s about having technology that serves the mission of youth development.

Q: What’s changed to make day-to-day life on board more comfortable for our young crews?

Alongside the structural refit, we’ve ensured our young people are fully protected from the elements. Thanks to support from Gill Marine, we’ve refreshed the wet weather kit onboard so crews stay warm, dry, and confident on deck, no matter the weather. It’s a simple thing, proper kit, but it makes a massive difference to how young people feel and perform on board.

Q: What’s the one upgrade that makes the biggest difference day-to-day?

Integration of TSYT systems and communications. Everything works together now. The boat talks to shore. Crews can communicate effectively. Systems are aligned. When everything integrates smoothly, young people can focus on learning and developing, not troubleshooting problems.

Q: If you could sail on Challenger 5, where would you want to go?

Challenger 5 is set up for offshore cruising and can tackle difficult conditions with ease. I’d like to visit Norway and cruise around the Scottish Outer Hebrides. Those waters are challenging, beautiful, and they’d really test what this boat can do. But honestly, anywhere young people are discovering their potential, that’s where I want to be.

“My role is to inspire and encourage everyone to work together as a crew to create something that is unforgettable.”