Sea Dragon is a 72ft (22m), 90,000lb displacement steel hulled sailing vessel built in the UK in 2000. Formerly known as CB 37, she is one of 11 second-generation yachts built for the Global Challenge Race – one of the longest, most demanding ocean voyages ever made with an upwind, west-about 32,000km circumnavigation. In her new role, the boat
In her new role, the boat provides a superb platform for rugged capability, capacity, and efficiency with a naturally low environmental footprint – perfect for the type of remote sailing expeditions we do. The British Maritime and Coastal Agency rate Sea Dragon to the highest standard of Category 0 All Oceans. Designed to thrive in the Southern Ocean and safely handle the world’s worst sailing conditions, the boats were also specifically set up for volunteer crew with limited sailing experience. Today, those same qualities make her an exceptional platform for long-distance, remote expedition sailing. With a crew capacity of 15, and a cruising speed of up to 10 knots she is a genuine ocean explorer.
We can accommodate up to 12 guest passengers in comfortable sea berths. We have two heads with showers, a large well-stocked galley, and a comfortable salon with seating for 15 people. We have refrigeration to keep the crew in fresh food for the duration of the voyage. The vessel is equipped with twin iridium satellite phones, HF radio, and all the modern navigation equipment to keep you safe and connected despite being well offshore. The boat is equipped for coastal exploration with two inflatable boats and a scuba compressor with diving equipment. We carry extensive onboard medical capability and retain remote expert support through Medical Support Offshore and their team of highly experienced staff.
As a research vessel, we have lab space, dissecting microscope, surface net trawling capability, and working deck space. With extensive sails, on-board fresh-water making extended fuel reserves and almost 1kw of wind/solar power we can conduct long-range unsupported journeys for substantially lower cost than traditionally shared research voyages on large motor vessels and ships.
Boat specifications:
- LOA 22m (72′). Beam 5.5m (20′), Draft 3.4m (11′)
- Gross registered tonnage 57.24
- Hull construction 50A mild steel with five watertight compartments and collision bulkheads
- Cutter rig, North G2 asymmetric spinnaker, storm sails
- Perkins M130C main diesel engine
- Fischer-Panda 6kw 120V auxiliary generator
- Berthing: 14 single pipe berths, 1 double berths
- Evolution flex shaft coupling, Flexo-Fold prop
- 400watts solar and 400 watts of wind turbine renewable power coupled with over 14 Kwh main battery storage capacity
- Spectra Farrallon 75gph water maker
- 560 gallons Diesel, 450 gallons water capacity
- Furuno NAVNET 3D main processors running MaxSea Time Zero navigation software
- Maxwell VW3500 windlass with three anchors
- Furuno instruments, autopilot and Interphase forward-looking sonar
- ICOM HF radio
- Iridium 9555 and Iridium Go Satellite Communications with XGate email and software
- Large awning for sun protection at anchor or in port
- Twin reverse cycle heat/ air conditioning units to climate control below decks
Safety Systems:
- 4×6 capacity Zodiac Xtrem offshore SOLAS life rafts
- 2 x 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
- Crew-overboard systems (4)
- Furuno commercial AIS
- GMDSS HF and VHF DSC systems
- Foul weather gear and exposure suits for full crew complement
- Spinlock deck vest inflatable work harness and tethers for all crew
- UK MCA Offshore Medical kit and ongoing medical support via UK based medical professionals (MSOS)
- DAN oxygen delivery system with with 50,000 liters capacity
Expedition Support:
- Achilles 3.3meter, Zodiac 4.3m, and Avon 4.65meter inflatable boats with 15hp and 25hp outboards
- Bauer Dive Mate diesel air compressor to support SCUBA diving
- 10 sets Masks, Fins, Snorkel
- 110VAC, 24 and 12V DC onboard power
- 30x Stereo dissecting microscope with camera port for Nikon D90
- Twin spinnaker poles and powered main winch to support cargo lift and towing needs
Sea Dragon Layout
Global Challenge Race Video
We link you to these videos to show what the boats were designed to survive. This is their element. Do not, however, expect to see anything like these conditions.
Other Members of the Challenge 72 Fleet
CB 36 now CatZero | works with disadvantage youth from Hull, UK with the organization CatZero.
CB 37 now Sea Dragon | this is us!
CB 38, 39, 42 & 46 now Challenger 1, 2, 3 & 4 | owned and operated by Tall Ships Youth Trust in the Atlantic.
CB 40 & 41 | Joint Services Training Vessels owned & operated by UK Ministry of Defence.
CB 43 now Alba Explorer | operated by Ocean Youth Trust
CB 44 now La Jolla | is based in Germany La Jolla
CB 45 now Big Spirit | was damaged, repaired, and is for sale on Yacht World
CB 47 now Challenge Wales | Challenge Wales is a sail training charity, providing controlled life-learning for those aged 12 – 25 years.
CB 48 now Ironbarque | Ironbarque is based in Southern California and Mexico with the Collins family, and is for sale on Yacht World
