Diana Campbell's Legacy

From the age of seven Diana Campbell, daughter of Jock Campbell V.C., was confined to a wheelchair.  Despite rheumatoid arthritis, sailing became one of her favourite pastimes and in the sixties she bought a catamaran. 

From this background came the idea of a purpose built boat for disabled people.  Rod McAlpine Downey was charged with stable seaworthy craft that was fast and fun.  The first boat, sponsored by RYA Seamanship Foundation, was built in 1980 by Cheesman Rollo & Co.  10 years later, the Mk. 2, sail no. 111, was produced by Reg White.  In 1993, production was moved to Anglo Marine Services who developed the long-cockpit Mk2a and front cockpit Mk3.  Then came the Aero Rig (which never found favour with the racing fleet) and now we have the Mk2a Una rig with a variety of minor modifications.  Anglo Marine finished building its last boat in the summer of 2002.  The new Challenger builder is White Formula / Topper in Brightlingsea, Essex.

In the early days, boats were bought by donations and subscriptions, co-ordinated by the Seamanship Foundation.  Racing started early and has grown into a keen national circuit and, where sailors are in groups, boats are well maintained and fully utilised.  With the birth of RYA Sailability in 1995, a lot of the previous support has been redirected to other priorities and the Challenger Class has found a need to establish a Class Association structure which is independent of the Governing Body.  The trustees of RYA Sailability run the Diana Campbell Trust which assists in getting new boats.

In September 2002, Dan Newton won the Challenger UK National Championships presented to him by HRH Princess Anne.  It was the final one of a set which made him the 2002 English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish and Overall Champion.  In February 2003, Dan Newton died of cancer.  He was only 20 years old.  He set up "Dan's Dream" and the video produced by Central Television in which Dan made a public appeal for support to promote the Challenger as an International class, with the intention of making it a Paralympic contender.  Dan was convinced that the Challenger has the qualities to provide high-level racing for a wide range of disabilities on a fair and even basis.