Branson’s record breaker rescued in Palma’s STP up for sale

Two years after Dan Stevens rescued Challenger II which was rotting away in the STPshipyard in Palma, he has put it up for sale.The record breaking boat had been abandoned and hidden away in the corner of STPfor some six years before Steven found it, bought it, and began restoring her to her formal glory with the Bulletin covering every stage of the project. Due to the vessel’s famous history a host of local nautical businesses offered their services in the restoration  project and  the 72ft craft – the fastest boat to cross the ocean between the USA and Britain which was originally commissioned by the wealthy Virgin boss, was put back on the water two years ago in Palma.
Dan Stevens, who runs Plymouth firms Mount Batten Ferry and Seahawk Work Boats, has been berthing the record-busting monohull in Hooe Lake.
But after investing £400,000 into revamping the 30-year-old vessel Stevens has decided to sell.
He said he hopes the powerboat, which crossed the Atlantic in a nifty 80 hours and 31 minutes back in 1986, will remain in the UK – but fears it may end up abroad.
“I’d like it to go to a nice home in the UK, an enthusiast or a museum, where it will be appreciated for what it has achieved,” Stevens said.