Challenger Europe Sailboats for Sale

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull Type

Monohull · wing

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

27.23' · 8.3 m

Disp.

4,790 lbs · 2,173 kg

First year

1976

Designed by the prominent French naval architect Jacques Gaubert—frequent collaborator of legendary designer André Mauric—the Challenger Europe was introduced at the 1976 Paris Boat Show as a fast, highvolume coastal cruiser. Built by Chantier Naval Jullien in VilleneuvelèsAvignon, France, the model enjoyed a successful production run of 241 units until 1984. Intended to balance competitive performance under the handicap rules of its day with familyfriendly accommodation, the Challenger Europe contested the market dominated by the Jeanneau Aquila and Dufour 2800. It sought to carve its niche by offering a beam and interior volume previously unheard of in the 27foot class, combined with clever keel configurations that did not compromise its sailing pedigree.