Brave Challenger

Two interesting shots of Fast Yacht "Mercury", as built by Messrs Vosper Ltd in the early 60's for Stavros Nairchos, the Greek shipping magnate. With a third shot taken long after, having been by then, sold on to Italian- Roberto Memmo- and then on to Wensley Hayden Bailey. Now sporting an enclosed Bridge structure and renamed "Brave Challenger" this is broadly how she appears today but an all over paint scheme that she now wears does tend to alter her appearance even more drastically. The beautiful lines of a military "Brave" type of Hull can still just be glimpsed. Leaving out personal opinions, it is surprising how much a paint scheme can alter such a beautiful craft.

Working up to speed and showing a 'Tingle' above the Port Chine (A similar repair is shown on the Starboard side in another shot) Showing that a slight mishap can easily be repaired to this "Ferocity" style of build Hull.

The Cockpit of Fast Yacht "Mercury" showing the 'Concord' style of Joystick (Helm) also the control levers for the three "Proteus" Gas Turbine engines.

"Brave Challenger" off The Needles. Now sporting the enclosed Bridge, this attractive paint paint scheme has been altered to an 'all over', slightly Lighter Blue, including the lower Chine and Deck Topsides. These three pictures courtesy of Charles Du Cane. 

Hi, thought I would add a few bit to this as I am the son of an ex-business associate of the current owner.  The yacht as you know is owned by Prof. Wensley Haydon-Baillie who bought it in the 90s.  When he originally purchased the yacht he had to have auxillary engines fitted as the RYC Portsmouth complained that it was too fast in the harbour, (it would not cruise below around 8-10 knots.) 

He actually bought it from Peter De Savory who owned Littlecote House in Hungerford for a while and turned it into a theme park.  It would seem that the engines are in need of an overhaul and Prof Haydon-Baillie has purchased the Princess Anne and Princess Margaret hovercrafts at a cost of £500k, which apparently have similar engines and could be used for spare parts. 

Incidently he also used to own a Lightning aircraft which he kept on his front lawn, (I believe his brother was tragically killed in an aircrash while flying one for the RAF.)

The blue the yacht is now painted is his own corporate livery which he uses for his letter head as well his helicopter..!

There hope this is of use..!

Hello

Here  are  a  few  photos  that  I  took  of  Brave  Challenger  a  couple  of  years  ago  at  Portsmouth.

Regard