The Steam Tug Challenge

This year (2020) Chris Bannister purchased Challenge and intends to move her to the east coast
around the Ipswich area. Her final home port yet to be decided.

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The Steam Tug Challenge was the Trusts second and biggest vessel rescued. She was located in St Katherine Dock in central London and purchased for £1 in 1993.  Over the ensuing years dedicated members of the Trust moved her to Tilbury Docks where they renovated her to the point where she could be steamed and the engine and shafting checked.  There was great need to repair the hull which was beyond the capabilities of the volunteers so in 2001 after a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for nearly £500,000, Challenge was towed to Marchwood near Southampton for replating and restoration.  In 2005, Challenge was a member of the 54 strong fleet of Little Ships on the Quinquennial Commemorative Return to Dunkirk.

See the Web site for Challenge at  www.stchallenge.org (opens a new window)