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Jester Azores Challenge - 2008 |
| and advanced notice of the Jester Challenge 2010. |
| Race start. 13:00 on Saturday 31st May - Plymouth Breakwater |
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| The Jester Challenge is a bi-annual event in which boats of under 30ft compete in a single-handed 'race' to Atlantic destinations and was first run to Newport, USA, in 2006.
In June 2008, the race is from Plymouth to the Azores. In June 2010, it leaves Plymouth for Rhode Island, America - and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first single-handed trans-Atlantic race 'invented' by Blondie Hasler.
In a bid to recapture the very essence of ocean voyaging, there are no entry fees, no judges, no committees, no scrutineering, and no real limits, with the exception that all boats taking part should be under 30ft loa.. (Marginally bigger boats can take part by invitation from the other competitors.) If you feel you and your boat are up to it, you're welcome to join in.
The responsibility is totally on each skipper to set off fully prepared for the journey ahead. |
Jake Kavanagh of Practical Boat Owner |
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Following the Jester Challenge 2006 - and by popular demand - the inaugural Jester Azores Challenge will take place in 2008 (JAC 08) and the second Jester Challenge to Newport in 2010 (JC 2010). The JAC 08 will be the next in a growing series of trans-ocean races for small sailing vessels and their Corinthian skippers and will continue the experiment in self-reliability at sea with skippers accepting full responsibility for every aspect of their vessel, voyage and conduct.
Camaraderie, fun and a lack of formality are the guiding principles: in effect these Jester Challenges are organised for those competing in them.
We believe the JC 06 was a success despite only three finishers (and unseasonably-appalling weather) as all ten skippers exercised good seamanship with their decisions; no one called for help and all made safe landfalls despite some trying seamanship problems to overcome.
Prospective participants in JAC 08 can keep up-to-date through the website www.jesterinfo.org but the basic arrangements will be much the same as for the JC 06: |
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- A race for sailing vessels between 20 and 30 feet, LOD, (including multi-hulls) but marginally larger vessels - clearly compatible with the Jester and Corinthian spirit - acceptable by invitation of the other skippers.
- As the rise in numbers is beginning to indicate, the start is expected to be south of Plymouth Breakwater (probably off Rame Head) at the end of May or very beginning of June, 2008.
- Entries and cancellations accepted up to the day before the start.
- Single-handed to Ponta Delgada , Sao Miguel.
- Age of skipper over 18 at the start.
- No entrance fees.
- No inspections.
- No regulations: skippers will be entirely responsible for the equipment they take based on their own experience.
- No time limit.
- Although the JAC 08 is a race there will be no serious prizes - other than personal satisfaction
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There are no 'official' plans for the return: some may wish to stay in the Azores or continue on to the West Indies while those returning to Europe may decide to race back together: up to them at the time!
The entry list is already approaching 30 and growing fast.
The JAC 08 will be a useful 'leader' for the JC 2010 and also good for those Corinthians who need something slightly less demanding for their first trans-ocean, single-handed race.
Plans for the 50th celebration of Blondie Hasler's first single-handed trans-Atlantic Race are in place: the Jester Challenge 2010 already has more than 40 entrants.
Prospective participants in the JAC 08 and/or the JC 2010 should send their intentions to the co-ordinator, Ewen Southby-Tailyour: tailyour@hotmail.com. |
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Details - Jester Azores Challenge |
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Start |
The start will be off the western end of Plymouth Breakwater at 1300 on Saturday 31st May 2008. Precise details and tidal information will be promulgated in due course: the start time may alter by half an hour either way once Brittany Ferries's timings have been 'de-conflicted'. |
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Finish |
| The finish is at Praia de Vitoria, Terceira. |
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Pre-Race Arrangements |
Queen Anne's Battery Marina have been 'warned'. It is hoped that Black Velvet (race HQ) will be berthed on their visitors pontoon and that there will be berths from Wednesday 28 th May onwards at reduced rates (being negotiated). Before that skippers will need to make their own arrangements with QAB or other marinas and anchorages although local friends and yacht clubs are being asked to offer moorings and families (especially for the non-British Challengers) to help with transport, shopping and so on: this is being co-ordinated by Tony Head (JC 06 Challenger in Triple Venture ). |
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Skipper's Briefing and Co-ordinator's welcome drinks. |
| It is hoped that this will take place on and around Black Velvet at mid-dayish on Thursday 29 th May 2008. |
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Skipper's Dinner |
The dinning room of the Royal Western Yacht Club has been booked for the evening of the 29 th May 2008. Details - numbers/guests/costs/menu etc - will be promulgated closer to the event. Limited to (buffet) about 140. |
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A few of the participants. |
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Trevor Leek |
Jester |
Junk-rigged modified Folkboat, 25ft LOA |
Photograph © Anne Hammick |
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Roger Taylor |
Mingming |
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Junk-rigged Corribee, 21ft LOA |
Photograph © Sandra Leek |
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John Apps |
Glayva |
UFO, 27ft LOA |
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Sherman Wright |
Andromeda |
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Warsash One Design, 26ft 8in LOA, sloop rig |
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Anthony Darrall-Rew |
Greya |
Junk-rigged Schooner, 32ft LOA |
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Tony Head |
Triple Venture |
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Twister, 28ft LOA |
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