Hi Alan

Alas, Pod just won't be ready in time - despite some frantic efforts, so I will be doing my own 'mini-Jester' later in the year, hopefully getting as far as Spain on a shake-down. We'll see - lots of untried mods to test first. (Or I might do a Glayva and just start a LOT later - like 2009 - but I doubt I'll come third!!)

Instead, I'll be covering the departure for PBO, and have arranged some rather smart Jester burgees for all the starters, and some simply-designed stickers for the 'potentials'. (Choice of two designs.)

I'm also arranging an encapsulated competitor-recognition card which skippers can keep handy, so it will really help if you could send me some pictures of your boat underway ( or we can arrange a graphic at a push).

And just in case you're worried about sponsorship, marketing and 'all the things we hate about the other races' this is a gift from PBO with no branding in sight, and absolutely no strings attached ( well, except on the burgees - I've asked for a wooden toggle as well) !!

I'm hoping some of you will be able to spare me a few minutes for a quick interview, and a look at your mods for the race. I'm also editing a film of the build up and start, and hope I can catch up with some of you afterwards to hear how you got on.

Watch out for 2010, when a tried and tested Pod will be raring to go. In the meantime, whilst envious that I won't be making a little bit of maritime history with you all, I wish you a great trip, and I'll see you in Plymouth at the end of the month!

Jake K