The Jester Challenge is a bi-annual event in which boats of under 30ft compete in a single-handed ‘race’ to Atlantic destinations.
In June 2008, the race is from Plymouth to the Azores. In June 2010, it leaves Plymouth for Rhode Island, America.
In a bid to recapture the very essence of ocean racing, 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.. (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.
To help with preparation, it is recommended that they compete a 500-mile non-stop offshore passage in the competing boat, to iron out any snags.
Last years Challenge saw 11 competitors leave for America, with two completing the trip. The rest withdrew at various stages due to gear failure or storm damage, but all made it safely home.
What appeals to PBO is that it gives ocean racing back to the ordinary yachtsmen, many on a tight budget. The competing boats are all modified cruising yachts – with several of them under 7 metres (22ft) loa. Some of the ideas for short-handed sailing we have seen have been ingenious.
So far, over 55 skippers have registered for the Azores race in 2008, and the entries are still coming in. Challengers for the Atlantic in 2010 are already in the 40’s.
Roger Taylor was a competitor in last years Atlantic Challenge in his junk-rigged Corribee 21 Ming-ming, and has summed this new forum up for us…
‘The Jester Challenge has been described as ' a modern experiment in old-fashioned skipper responsibility'.
This forum is for all those interested in the single- or short-handed sailing of small (typically under 30') boats over long distances. It is for those who value good seamanship over out-and-out speed, who want to take full and total responsibility for their conduct at sea, and who abhor the rules, regulations and general 'nannydom' that threaten our freedoms.
The forum is open for discussion and exchanges of information on any related topic, be it design, boat selection, planning and preparation, equipment, victualling, safety factors, routeing, heavy weather tactics - anything from the best boat to the best bottle-opener!
The accent is on developing self-sufficiency born of rigorous and uncompromising preparation, a full and realistic assessment of the risks of sea-going in small craft, all combined with good sense and good seamanship...’
More details of the jester Challenge can be found at . www.jesterinfo.org
Jake's asked me to post these pics from the start of the 2006 Jester Atlantic Challenge:
provisions stowed in Roger Taylors 21ft Corribee for his Atlantic Challenge
Bill Churchouse aboard his Westerly 22 at the start line.
Ming-ming, carrying an extra forward sail to supplement her junk rig. Note the two large oars that also double as a bow sprit, and the lack of an engine.
Peter Hill in Shanti. His 'minimal' Kingfisher 22 made it across to Rhode Island in 44 days.
Another reason why I shouldn't have sold my Splinter, I fear! That said, I am still seriously opposed to single-handed ocean sailing... However, as a 'safety professional', that's hardly surprising, is it?
__________________ But no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of Truth. (Francis Bacon)
On one hand, fatigue is an enormous problem, affecting one's ability to function effectively in any environment, let alone offshore yachting. You might argue that people should be allowed to put themselves at risk, and I would probably not take huge issue with that, so long as those involved are happy to be left to their ends rather than expecting rescue.
On the other hand, I disagree fervently with those who suggest that keeping a good lookout is something that can justifiably be excused the single-handed fraternity.
__________________ But no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of Truth. (Francis Bacon)
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.............You might argue that people should be allowed to put themselves at risk, and I would probably not take huge issue with that, so long as those involved are happy to be left to their ends rather than expecting rescue............
.............On the other hand, I disagree fervently with those who suggest that keeping a good lookout is something that can justifiably be excused the single-handed fraternity. ...............
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To deal with your first point. Granted that singlehanded yachtsmen do sometimes get into difficulties but do you know of any instance where one has shown any expectation that he/she is entitled to be rescued? Certainly they might let it be known that they are in difficulties and be very grateful if someone does help but that's a far cry from expecting help. Also do you know of any instance where some person or organisation has been unwilling to help; most people admire personal courage and are happy to do what they can to foster it.
Secondly, a singlehanded yachtsman in a small boat of the type used in the Jester Challenge offshore poses no measurable risk to anyone else's life or property. In the extremely unlikely event of him/her colliding with another yacht in the open ocean it will probably be going in the same direction, as determined by the wind, so it is only going to be a glancing blow. If he/she collides with a ship or a reef the only person who will suffer is the singlehander.
They also develop an awareness, or sixth sense, of what is going on around them which the molly-coddled majority never experience.
You say you are a "safety professional". You are therefore used to carrying out "risk assessments". Perhaps you would do one for us? I'm not being facetious here; it really would be interesting to have someone look at all the factors involved and tell us how risky offshore single-handed sailing really is to other parties.
Should this apply to people who fall off mountains or people who start fires by smoking in bed or leaving chip pans on? Should they be left to look after themselves?
Keith Walker summed it up best: "This forum is for all those interested in the single- or short-handed sailing of small (typically under 30') boats over long distances. It is for those who value good seamanship over out-and-out speed, who want to take full and total responsibility for their conduct at sea, and who abhor the rules, regulations and general 'nannydom' that threaten our freedoms."
Unfortunately, the 'nannydom' Mr. Walker refers to is driven not just by the political agenda of increasingly intrusive governments but also the commercial imperatives of those who make a living as 'safety professionals'.
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Should this apply to people who fall off mountains or people who start fires by smoking in bed or leaving chip pans on? Should they be left to look after themselves?
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Two different situations there.
The lone mountaineeer is somewhat akin to the lone sailor, he is risking nobody's life except his own [unless he falls on someone!] and if he gets in a jam he can only hope that a mountain rescue team will help him, in the same way that he would be willing to help other mountaineers.
Someone who starts a fire in the way you suggest is not only risking his own life but is also putting his neighbours at risk. It is in everyone's interest to deal with the fire and, in any case, he does pay for the Fire Brigade so even though he may be a bloody fool, he is entitled to their service!
Interestingly, risk assessments (properly, hazard identification and risk assessment - these are two distinct processes) are not a routine part of my present job, which is more concerned with dealing with the aftermath...
That said, yes, hazard and risk assessment of single-handed offshore sailing is entirely possible, though there is a paucity of data in some areas. In its most basic form, it's something that doesn't require a professional touch, and can be taught in about half an hour.
I must point out that, notwithstanding my earlier remarks, I do fully recognise the fulfillment to be gained from single-handing...
__________________ But no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of Truth. (Francis Bacon)
Bonjour
I'm also a "safety man" I'm consultant in Civil Aviation safety at state and airports level.
I'm also the skipper of Sterenn and I participated to the Jester Challene and arrived at Newport in safe condition.
Fatigue is an issue but with preventing actions sleepping management technics... it is possible to manage it on long distance difficult sailing conditions.
The watch may be maintained on single handed : as the killing cargo takes more than 1/2 hour to sail from the horizon to your position if you go for a watch every 1/2 hours day and night the watch is asumed. Thats what I did for 31 days.
To be honnest I forgot to wake up a few times in the middle of the night.
Amicalement
Eric [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
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Pourquoi faire simple quand on peut faire complique ?
Bonjour
I haven't formalized risk assessment of the Jester Challenge but the mental work has already been done to prepare Sterenn and her skipper.
If you want we could create a special thread on the subject.
Amicalement
Eric
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Pourquoi faire simple quand on peut faire complique ?
I personally don't need the risk assesment. As far as I am concerned a person should be free to do what he/she likes, provided it doesn't hurt or unduly annoy anyone else. Live and let live!
But I would like to see what our "safety professional" makes of it. I have a feeling that sailing alone is probably less risky to your health than many other activities e.g. driving a car, walking round a British city at night, overworking, listening to politicians and worrying about health and safety!
I sail in Asian waters. I'm not sure it would stand too much risk assessment: inaccurate charts, some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (with some of the least regulated shipping), unlit fishing fleets, six months' risk of typhoons, tsunamis, religious and political uprisings, corrupt local bureaucracy... oh, and the odd pirate. :-)LOL
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I have a feeling that sailing alone is probably less risky to your health than many other activities
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I really don't want to hijack this thread - it's not about risk assessment, but sailing!!!
However, two points: First, Twisterowner is referring to comparative risk assessment, which is another discipline, and second, I'd be happy to partake in a separate thread looking at a 'risk assessment' of single-handing.
This (non-comparative) assessment would aim to establish:
1 What are the hazards facing sailors of small craft?
2 What are the hazards facing the single-hander in particular?
3 How probable are these hazards to occur?
4 How grave is the outcome?
5 For avoidable hazards, how may they be avoided?
6 For unavoidable hazards, what mitigation is available and is it worthwhile (bearing in mind it might bring it's own difficulties)?
So, d'accord, we might have an interesting thread... I am at your disposal.
[img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
__________________ But no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of Truth. (Francis Bacon)
I sail single/shorthanded; have no interest in crossing oceans, but would welcome some shorter events in the spirit of the Jester Challenge, ie. no sponsorship, smaller boats etc.
I am aware of Petite Bateau events; they seem to be attracting boats generally over 40'
As a safety professional of some years and a sailor for even more years I can confirm that "Risk" is something we face when we get out of bed in the morning and forget about when we go back to bed! We face and manage risks everyday of our lives and it's only when we go to work that we suddenly get twitchy and look for some one to hold our hands. Get over it live your life and manage the daily risks as you have done since your mother let you go to school on your own.
As for the major risks involved they are 1. falling over the side, wear a harness and a life jacket. 2. Head injury from the boom, be aware of the wind and accidental gybes, use a preventor. 3. Fire and explosion from gas/spirit cookers always have a fire blanket and an extinguisher near to hand keep the cooking areas well ventilated.
4. DiHydro monoxide(H2O) poisoning, don't inhale the water...
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Get over it live your life and manage the daily risks as you have done since your mother let you go to school on your own.
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I don't understand why you are addressing these offensive remarks to me. Perhaps you have not read my posts properly. I thought I had made it perfectly clear that I am all in favour of single-handed sailing and consider many other everyday activities far more dangerous. In fact I sail singlehanded myself, although nothing more ambitious than a couple of cross channel trips so far. [If my old-age pension was sufficient to fund it, I might well do some longer trips]
The reason I suggested that Oen carry out a risk assesment is so that he might come to realise that single-handed sailing is not as hazardous as he seems to think. I don't need any convincing.
I think john may have missed the threaded nature of the forum and posted a retort to the more negative posts againt your own comments by accident [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] It is not too obvious about the threading till you hit the 'Threaded/Flat' button up the top. At least we have not fallen into the 'Rules' debate yet [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] though I am sure we will in the fullness of time [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
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June too soon, July stand by, August it must, September? I can never remember... But I bet it's gonna be nasty [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
My 14 year old daughter took about 5 seconds to do a risk assessment on my entry in the JC 2010 and told me I was not allowed to go......
I was very tempted to say that there is no such thing as 'Not' ....but I decided that was a big mistake to say to such an intelligent girl as she will probably throw it back at me every day !
To achieve the most out of life somtimes you have to accept breaking the convention of rules (collesion regs).
When sailing singlehanded I always used to regard myself as the Maintenance Man !
Put simply that involved routinely inspecting all the gear for chaff or failure,having the knowleadge, ability and facilities to build ,or repair most any of the items on the boat or to have suitable replacements and backups to hand...to keeping energy levels up with superb cooking,the mind rested with intelligent reading and the body rested with plenty of quality sleeping and powernaps.....
To mention 'risk assessment examinations' for singlehanded offshore stuff etc is to me a bit of a larff...Ask Seastart who they routinely get called out to...It aint fatigued singlehanders,more like fully RYA qualified awb skippers with flat batteries who simply have to be somewhere on Monday morning...
I think PBO have hit on a winner with this forum.In an updated sense which reflects the enhanced capabilities of more recent small boats ,PBO has returned to its routes,to the spirit of editor Denny Dessouters original PRACTICAL,HANDS ON concept.
Well done Jake K !
I apologise if you felt offended that is not my intention, my remarks are made in general and as it is my first response i did miss the thread. But having said that I do find that many people use H&S as an excuse for not doing something and for not taking responsibility, again not aimed at you.
Thanks for the info, your right I did miss the thread, no doubt it will start a debate if nothing else. I did not mean offend anyone just make them think about it.
I remember reading an article by a French yachtsman where he said that one should always sail as if one is single handed. Those of us who often take non sailing friends for a jaunt in the summer, realise the value of this approach.
Two years ago on a short trip south down the east coast in a new boat the weather blew up. The strong wind warning was not in place when I left. I made errors of judgement and became fatigued, and went aground on the Barrow sands and was towed off by the RNLI. If I wasn't so tired I would have thrown the hook out ( I had been out for 14 hours, stemming the tide for 6) and waited. The tide had turned in my favour and was rising. I was not proud of having to finally ask for help. However the whole experience has made me a better sailor in every way. I still single hand, but take less risks, pace myself, and allow for fatigue. Much less gung ho. This filters down into when I have crew on board. I think this forum will have much to contribute.
Don't feel bad John_Disney .... there are some people on here who go out of their way to be 'dicky opposite' no matter what the discussion - I suspect it comes from leading very boring lives!
If the actually have lives [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] I mean to say, handle of 'Eon' and avatars of 'Neo'. Maybe life is best left 'virtual' with not too much risk, mind you, even virtual death in the 'Matix' was real enough [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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June too soon, July stand by, August it must, September? I can never remember... But I bet it's gonna be nasty [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
Only just twigged it, they must be 'peril sensitive' [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
(To be fair to 'oen' have found some realistic stuff of his on the now gone UKSA thread. The man is not totally silly)
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June too soon, July stand by, August it must, September? I can never remember... But I bet it's gonna be nasty [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
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Rules are for the guidance of wise men, and the obedience of fools.
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Rules are the products of power-hungry bureacrats who seek to justify their own existence. 'Safety' is usually the excuse used to introduce unpopular restrictive legislation. Car seat belts, ID Cards to combat terrorism - plenty of examples to choose from.
Laws are made by politicians for whom many people have the highest contempt - and we wonder why people don't respect their laws anymore.
"Life - a sexually-transmitted condition with a 100% mortality rate."
Enjoy it while you can.
This is really about the role of rules in managing risk.
Lots of rules means that you don't have to think for yourself.
The motive behind this can either be laziness or fear.
I guess if someone is more afraid of the authority figure (punishment for transgression) than the real danger then they have 'taken their eye off the ball' so to speak. I guess this is also true if they trust that 'all is well because the rules have it covered.'
The hard bit for some is having to think for yourself as it can mean getting into conflicts.
Guidelines are better than rules.
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Rules are for the guidance of wise men, and the obedience of fools.
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This is really about the role of rules in managing risk.
<snip>
Guidelines are better than rules.
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Sure.
A good example in support of my previous comment about 'safety' being the rationale often used by authorities to impose restrictive legislation, is the case of Sven Yrvind (Lundin), who had sailed his small boat BRIS across the Atlantic and even around Cape Horn, only to be told on his arrival in Canada that his boat was considered too small to be seaworthy (i.e. a safety issue), and he was forced to transport his boat into the USA by road in order to continue his journey.
I can understand an antagonistic attitude towards wholesale irresponsible behaviour - especially if the rescue services are likely to be involved. But when the seaworthiness of a craft has been amply demonstrated along with the seamanship of it's skipper, then I really can't see any justification for such prohibition.
Providing a skipper is prepared to sign a disclaimer - accepting full responsibility for his (or her !) actions, then one ought to be granted the basic human right to risk injury or death - providing of course that this doesn't impinge on anyone else's right to safety and security in the process.
Isn't this right automatically granted to mountain climbers, pot-holers, hang-glider pilots, free-fall parachutists and the like ?
Mountain climbers , pot holers , hang glider pilots and free fall parachutists ? . What about ordinary motorists ? . Look at the safety regs applied to them these days ! . Personally I prefer the old school ways and ignoring the safety prats and go for the idea of the old school ideas of looking after yourself ! .
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Eat recycled food, it's good for the environment and not too bad for you
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June too soon, July stand by, August it must, September? I can never remember... But I bet it's gonna be nasty [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
Good for the guys in the Jester Challenge, [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] if anyone gets hurt it will be themselves as I am sure they are well a ware. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
Life is twice as good after a daring adventure. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
I think I'll be giving it a miss this time [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] with the work underway as per PBO forum I don't think I'll be in the water as soon as I'd hoped [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
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Eat recycled food, it's good for the environment and not too bad for you
My name is John Llewellin, I live in Pembrokeshire and my boat, ‘Green Jacket’ @ 32’ is over length for the JAC 08.
All I would like to do is follow you all and enjoy the Azores Challenge and when I arrive (If you haven’t all departed!), share a beer or two and swap some stories with like-minded people.
If you have any strong feelings against ‘Green Jacket’ entering the JAC 08 (which I fully understand), please express them on the forum.
If there is a wave against my entry, I will sail directly from Milford Haven, with no hard feelings and withdraw my entry from JAC 08 with regrets.
John, I can't imagine there'd be any problem at all. Just put your entry in and come along. To be barred,something like 30 skippers would have to say they don't want you in the Challenge. That's not going to happen. There are already bigger boats entered. We hate rules and nitpicking. Go for it.
Bonjour
The non-rules are explicit. The 30' limit is dependant of the size of the foot (like the various tons or gallons). The spirit is more important than the real lenght.
As consequence you may register and, as Mingming, I would be very surprised if anyone had an objection.
Please register!
Eric [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
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Pourquoi faire simple quand on peut faire complique ?
Great to have another competitor...as long as you are bigger than me! At 20 ft I think I am the smallest boat and therefore should be the slowest. Consequently no other competitor should be in a position to hit me up the a**** err I mean stern! Hope you don't drink all the beer before I get there.
I am interested in taking part however although my boat is only 30ft loa it has davits and a bowsprit that make it 36ft loa is it still eligible. (It isnt high tech its a 44 year old maurice griffiths water witch. it hasnt got any guard rails or a pulpit either or electronics. and its wood
The Jester Challenge has no rules. And although some skippers that have nominated would not welcome a large boat, speaking for myself your boat at 30ft plus bowsprit and bumkin would be more than welcome. Contact Ewen Southby-Tailyour using the JC website and I'm sure you will receive the same answer. There is also a Yahoo Group for Jester Challenge participants and their friends and I'm sure there you would receive the same answer. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jesterchallenge/ You will need to ask to join this group to ask a question however. but that is not very hard and you will not get knocked back.
Our next race leaves on 31 May from Plymouth so you will need to move fast relatively.
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John Apps
'Glayva'
If it moves and it shouldn't use gaffer tape. If it doesn't move and it should use WD40.
I have alot of question, I am hoping to sail in the 2012 race but for sure the 2014, I have been around boats small trimarans monohulls. I am planing on getting a 22' boat soon and get it out fitted for crossing the Atlantic, my first big question is navigation, I will start classes soon for celestrial navigaton, what do you who have crossed the atlantic use, GPS, or less hight tech?
Bonsoir
i had 4 GPS on board. Two were boat batterie dependant and 2 spears were fully independant.
I think that gives a sufficient redundancy to forget any other navigation means.
Offshore a single daily fix is more than sufficient.
Eric
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Pourquoi faire simple quand on peut faire complique ?
Having just completed 2500 crewed miles in my own boat I had the pleasure of meeting Tim Mc Cloy last weekend and spending a couple of hours on China Blue. I was so impressed with the inginuity of design and strength by simplicity of Tims boat that reading the comments of the H & S department is just irritating.
Fair winds to all the entrants and I only wish I had the guts, and a smaller boat, to do it myself.
Welcome to the Jester Challenge forum
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