Boat length - under 30 foot guideline is surely misplaced....

SAWDOC · #1 12-11-08, 00:49

Given similar levels of preparation, if one compares a 30 ft and a mid 20's cruiser, surely a 30 footer has to provide more comfort, more stowage space, better speed and smoother motion through the water? All of these factors add to safety on board. I really can not accept the principle that bullet proofing a 20 footer at considerable expense is better than upgrading to a 30fter and enjoying the ride.
I often sail my 26 footer single handed and have delighted in her performance in some tough conditions but sail to the Azores in her? I don't think she would thank me for that....
I like the non regulatory or should I say self regulatory nature of the jester challenge but for me some boats are just too short. The under 30 ft guide in my opinion is misplaced. Good luck to those planing future JC's - unless I change boats I do not intend joining.

Karouise · #2 12-11-08, 08:35

Everyone has the choice to do what they think is safe and fulfil their dream / test themselves or whatever. To me that is what Jester is all about.

I have an early 70's designed 27 foot sloop which I am very happy to attempt the challenge to Azores in 2012 with very few changes to how she is already. I have not at this stage decided to join in with the Atlantic adventure mainly as I am have not got my head around 5 weeks on my own and am not ready (and may never be).

I have the upmost respect for all the sailors and especially those of the smaller boats in all previous Jesters - but that doesn't mean I want to sail the challenge in their boats!

Black Sheep · #3 12-11-08, 08:42

Not sure what you're trying to say. Are you saying that people shouldn't sail the Atlantic in sub-30 foot boats? Or just that you don't understand what motivates people to?

Glayva · #4 12-11-08, 10:02

When sub 30 feet boats were allowed in the OSTAR, I think you will find statistically that they were safer and less likely to call for assistance. Perhaps not as comfortable being tossed around in a large seaway but seem to maintain their integrity better.
In the 2008 Jester Azores Challenge of the boats that I know of that called for assistance there was one 31 feet, one 30 feet and one 23 feet.

Noddy · #5 12-11-08, 10:16

Please see the first thread on this forum for the Health and Safety debate. While it is proper to approach something like the JC with a sense of caution it is important that you see the thing in a wider context:

The 30 foot limit is there because, despite many of the first OSTAR boats being well under 30', the modern OSTAR has decided that they can't compete. Because they are too slow (I think).

Many think that the OSTAR is getting away from what it was originally all about; initiative, seamanship etc. Instead it is wrapped up in rules and regulations, huge entry fees and sponsorship deals. So the JC is both a return to how things were done before, and redressing what many believe to be a poor decision, rather than a risky new idea.

Although as a multihull participant, I have to agree with you on the comfort front. Once the ice maker packed up and the deep fat fryer stopped working, life became a living hell!

Paul

PacketRat · #6 12-11-08, 15:09

[ QUOTE ]
I really can not accept the principle that bullet proofing a 20 footer at considerable expense is better than upgrading to a 30fter

[/ QUOTE ]
Come off it, mate. I paid through the nose for my Pandora at £2,650 seven years ago. She spends most of her life in a mud berth, i.e. free mooring. Upgrade to a thirty footer? I'd dearly love such a thing, but it's way out my league. Bullet proofing isn't that expensive.

NickiCrutchfield · #7 12-11-08, 18:08

A good 25' boat is far more comfortable than a ****e 30' one.As for space, how much does one need single handed?

David_Jersey · #8 12-11-08, 19:01

I do see your point that a decent 30 footer would provide a different experiance than a decent 20 odd footer - one reason why at dead on 30 foot I would hesitate to join the Jester as kinda seems against the spirit.

That and me lacking the competence [img]/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img]

I would love to do it in a Corribee (had one [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]) - but that's way outside my limits [img]/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] so I take my hat off to those who at least try on similar sized boats.

Rather than a RTW Jester I think the next one should be "Once round the bay" for folk like me [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

CPD · #9 12-11-08, 20:13

Given the spirit of what the Jester is all about, I can't see any difference at all betweeen 20 and 30ft. Well, maybe apart from 10ft. Sure, one is bigger and will offer perhaps a degree more comfort, but if they are both well prepared, then what the heck.

I guess you could get more chips in the 30ft'er.

SAWDOC · #10 13-11-08, 00:46

[ QUOTE ]
When sub 30 feet boats were allowed in the OSTAR, I think you will find statistically that they were safer and less likely to call for assistance. Perhaps not as comfortable being tossed around in a large seaway but seem to maintain their integrity better.
In the 2008 Jester Azores Challenge of the boats that I know of that called for assistance there was one 31 feet, one 30 feet and one 23 feet.

[/ QUOTE ]

Very interesting. i wonder why?

owners of longer boats are perhaps a little blase?

Nevertheless I hold to my earlier comments. Longer duration voyages - inevitable in a smaller slower craft have to be more problematic simply due to the increased likelihood of encountering worse weather - and a comfortable ride helps one make good decisions.