Recent content by jesterchallenger

This Hydrovane is now sold.

A friend of a friend has a surplus Hydrovane which he wants to find a home for. Probably too big for some of the smaller boats, but fine on anything 30 footish. I don't know the condition as I haven't inspected it, but my understanding is that it is pretty recent and in good condition. If...

Thanks for highlighting that, most enjoyable. It makes me want to jump aboard and head off over the horizon without further delay, but sadly I'm destined to be mostly shorebound this year. I enjoyed his book Last Man Across the Atlantic, so I suspect this one will be an equally good read...

A friend has an Aries vane gear for sale. Age unknown, but one of the later models (doesn't have the lift up paddle though). Hardly used, only 120 miles in the water, so very good condition. PM me if you're interested. Duncan

We are, it's true. But also very sociable and friendly...

She is now in the South of France somewhere.

Two pet hates: 1. Boats that are berthed with pulpit/bow rollers/anchors protruding halfway across the marina walkway. Always at head banging height. Sometimes there are two facing each other that almost block the pontoon off completely. Owners always moan that the finger pontoons aren't long...

Interesting debate. I saw the ad banner and thought it sounded a bit ott, so clicked on it and took their quiz. On finishing it, I was politely thanked for taking part and then exhorted to wear a lifejacket. Didn't know lifejackets prevented you from falling overboard, so I've learned...

I have to say that my experience with them has only been good. On arrival there for the JC10, I hadn't slept for 48 hours and they couldn't have been more helpful. Last year I explained that I was a Jester supporter, though not actually taking part, and they still gave me free parking for a...

Next year is the Jester Baltimore Challenge (Plymouth to Baltimore, Ireland), starting Sunday 14th June 2015. I imagine details will go up on the main Jester site soon. 2016 there will be the Jester Azores Challenge (Plymouth to Terceira), then presumably another JBC in 2017. 2018 is the next...

Many thanks for that. I moved the boat onto a mooring further upriver last night. Happily we hadn't touched, but yes the mooring's definitely moved. I'll alert SYH; bit of a nuisance as they've just relaid it.

Much the same for me in 2008 and 2010. I don't drink alcohol on board and avoid tea or coffee. That way, with a bit of practice, I can fall asleep as soon as I shut my eyes. Eric is right, sleep or catnap before you get tired so that you have a 24 hour reserve. English Channel can be a bit...

Thanks for that. It was still there in the afternoon yesterday, but I now discover someone ran it down last night. So it's found, but the outboard is almost certainly dead. It must have been something quite big because it looks as if the mooring has moved. The dinghy's got red antifouling on...

My 10ft dinghy, GRP clinker style, has gone missing from my mooring opposite Levington marina. It's painted bright yellow (bit scruffy), so very distinctive, with a scruffy 2hp Mariner outboard. If anyone spots it I'd appreciate a shout - it's a lovely rowing dinghy, slightly narrow beam and a...

Rosemary has asked me to post the following message, I'll keep you posted of his eta a bit nearer the time: Hi Folks Paul has left Plymouth and will arrive in Fox's Marina Ipswich this Tuesday, August 5th. He could arrive at 10.30am but most probably it will be sometime from 1pm onwards or it...