JC Size Limitations

[Gargleblaster]

I was talking to someone on the weekend at an East Coast Forum meeting at the Walton Backwaters who has a boat slightly over the 30' maximum in the JC lack of rules. I may have misheard and for that reason I'm not going to identify anyone, but I thought I was told that he was told that at 30' 4" he was too big to be considered for the Jester Challenge. Now up to date it was regarded that people who were slightly over 30', i.e. 31' could nominate and with a consensus of skippers they could race in the Jester Challenge.

Can anyone provide clarification?

 

[Wunja]

I can't see anything specific in the rules, but looking at the 2008 entry list, there are two boats of 31 feet, with a note of 'by invitation'.

 

[helixkimara]

Quote

"Now up to date it was regarded that people who were slightly over 30', i.e. 31' could nominate and with a consensus of skippers they could race in the Jester Challenge".


That’s what I’ve always been lead to believe.

P.S Just finished reading Roger Taylors latest book over the week end. Lost 3/4 of a stone

 

[andlauer]

No rule

No rule
I don't have the exact wording but it is said that with the agreement of the skippers the boat could be bigger. There is a word about the "spirit" of the boat.
In the list of participants there is Black Velvet !(a bit more than 30 ft)
Eric

 

[co256]

The Jester Challenge is run on a ‘gentlemanly basis’ within the following guidelines:

* for sailing vessels between 20 and 30 feet (including multi-hulls)

"Guidelines" not rules but guidelines....

I think we've all come to the same sensible conclusion.

Hope you're all well,

Guy

 

[Noddy]

rules? race?

Are you just bored and looking for a rise John?

Paul
(Stingray)

PS: Well done on JC10!

 

[CPD]

Can I come then ?

There are no rules, only guidelines, and then there is I beleieve the most important aspect, which is ...... the spirit of the event.

Even during JAC08, I did not feel liker a true core participant - I suggested a Jester Class (no engine, no electronics, sextant and a dollop of madness) and for good reasons, that idea was dismissed. It was for me an enormous personal challenge and that is was I took out of it - it wasnt about being the fastest, simplest, smallest etc.

Although there are references to "by invitation by fellow skippers", I dont recall being asked if it was ok that >30ft boats joined in, and why should I - what difference does it make ??

Without rules and entry forms then what actually is the Jester Challenge ?. In fact it is a group of like minded sailors who decide to go for a sail together. The fact that we sign a disclaimer in a sense confirms that we are not entering anything. If an 18yr old turned up in his fully prep'd 80ft Oyster, but sailed single handed, then what would happen ?. Nothing I guess is the answer, other than he might well arrive in the Azores before everyone else - but so what ??. For me, the JC is about the skipper, the individual, and the personal challenge, and the boat is very much a secondary issue. Though having said that, I firmly acknowledge that I am not entering into the true spirit of the event. How could I ? .... Pipedream had more electronic gizmo's than you could shake a stick at, an engine that was put in gear when charging the batteries (I had time constraints), oh and did I mention that flat screen TV and PS2 (no joke) ??.

In the past I have advocated classes of entry but on reflection, this is absolutely and completely wrong. The JC should always in my opinion, remain a no-rule event, and the discussions and conclusions post JAC08 regarding use of engine were I believe very positive. The discussion now centres on boat length.

I believe Ewen told the story of a potential participant who wanted to take his girlfriend (she didnt know how to sail thereby maintaining the single handed approach), and he was politely declined. Had he turned up with his girlfriend and completed the challenge, then what would that have meant ?.

For the record, I am thinking of sailing to the Azores in 2012, single handed there and two up minimum on the way back. Pipedream II is 35ft.

Has anyone been refused "entry" to any JC, and what do we think of 30ft+ boats ??
What would people's feeling be re the 18yr old on his 80ft Oyster ?

 

[Wunja]

What would people's feeling be re the 18yr old on his 80ft Oyster ?

Git!

 

[helixkimara]

Alan,
I'd love to see you with Pipedream 2 in the Azores. At least you've got a boat, I'm still looking and running out of time (already ran out of money). I have got a Jeanneau 37 but its based in Greece. I think it also wouldn't be "Jestery" to use that anyway. It wouldn't stop me tagging along if it was in this country though, just for the "crack" at Praia de Vitoria. What a great place and such fantastic Jesters. Plus, I'd have to fight everyone off it at "party" time. (i.e every night)

With regard to 18 year old with 80 ft. yacht. Nay! 18 is fine, 80ft isn't within the "idea" I think. If by the "no rules" rule, someone requested the Jester burgee to set off after Ewens gun on a light aircraft ! !. Lets keep it real.
Hope to see you at the dinner
Malcome (ex Helix)

 

[jesterchallenger]

JC size limitations

As one of the entrants in the JAC08 and JC10 with an oversize boat, I have hesitated in the past to raise my head above the parapet. If it is true that someone has been told they can’t enter the JC because they’re a few inches over thirty feet, I think that’s a shame. I would argue that compliance with the spirit of the JC is probably more important than an inflexible size limit. We all know that it is a challenge, not a race, though reining in the competitive streak is a lost cause and most Challengers will want to get across as quickly as possible even if they declare they are not racing. Bearing in mind that it is not a race in the same sense as the OSTAR though, is a heavy displacement 31 footer with a low defined top speed, less or more in keeping with the spirit of the event than a lightweight 30 foot racing machine capable of planing at high speed (I’ll leave aside the inflatable crew for another discussion elsewhere!)? What about the multi/monohull issue? What I do know is that to enter the Jester Challenge is to sign up to the ethos that we, as individuals, don’t need rules or regulations to assist us in safe ocean sailing, that we’re happy to make our own minds up about what constitutes a well-prepared boat and probably all hate busybody do-gooders who just can’t help themselves telling everybody what they should/shouldn’t be doing. So whilst I agree with a general size limit, it must be applied with caution and intelligence, bearing in mind that anyone willing to join the Jester Challenge probably has a healthy disregard for rules and therefore won’t give a fig if you tell them they’re not invited and will turn up anyway. And whilst it would be pretty cool to be the first over the line, who really cares who wins, be they heavyweight cruiser, high speed racer, multihull or monohull?

 

[tarik]

Jester Challenge

My ultimate dream is to enter my Atlanta 31 ketch in the Jester - one day, I appreciate some may feel that the size is not within the original objectives of the Challenge, but the experience of taking part and the personal challenges would be awesome even if I trail behind everybody else !!

David

 

[Gargleblaster]

If it is true that someone has been told they can’t enter the JC because they’re a few inches over thirty feet, I think that’s a shame. I would argue that compliance with the spirit of the JC is probably more important than an inflexible size limit.

Well said, Duncan.

 

[Noddy]

Alan,
I'd love to see you with Pipedream 2 in the Azores. At least you've got a boat, I'm still looking and running out of time (already ran out of money). I have got a Jeanneau 37 but its based in Greece. I think it also wouldn't be "Jestery" to use that anyway. It wouldn't stop me tagging along if it was in this country though, just for the "crack" at Praia de Vitoria. What a great place and such fantastic Jesters. Plus, I'd have to fight everyone off it at "party" time. (i.e every night)
Malcome (ex Helix)

Why don't you start from Greece Malcolme?

Paul

 

[helixkimara]

Why don't you start from Greece Malcolme?

Paul

Humm ! You mean just straight to the Azores. I could get a crew member as far as Gib. then single handed West and I,m there ! God, if the boss could see me writing this . . . . no supper for me, or ANYTHING else for that matter. Its a bloody good thought though. You are in the mind bending game. Your very good.

 

[Georgio]

As one of the entrants in the JAC08 and JC10 with an oversize boat, I have hesitated in the past to raise my head above the parapet. If it is true that someone has been told they can’t enter the JC because they’re a few inches over thirty feet, I think that’s a shame. I would argue that compliance with the spirit of the JC is probably more important than an inflexible size limit. We all know that it is a challenge, not a race, though reining in the competitive streak is a lost cause and most Challengers will want to get across as quickly as possible even if they declare they are not racing. Bearing in mind that it is not a race in the same sense as the OSTAR though, is a heavy displacement 31 footer with a low defined top speed, less or more in keeping with the spirit of the event than a lightweight 30 foot racing machine capable of planing at high speed (I’ll leave aside the inflatable crew for another discussion elsewhere!)? What about the multi/monohull issue? What I do know is that to enter the Jester Challenge is to sign up to the ethos that we, as individuals, don’t need rules or regulations to assist us in safe ocean sailing, that we’re happy to make our own minds up about what constitutes a well-prepared boat and probably all hate busybody do-gooders who just can’t help themselves telling everybody what they should/shouldn’t be doing. So whilst I agree with a general size limit, it must be applied with caution and intelligence, bearing in mind that anyone willing to join the Jester Challenge probably has a healthy disregard for rules and therefore won’t give a fig if you tell them they’re not invited and will turn up anyway. And whilst it would be pretty cool to be the first over the line, who really cares who wins, be they heavyweight cruiser, high speed racer, multihull or monohull?

I think you have hit the nail on the head with your post. If/when I get the opportunity to do the jester in my boat (30ft + tax) I would be doing so in the spirit on the challenge and would happily waive any claim to being first on the water when that really isn't the point.

 

[Noddy]

Humm ! You mean just straight to the Azores. I could get a crew member as far as Gib. then single handed West and I,m there ! God, if the boss could see me writing this . . . . no supper for me, or ANYTHING else for that matter. Its a bloody good thought though. You are in the mind bending game. Your very good.

Rule Bending More Like!

Paul

 

[Athene V30]

For the record, I am thinking of sailing to the Azores in 2012, single handed there and two up minimum on the way back. Pipedream II is 35ft.

Alan

I think it is only right that you be waiting on the jetty ready to supply cold beers for Wunja and I when we arrive in our respective boats.

ITS YOUR FAULT WE ARE ENTERING IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!