Jester Challenge - boat suitability

[PEEJAYSEA]

Good evening All

Apologies for asking a bone newbie question but here goes:

I am keen to undertake the Jester Challenge in 2012 / 2014 and am now looking at suitable contenders on the web.

I am a newbie and green around the gills so am looking for some guidance from the depth of experience that lurks in the forums. Understanding that every boat is a compromise (the original plan was for the family to do longer trips but SWMBO now states no interest in a transatlantic crossing - ARC rally etc) so I am thinking solo - hence the Jester Challenge and a 30footer - (which will probably be called "small and cramped" on the family trips out!

I am interested in Grimalkin, the Nic 30 from Fastnet 1979, know her history (which actually adds to the romance of her possible being our first boat) and am aware that she is for sale but am not sure if she would be suitable (adaptions for single handed sailing?) so would appreciate any comments or thoughts. Also not too sure if she would be too much boat for single handed / newbie!

Would one be able to, as an option, look for a larger boat 32 - 35 ft and to seek approval to participate in the Challenge? - hence my comment on compromise above for SWMBO.

Sorry if this appears to be ramblings of a complete novice but I am new to this and seeking guidance - feel free to throw back any comments no matter what they are - I am not easily offended!

Regards
Paul

 

[Athene V30]

Paul

In my mind from novice to JAC 2012 is a huge step, when you say novice do you mean it? Buying a boat is a big financial & time commitment and if the whole family is not into sailing those time pressures just get worse as you try and juggle keeping everyone happy - my wife doesn't sail and only 1 of my 4 kids shows much interest so we still have to have non sailing family holidays, other weekend activities etc

The Nic 30 looks quite a powerful boat for a first boat. I started in a dinghy, then a 21 foot 'weekend' boat that I would camp onboard and now have a Cutlass 27. I think for that sort of money (and don't forget there will be lots of other kit you will want to add) you have a choice of lots of boats that are more than capable of the JAC. Look at the Jester website and you will see what a variety took part in 2008. Don't let yourself get carried away with the heart running the head - something none of us would ever do

Not trying to be negative, even though this may sound it! I am sure others will have a different view too!

 

[PEEJAYSEA]

Jester 2012

Hi Peter

Thanks for the reply and input.

I have a few miles under my belt but nothing single handed.

I have completed RYA Comp Crew (2006), undertaken a military exped on a 67BT Challenge boat (Antigua to Rio in 2007), Comp Crew refresher in May this year, undertaking Day Skipper in Oct and competing in Tall Ships Fastnet 2011Challenge on a 72 footer. Hoping to get more experience and miles under my belt with the purchase of our own boat and my good lady is on side!

The family are all keen to do more but not particularly interested in long trips - my original thought was to do something like the ARC Rally etc. This would be our first boat ownership so I am trying to be sensible and keep her to a reasonable size rather than jump in at the big / luxury end - i'll leave that for retirement! Wife and son have also done Comp Crew with me and have some interest but not as passionate (or mad) about it as me. I need the challenge (ex military man) to be honest....

Your comments are all valid and not taken as negative. At least you responded! I am trying to KISS - keep it simple stupid - and keep within the limits of LOA 30 ft, probably an older boat and get some experience under my belt. If not 2012 then 2014 for sure!

I am fortunate enough to get a gret deal of time off from work (I work for NATO and deploy overseas and thus accrue time in lieu) which works well for me and the family. This gives me an opportunity that many do not have, time to sail. Understanding that it is a big jump to go solo, and have no experience at it, I am a firm believer in if you don't try - you don't know.

I am looking at many different options - Twister, Nicholson, Elizabethan,Trident etc but liked the look of Grimalkin - solid, simple and some history, but as you sate it ius more than just the boat herself! Heart always tries to rule head and it is part of the eternal struggle!!

Thanks again for the input and happy to chat more and would appreciate some guidance regarding the going solo and what it really entails (extra equipment etc?).

Regards
Paul

 

[Athene V30]

Thanks again for the input and happy to chat more and would appreciate some guidance regarding the going solo and what it really entails (extra equipment etc?).

Key Kit: Reliable self steering - I have 2 x tiller pilots and windvane for when sailing.
To me singlehanding is a state of mind - you need to think what you are going to do through in plenty of time, have your plan and anidea of what you will do if plan A does not work. The sailing is the easy bit, it is the getting off the berth, getting the sails up, getting then down again and getting back onto the berth when you need to have the most flexibility. I haven't done extended periods singlehanded yet, my longest trip so far has been 23 hours so not got to grips with the sleeping bit!