Jester Challenge - Is the size of boat still justified?

[Scotty_Tradewind]

With the possible average 'small' boat of 2011 being probably around 30' - 34', is the maximum size of boat eligible for the Jester Challenge becoming too small?

Please discuss...
S.






www.sailingscotty.com

 

[co256]

With advancements in modern technology, surely we ought to be able to do more with less?

And therefore..... No!

 

[Ceirwan]

With the possible average 'small' boat of 2011 being probably around 30' - 34', is the maximum size of boat eligible for the Jester Challenge becoming too small?

Please discuss...
S.

www.sailingscotty.com

I don't see what's changed on that front?
What was small then is still small now...

 

[helixkimara]

I don't see what's changed on that front?
What was small then is still small now...

My wife concurs

 

[Ceirwan]

Haha

That was my tired response... I'll elaborate.

I think that the 20-30ft represents the spirit of the challenge, Small yachts on a small budget doing big thing's. My 25 footer costs me enough, a 34ft yacht IMO can not be run on a small budget, day to day maybe but when you start thinking about the costs of replacing the rigging, moorings etc then it really adds up.

I can't really find the words to sum it up, but I 'feel' that 20 - 30 is about right

 

[Signed Out]

Cos of course all Jestercles are keen to be average... Hmmm.

And surely it's only in YM or YW (or well, marinas (not specifically Orwell marinas)) where 30-34 could possibly be considered small, not your average Joe. When talking relatively of course, not up against the wet place (that I thought the A in JAC stood for, not all this halfway malarky, where'd that spring from? not that I'm anywhere near that level either anyway...) to be meandered across.

Besides, who invited me in here? Gatecrasher!

 

[Gargleblaster]

The reason for the 30 feet upper limit is that the Royal Western YC would not accept entries from boats below 30 feet for the OSTAR. So as a protest against rules that eliminated the boat that came second in the 1960 OSTAR Ewen, Trevor and the rest of the Jester Trust set up the Jester Challenge.

I don't think the Jester Challenge is about average. It is about extraordinary sailors taking on a challenge that few others will attempt. Part of that is doing it in boats that are too small for the average sailor. Part of the ethos of the Jester Challenge is to prove to the average sailor that crossing oceans against the wind, waves and current is about seamanship not about the seaworthiness [not that Mr and Mrs Average sail a seaworthy boat] of a boat.

If anything I would like to see the size limitations reduced rather than increased. It is much easier to complete an Atlantic crossing in a 27 feet boat than it is in a 21 feet boat.

 

[G12]

If you've got a bigger boat then you can do the ARC or similar anyway. Horses for courses.

 

[boatman61]

My feeling is if you open the doors to 30+ftrs your on the slippery slope towards commercialism getting a foot in the door...
This is the last foothold for the independant small boat owner to compete on more or less equal terms where seamanship and not $'s/technology is the key to success...
let in 34ft... next it'll be 40ft and the 'Challenge' will be gone...

 

[Ceirwan]

My feeling is if you open the doors to 30+ftrs your on the slippery slope towards commercialism getting a foot in the door...
This is the last foothold for the independant small boat owner to compete on more or less equal terms where seamanship and not $'s/technology is the key to success...
let in 34ft... next it'll be 40ft and the 'Challenge' will be gone...

I wouldn't class it as a competition really, a well sailed 30ft is always going to beat the well sailed 20footer as long as they are similar designed.
(I.e. not a mini transat )

 

[Gargleblaster]

I wouldn't class it as a competition really, a well sailed 30ft is always going to beat the well sailed 20footer as long as they are similar designed.
(I.e. not a mini transat )

Of course in the last Jester Challenge we had a 21' boat that beat 2X29' boats, 1X28' boat and whole raft of 27' boats. And he went the long way round. Of course I'm not sure that a 21' catamaran is not actually a 42' boat if you add the two hulls together.

 

[nicholas49]

is the size of the boat still justified?

Hi, my feeling is that 20-30' is about right, there are plenty of events for bigger boats(I've tried to enter a couple and been refused), also there is ARC and others like it. If ours is open to boats of all sizes, it will become just another rally, surely not the founders intention.A bit of flexibility around 30' perhaps, but not too much.Another point,will the smaller boats have to anchor because the marina is full of 35'/40' boats?
Best Wishes to all, Nick(Dolphin of Fowey)

 

[BlackPig]

Why join a club then try to change it? If there is a call for a Jesters type rally (no fees, jobworths)for bigger boats, then they should get together and have one.

 

[Athene V30]

If anything I would like to see the size limitations reduced rather than increased. It is much easier to complete an Atlantic crossing in a 27 feet boat than it is in a 21 feet boat.

Please no!! Well not until I have had a chance to complete the Azores trip in my Cutlass 27.

 

[jesterchallenger]

I see in the Notice of Race for the 2012 Twostar the minimum size is now 27 feet. I wonder if it will be the same for the 2013 Ostar and if so, is this the Jester Challenge effect?

I notice in previous posts there is a suggestion that bigger boats join the ARC. Trouble is the ARC is an easy downwind jolly, not the same sort of challenge presented by the JC/Ostars and therefore a completely inappropriate alternative. If you want to go the downwind route and have a bigger boat, then the cost of joining is less than the saving in ARC subsidised marina fees, apparently, which would make sense. But for sub 35 footers who like their adventure a little rarer it's all a bit pointless.

 

[Ceirwan]

Of course in the last Jester Challenge we had a 21' boat that beat 2X29' boats, 1X28' boat and whole raft of 27' boats. And he went the long way round. Of course I'm not sure that a 21' catamaran is not actually a 42' boat if you add the two hulls together.

Not really sure if your trying to be sarcastic or not, but a catemeran is generally faster than the same length monohull so it's hardly a fair comparison is it.

 

[co256]

I believe it was said in good humour, please don't take offence.

 

[Seajet]

I'm sadly just an outsider who hasn't had the gumption to realise the dream, but surely 20-30 is about right, or as mentioned earlier with modern boats the smaller end should be encouraged.

Most here will know the Mini-Transat had a 6.5 metre max rule, resulting in Anderson Affair and her sisters having 4" sawn off the bow to fit in.

In case of interest she is still going strong in top condition, on the 'For Sale', 'Articles' and 'Owners Comments' of the Anderson website, www.anderson22class.co.uk

I feel I can safely mention this without being accused of advertising for her owner now, as far as I know a deal is going / has gone through - personally I think that's a bargain price for that boat, though she would never win against the modern boats ( in fact, although a fast boat by everyday standards she was never going to win against the specials even in 1978 ).

I'd think she is a good example of the Jester spirit though.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Before originally posting I was hoping that one day I would get to do a Jester Challenge in my Twister.
Other things overtook that aim in a hurry when swmbo said 'why don't we get a more comfy boat where i can have a heater, shower, a decent bed, etc, and I'll come sailing more often'......
Well all things happened quicker than I anticipated and so we have already sold and bought another, hence my sadness at having a boat that limits my solo sailing dream.
The problem with the 'new' boat, is she's bigger than the Jester caters for and as the funds are fairly limited I'm not sure what other things to aim for.... I'm also now a pensioner so I guess I'll just have to do my own thing. What printable suggestions?

p.s.
The Twisters' gone to a Jester enthusiast so that's really good.

 

[boatman61]

So... what the hell.. try applying anyway.. your only 35ft..
They can only say no... costs nothing to try..