Jester Challenge

Not sure if anyone else is much interested ???? but Eric ANDLAUER in his 'Sterenn'

Beneteau Figaro One has almost made it across the Atlantic to Newport. He is one of only two of the entrants who are able to report back their position so he may not be first but I get the feeling his is, by far, the fastest boat.

There is a clever gizmo on the Jester web site http://www.jesterinfo.org/ which if you click on the little < thing at the bottom left then click on one of the two marks that appear you can follow his entire track in daily chunks - interesting to see his planned route and the days he had awful head winds - sometimes going backwards...

The info on the site does not appear to be updated much - I wonder if there will be anyone to 'meet' the first boat in or if it will park up - clear customs and then go to the yacht club bar and order a beer - then wait for the others.... somehow I prefer that scenario to 'hooters and champers' - but I am very old fashioned!
Michael


These are the boats competing -- not very big some of the ones still out there.


Trevor Leek Jester Junk-rigged modified Folkboat - West of BishopsRock 0300hrs 07/06
Bill Churchouse Belgean Westerly 22

Mike Winter Jacinta 1958 Cheverton Caravel 25 RETIRED

Roger Taylor Mingming Junk-rigged Corribee 21


Tim McCloy China Blue Junk-rigged modified Folkboat 25
RETIRED no damage

Eric Andlauer Sterenn Beneteau Figaro One 30

Sherman Wright Andromeda Warsash One Design 27 RETIRED TO HORTA see www.oceanracetrack.com

Tony Head Triple Venture Twister 28 RESTARTED 17/06/06

Pete Hill Shanti Junk-rigged Kingfisher 22

John Apps Glayva UFO27 AU
 
The first boat to cross the Atlantic in the Jester Challenge has arrived in Newport, Rhode Island.

Frenchman Eric Andlauer in Sterenn, his 30ft Beneteau Figaro One has arrived in Newport in a time of 31 days 15 hrs 35 minutes.

Eric was escorted to Newport by the harbourmaster and given roast beef and cheese sandwiches and champagne.

Yachting Monthly, 5 July 2006

Brilliant - what a superb sailor - If any of us could have half his talent and seamanship we would be luck sailors!!! fast as well by any standards with head winds and gales...

Michael+
 
Being a MOBO'er (but slowly being pulled in the direction of sails! Sailing again tomorrow...) I'm coming to this story a bit late.
What an amazing and inspirational story, if I ever make 1% of the sailor these guys are I'll be a happy man.
 
Re: This Jester thing should be banned!

Hee hee... your not the only one.... one other forumite has already mentioned to me an interest in perhaps giving it a try.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Howzabout the 'ybw.com corinthian transatlantic challenge'?
 
Re: This Jester thing should be banned!

I still remember reading about a Corribee in PBO / YM that sailed accross the Atlantic back in the 1970's, and thinking that IS feasible for me. Not likely but feasible.

Eventually I DID buy a Corribee. Never got far though, but the day dreams were still their. Wish I still had her /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Although next time she will be a Bilge Keeler.
 
Re: This Jester thing should be banned!

The following was posted on the Jester web site... sounds like they all had a bit of a rough time... Hope just one more makes it across or it is going to be a party for one and nobody to buy Eric a beer....

[ QUOTE ]
Update 11/07/06 Belgean retires from The JC. We have just received word that Bill Churchouse and Belgean have retired from The Jester Challenge "a bit worse for wear" Belgean is currently limping back to Poole. More news as soon as we have it.

[/ QUOTE ]
http://www.jesterinfo.org/ is the link to up to date info on this remarkable 'challenge' that we could all take part in next time............ perhaps

Michael
 
I just found out today that the Jester Challenge is now over:_
[ QUOTE ]
Shanti arrives in Newport
Mon 17 Jul 2006 22:00
Shanti arrived yesterday evening in Newport 44 days, 6 hours and 56
minutes. I had a very good crossing via the Azores route.
I believe I came in second and last!
Pete Hill

[/ QUOTE ]
I was reading the Jester site and should have been reading the Ocean Race Track site.
Out of the 10 boats that started I think on two completed the course, 4 made it down to the Azores area from Plymouth then gave up and the rest retired earlier.
Brilliant effort in some nasty weather and it sounds as if most of them will try again in 2010.
Biggest problem seemed to have been the weight of stores and water in such small boats - but it really does prove size is not everything - it's the person not the boat...

Michael
 
Hoorah, 2 out of 10 crikey, I hope the participants can spare the time to write up their experiences, and what they've learnt so the those that are planning 2010 can benefit.
 
The Jester Challenge is not over just yet. I know two boats that have withdrawn temporarily and intend to restart next year. The rules allowed any number of stops and had no finish time.
As a competitor this year and one of those who hopes to finish next year, I have just read all the messages of support for the Jester challenge - very inspiring. Almost makes you wish we could have followed the forum during the race.
 
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