Jester World Challenge

[CPD]

I have just returned from a very quick trip to Les Sables D'Olonnes by first class travel, and on request by all the top multi-million budgetted racing teams, to offer my highly specialised advice and deeply technical knowledge to those inexperienced boys and girls who are about to (on Saturday 9th) take part in the 2008 Vendee Globe.

/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Ok then. I have just returned from a trip involving cheap hotels and Ryanair, to join the queues with Joe public, at Les Sables D'Olonnes, to oogle at the bits of kit the likes of which I shall never get my hands on to use in anger, and to quite simply marvel (and be completely green with healthy envy) at the opportunities and challenge that the skippers have now lying before them.

..........................................................

My long term sailing plans ("targets" maybe) include a solo non-stop circumnavigation within the time set by Robin Knox Johnston 40 or so years ago (331 days I think it was), and then a more leisurely circumnavigation or six, accompanied by several poor souls or ten, who will put up with me for that long.

Realistically, I am looking at 10 years or so before I can put the first plan into motion. It would be good if the second could follow soon thereafter.

Now, back to the point of the post. This, I am absolutely sure, has been mentioned by someone before, and if my memory serves correct, it was either Roger Taylor or John Apps. Apologies If my memeory is rubbish, however after my recent trip, it has certainly started to make me think more about it. The point is, I am not the first to have thought of the concept.

The Jester Challenge is, and I believe rightly so for historical reasons, now established as THE event for like-minded sailors who are attracted by the non rules/regulations philosophy. I personally see the Jester Azores Challenge, which I consider it to have been an absolute privelidge to have taken part in, as a "way in" for those, like myself, who are unsure of their abilities, skills, determination etc, possibly constrained by time (as I was) or for many other reasons, to open ocean sailing, and perhaps later, the ultimate Jester Challenge itself.

At the moment, I would advocate nothing in the way of rules, and I refer to the "basic" rules ie over 18, 20-30ft etc etc. I for one, will hopefully be owning and skippering a larger vessel (mid 30ft ?) by then, so the current "rules" would eliminate me from the current "framework".

What I see, is a solo non-stop circumnavigation, run along the lines of the Jester Challenge, and taking nothing whatsoever away from, or it pretending to be "bigger" in any way, than THE Jester Challenge to be run in 2010. For historical reasons, I believe it to be very important that the Jester Challenge remains sacrosanct and pure. It is after all, where it pretty much all started.

I guess what I am really talking about is the first major part of my personal plan (the solo circumnavigation) being completed within a framework similar in many many ways to the Jester Challenge itself.

Clearly, this would not be a few weeks off work, and would be a truly monumental event to work into one's personal life. I have no idea who would be up for it, how many would be up for it, and whether or not the non-existent Jester "Association" would want to have anything to do with it.

So, what say we ?

 

[welkman]

I would be seriously tempted, but my girlfriend would see differently!

 

[Athene V30]

Alan

Are you barking mad? Round the world alone, not for me! I think I could put up with my own company for a few weeks to the Azores in 2012 but not much longer. Not even sure I would want to cross the Atlantic in a boat under 30ft but never say never at least until I have done JAC! Agree totally that JESTER is THE CHALLENGE that I aspire to and should be maintained as is. These big boys in their multi million £ races with support teams etc are just playing at it!

Think the idea of a crewed sailing cruise around the world is fantastic - take several years, see loads of places but as I am skint and SWMBO doesn't like sailing I don't see that happening this lifetime!

Keep taking the tablets! See you on Saturday.

Peter

 

[Noddy]

Alan,

As I remember it there was a potential female entrant in JAC08. She was on the original entry list. I seem to remember her talking about a similar idea as what you are proposing.

Perhaps Trevor or Roger could put you in touch.

Would you be going via the Southern Ocean or via the Suez and Panama canals?

Personally, a circumnavigation would be very appealing. But, as you say, it would be a lifestyle change. So I would have to opt for the tropical route, with rum and sunsets.

Paul

 

[Gargleblaster]

[ QUOTE ]
As I remember it there was a potential female entrant in JAC08. She was on the original entry list. I seem to remember her talking about a similar idea as what you are proposing.


[/ QUOTE ]

Kathy Kirby, I believe it was and an Achilles 24, perhaps. She was unable to prepare her boat in time. She proposed a JAWS [Jester Around the World Solo], with the usual stopping off points of Cape Town and Sydney or Auckland etc.

Personally if it is to be run, I would prefer a circumnavigation taking in both poles. The South is easy enough, but the North via the Northwest Passage [through Canada] or the Northeast Passage [through Russia]. Roger Taylor did some exploratory work last year in MingMing to see if he could find the Arctic Circle but I understand the whales and dolphins got in his way. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[helixkimara]

Quote from; "Knock Knock let me" in post:
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.Welcome. Ya nutter, You do realise wé´re all a bit mad !"
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Hey, No need to confirm it!

Mind you, Love the proposed name, JAWS.
Remember the qute in "Jaws" when the shark starts banging on the hull or was it when the hero first sees the shark:

"WE NEED A BIGGER BOAT!"

 

[Noddy]

Why specify a route??... Or a start point?

You would simply depart from somewhere. And keep going until you get back!

If you were fast enough you could catch yourse.... No! Silly!

 

[Ceirwan]

I certainly think an event like this would work better in many ways with the usual stop of places, half the appeal of the jester is that when you arrive you are somewhere new, sights to see, new experiences etc. While i'd appreciate the challenge of Solo non-stop it'd be more enjoyable no not start and finish in the same place on one leg! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Noddy]

Thats a good point!

One of the notable things about JAC08 was how pleased everyone was to see eachother in Terciera. At first I thought this was because we all had lots in common and could think of ourselves as a 'special' group. (read that how you like). But, on reflection, I now think it was simply because we had been starved of human company for a relatively long time.

I can only speak for myself, this may not be true for everyone. A few characters arrived in the Azores after nearly a month at sea. Socialised for a few days and then set off for home again. Takes all types.

I suppose we then have to ask - Is JAWS a Race? A Challenge? Or just a Great Big Party?

Paul

 

[jesterchallenger]

Hmmm. Jester Around the World Solo. It would have to go round Cape Horn, that's always been one of my (secret) ambitions. It would have to be non-stop, otherwise I couldn't emulate one of my heroes, Sir Robin Knox Johnston. And try and beat his time, as part of the fun. Yup, I'm up for that.

A short while ago I had a discussion with another Jester Challenger about the use/non-use of engines. Without entering into that particular discussion on this thread (I'm sure it will resurface in due course!), it was jokingly suggested that for the purists, removal of the engine might offer a more level playing field for those entrants without engines. As the owner of a rather old and wheezy Bukh, and with insufficient funds for replacement, when it finally gives up the ghost I shall have to cope with an engineless boat (been there, done that, it's lots of fun!). So what, you might ask. Well the biggest problem with around the world non-stop is stowage, for all the food (I'm not into minimalist, packet, dried food fodder), water, etc etc. So I look at my wheezy old engine and the huge space it occupies..........take it out and the problem's solved, extra weight all in the right place. And the boat will sail much better with no propeller and the rudder and stern post faired in. Plenty of extra stowage for JAWS and no need for further discussion about engines for the JC10. Just waiting for its last gasp.....Watch this space.

 

[nathanlee]

I could never fit Robin Knox-Johnstons booze stash on Kudu, let alone the fags and food. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I believe it was somewhere in the order of 1 case of brandy, 1 case of whiskey, 100 bottles of beer, and 3,000 cigs.

That chap is my hero!

It would be jumping the gun a bit for me to show too much interest in this I think as I've not yet done any big trips, but I think in theory, subject to not crying my way across the JC2010, I would be interested.

All that nonsense about girlfriends and jobs doesn't matter really. In fact, it's probably foolish to commit yourself so to commodities that are so readily available.
If you're worth your salt then jobs are easy enough to come by, as are girlfriends; especially for the hero's of the JAWS I would imagine /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[helixkimara]

[ QUOTE ]
All that nonsense about girlfriends and jobs doesn't matter really. In fact, it's probably foolish to commit yourself so to commodities that are so readily available.
If you're worth your salt then jobs are easy enough to come by, as are girlfriends; especially for the hero's of the JAWS I would imagine /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
--------------------------------------------------------

I think that you may imagine wrong !

Out on that big ocean alone and its other people, loved ones, that are THE most important thing. That may only be my opinion.

 

[CPD]

What I had in mind was a replica "Golden Globe Challenge" run under under a Jester framework. To me, the non-stop "traditional" route is most appealing, and as Duncan referred to, it is the emulation of Sir Robin Knox Johnston which is at the heart of where I am personally coming from. I would see this as an attainable personal "Vendee Globe" as it would undoubtedly be the "everest" of my personal sailing career.

I can see however that the Jester "Association" may be reluctant to be involved, as it is clearly outside the current scope of what the Jester Challenge is. It is taken as read that there is nothing stopping anyone setting off and doing this without any form of framework whatsoever, and I can see too how that would be appealing, however I can't help but think that a challenge such as this would benefit from the very high levels of camaraderie enjoyed I think by all this year. The Golden Globe itself evidently proved to provide it's own such atmosphere.

I would be very happy to get involved in the non-organisation of this non-event, however would be completely understanding if the "Association" is reluctant to attach it's name.

Any thoughts ?

 

[Guest]

[ QUOTE ]
What I had in mind was a replica "Golden Globe Challenge" run under under a Jester framework. To me, the non-stop "traditional" route is most appealing, and as Duncan referred to, it is the emulation of Sir Robin Knox Johnston which is at the heart of where I am personally coming from.

I would be very happy to get involved in the non-organisation of this non-event, however would be completely understanding if the "Association" is reluctant to attach it's name.

Any thoughts ?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the first thing you'd need to do is think of an appropriate name which would enscapsulate the 'essence' of the event.

'Jester' was a key player in an original trans-Atlantic event, so I think it would be inappropriate (and perhaps bad politics ?) to highjack that name. Maybe Suhali or Slocum or something similar - but if you were to choose Suhali (say) then the event would presumably be a non-stop event (?).

If you plan on a multi-stop event via the Capes, then I'd suggest "The Elcano Challenge", after Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first ship's captain to complete a circumnavigation - I think it's about time that bloke received some recognition for completing Magellan's epic voyage.
Magellan set sail in Aug 10th.1519, so it might be appropriate to arrange the major event to set-off (from Seville, of course) on August 10th, 2019 - although one event before then might be a good move for those of advancing years ....

 

[CPD]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

I think the first thing you'd need to do is think of an appropriate name which would enscapsulate the 'essence' of the event.

'Jester' was a key player in an original trans-Atlantic event, so I think it would be inappropriate (and perhaps bad politics ?) to highjack that name. Maybe Suhali or Slocum or something similar - but if you were to choose Suhali (say) then the event would presumably be a non-stop event (?).
....

[/ QUOTE ]

An excellent point Jake which alleviates the potential problems the "Association" could very understandably have. I guess it is the spirit of the Jester Challenge that I would like to see transposed. 2019, the date is right ........ I can see this buidling into something, although the non-stop aspect is particularly appealing.

In terms of attracting interest, I think perhaps the Suhali Challenge would be most recognisable and reflective of what I would have in mind.

I am trying to contact RKJ in order to establish his opinions, as I think his "blessing" would be appropriate, and for sure, to use the name without his permission, would be quite simply wrong. I am going through BBC Hampshire where I believe he is involved in a regular broadcast. If anyone has other potential lines of contact to him, then that would be useful to know.

Any further comments anyone?

 

[Sixpence]

Hi Alan, might be worth trying this link Contact Site

 

[CPD]

Thansk Dave, I didn't see the small "contact" button on his website.

 

[PacketRat]

Alan:
Sign me up!
I like the sound of JAWS, if Kathy is OK with that and if the Jesters are OK. Bearing in mind that there have only been three finishers in the transatlantic race, it might seem a bit presumptuous to start thinking global. But if you need time to prepare, then it's not too early to plan. Perhaps the Jesters might want to concentrate on JC10 for the time being. If JAWS looks like a goer - if there are enough successful JC Challengers signed up - then I would imagine they'd be happy to see it evolving.
I've even made a project plan:
1. Finish the two year refit this winter.
2. A suitable passage in 2009.
3. JC10.
4. JAWS.
See, it fits on the end very nicely.
As to the event - 20 to 30 foot, non-stop, clipper route has my vote. I'll stop off as many times as I like anyway, and if you go round Cape Horn the right way you earn the right to wear a gold ring in your left ear. That was the tradition in the days of sail as a sign of respect to "Old Stiffy".
Meantime, I've got my work cut out to a) Start, let alone b) Finish JC10, so I'll be concentrating on that.
But since you raise the question, the statement of intent is yes, definitely, count me in.
Robin

 

[srm]

Stangely enough I have been thinking along similar lines, and am in the process of buying a boat that is too big for JC10 but fits in with my longer term ideas (dreams). I did start off looking at boats under 30ft but have got used to a bit more internal volume as I get older.
If I remember correctly the Golden Globe had minimal rules and not even a common start line. Something like start from a European port, leave the three major southern capes to port and back to your own start. It would be nicer if entrant could perhaps start together though. How about "The Golden Globe Sailing Challenge" (I added 'sailing' to avoid any argments about use of engine in what is essentially a no rules none organisation).

Sean.

 

[st599]

[ QUOTE ]
Alan

Are you barking mad? Round the world alone, not for me! I think I could put up with my own company for a few weeks to the Azores in 2012 but not much longer.

[/ QUOTE ]


No, These guys are mad: http://www.aroundinten.com/

I had an email from one about using some Linux software I wrote to communicate via HF - I ignored it as I didn't want anything to do with such suicidal ****.