I joined the Jester Challenge when I read an article in Practical Boat Owner which covered their first 2006 Trans Atlantic outing. I had always wanted to do an offshore single handed voyage and so “signed up” to join in with the 2008 JC to the Azores.
Joining the JC gave me the chance to meet with other likeminded experienced yachtsmen. This gave me a great deal of encouragement and offered practical advice. It was also good fun.
I prepared my 23ft Virgo Voyager, “Auld Meg”, so named after Tam O’Shanter’s horse and, in 2008 completed the Jester Challenge to the Azores. I did this in 16 days. The return trip took slightly less at 15 days. In doing so I had fulfilled a lifelong ambition but it was not enough. I turned my attention to the JC 2010 Trans Atlantic Challenge which was also a Bi Centenary celebration of the first ever Trans Atlantic Single Handed Yacht race of 1960.
Meg was an excellent boat that weathered someI have resent the strong Atlantic gales but I wanted a boat that could better accommodate my family so I sold Meg and bought Lizzie-G a 40 year old 27ft Albin Vega.
We crossed the Atlantic in 48days. I made the return crossing in 2011 in a time of 37days.
So we are off to the Azores in 2012 for another adventure, good food, great company and great sailing!
“If you think you can… or think you can’t….. your probably right!”
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