MY JESTER CHALLENGE  by Mike Winter

For me the “Jester Challenge” is probably, due to my age 50 at time of the event, the last chance for that great adventure of testing one self against the elements and my own resolve and resourcefulness.

The Jester challenge is a test of man and boat against the elements in the true style of a Corinthian yachtsman in that the single handed sailor has to rely on his own mental strength and fortitude on his own for about three weeks out of sight of land facing all the elements and difficulties that the sea can produce in a crossing of approximately 3500 miles each way.

My boat, Jacinta, designed in 1956 is not, as such, an “A” class ocean going boat but is without doubt a capable sea going cruiser and more than able in crossing the Atlantic so the test is can I match my boats capability.

I started sailing at age 14 completing RYA dinghy certificates (The Helmsman Cert) and having joined the regular forces raced regularly represented my corp. as a junior solider in dinghy races. I am a member of the Army Sailing Association.

I have recently completed my “Day Skipper” shore based course and practical element of the “day certificate” and ICC.

The qualified miles in crossing the Atlantic will qualify the practical requirements of the “Yacht master Ocean” certificate and the complete certificate will be gained with a further shore based course.

My boat, Jacinta, has undergone the upgrading of a new mast and running rigging and new sails have been ordered for the event. The mast and rigging will undergo sea trails through the months of November and December. In January the boat will be lifted from the water and a full inspection and any work required completed to upgrade the hull and substructure for the crossing.

Through March and April longer single handed sea trials, than those already completed the last being a three day sail along the south coast, will be completed of approximately 500 miles. A time to iron out any kinks in the systems implemented and to fine tune any of the planning features for a long single handed event.

I have funded from my own resources and will continue to do so the preparation costs and of course the loss of income due from being away from work, although this is not a great concern as my business will continue in my absence. An amount of £4,000 being spent on the new mast and rigging, my insurance company, Norwich Union, coming to the aid of the majority of this cost.

Three areas of the planning remain unresolved and are a work in progress..

They are;

Food and water requirements

Weather details

Satellite communications.

I am planning to carry about 60 litres of water in 1 litre bottles stowed in the bilges of the boat but am considering a desalination plant as a back up system to this.

My mobile phone operator can provide me, at quite a cost; a satellite phone which would enable me to receive emails and keep any shore based interested parties informed of my progress. This system would also allow me to link onto any weather information providers on the onboard computer.

Food stuffs are being tried but after christmas.