Jester Banner Home Jester Blondie Hasler Mike Richey Contact Articles Hasler Self Steering Recommended Reading Links
 

JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE
2008

and advance notice of the

JESTER CHALLENGE
2010

Press Release Number One
Following the Jester Challenge 2006 - and by popular demand - the inaugural Jester Azores Challenge will take place in 2008 (JAC 08) and the second Jester Challenge to Newport in 2010 (JC 2010). The JAC 08 will be the next in a growing series of trans-ocean races for small sailing vessels and their Corinthian skippers and will continue the experiment in self-reliability at sea with skippers accepting full responsibility for every aspect of their vessel, voyage and conduct.
Camaraderie, fun and a lack of formality are the guiding principles: in effect these Jester Challenges are organised by those competing in them.
We believe the JC 06 was a success despite only two finishers (and unseasonably-appalling weather) as all ten skippers exercised good seamanship with their decisions; no one called for help and all made safe landfalls despite some trying seamanship problems to overcome .

Prospective participants in JAC 08 can keep up-to-date through the website www.jesterinfo.org but the basic arrangements will be much the same as for the JC 06:

  • a race for sailing vessels between 20 and 30 feet (including multi-hulls) but marginally larger vessels - clearly compatible with the Jester and Corinthian spirit - acceptable by invitation of the other skippers
  • as the rise in numbers is beginning to indicate, the start is expected to be south of Plymouth Breakwater (probably off Rame Head) at the end of May or very beginning of June, 2008
  • entries and cancellations accepted up to the day before the start
  • single-handed to Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
  • age of skipper over 18 at the start
  • no entrance fees
  • no inspections
  • no regulations: skippers will be entirely responsible for the equipment they take based on their own experience
  • no time limit
  • although the JAC 08 is a race there will be no serious prizes - other than personal satisfaction

There are no 'official' plans for the return: some may wish to stay in the Azores or continue on to the West Indies while those returning to Europe may decide to race back together: up to them at the time!

The entry list is already approaching 30 and growing fast.

The JAC 08 will be a useful 'leader' for the JC 2010 and also good for those Corinthians who need something slightly less demanding for their first trans-ocean, single-handed race.

Plans for the 50th celebration of Blondie Hasler's first single-handed trans-Atlantic Race are in place: the Jester Challenge 2010 (JC 2010) already has more than 40 entrants.

Prospective participants in the JAC 08 and/or the JC 2010 should send their intentions to the co-ordinator, Ewen Southby-Tailyour: tailyour@hotmail.com


Jester Azores Challenge 2008 Entry List

Jester Challenge 2010 Entry List

 

[ Home ]   [ Jester ]   [ Blondie Hasler ]   [ Mike Richey ]   [ Contact ]

[Articles]   [ Hasler Self Steering ]  [ Recommended Reading ]  [Links]