Jester Challenge - What is it?

On the 14th June, I will take part in the Jester Baltimore Challenge. This is a single-handed sailing event from Plymouth, and Pwllheli, to South West Ireland - a journey of 250 miles.

Around 40 boats will start from Plymouth and 10 other boats will accompany me from Pwllheli. The event is for small yachts and has very few rules.

It is an individual  challenge - how do you manage the boat, eat and most importantly, sleep, when sailing on your own for a week.

I am currently preparing for the trip and will post details when I can.

The event has very few rules:

The Jester Challenge is run on a ‘gentlemanly basis’ within the following guidelines:

• for sailing vessels between 20 and 30 feet (including multi-hulls)
• human power is the only acceptable alternative propulsion to that of the wind: rowing is permissible
• single-handed to Baltimore, County Cork
• one way
• stops allowed
• no time limit
• engines may not be used for propulsion but can be used to charge batteries. The sole exceptions to this would be the avoidance of an imminent ‘mayday’ situation; responding to a distress call from a fellow seafarer. 
• no regulations: skippers will be entirely responsible for the equipment they take, based on their own experience
• only hint of bureaucracy will be the signing of a form of indemnity accepting the skipper’s full duty of care for himself, his dependants and his fellow seafarers during his participation in the JC 2015.

http://www.jesterinfo.org/index.html

Scary Stuff!