Reflections on the Jester Challenge

I am sitting in a cafe overlooking beautiful Crosshaven,  reflecting on the Challenge and what happened. 

I am a little disappointed at not getting to Baltimore but this is overridden by a sense of accomplishment on getting so far. I realise that if I had not diverted to Rosslaire, I would have made it. 

 I discovered that Captain Rusty is a good sailor, who has all the skills to sail a boat single handed. The only problem is that he was let down by the brain of the other crew member!

My main issue was not getting enough rest. I had practiced 10 minute naps but  in reality I struggled to sleep and they just weren't enough. Roger - who is our local single handed guru - goes for 1hr 20 whenever he can and this works for him.

In terms of what happened with the steering: 

It was dark, the second night without sleep, after a frustrating hot day of no wind. My boat is not good in light airs and I think I got into an eddy current, which rendered the steering useless. I convinced myself that it was a problem while sailing - maybe keels - so took the sails down and motored. The steering was then ok.

The next decision was where to go. Rosslare was a bit further to go than Kilmore Quay, but much safer to navigate in the dark.

Once this decision was made, I totally focused on getting there and sleeping. I should have tested the steering again on the way - and would have found it was fine - but all I craved was sleep; 'must get anchored up and sleep!'

It was on this journey that I started to hallucinate: Vanessa was sitting at the mast ( her hair was rope!), I gave orders to imaginary crew members and the engine sound was a radio station with music and interviews. I sort of knew it wasn't real, but it was weird. 

The trip was unbearably long and once anchored, I just left everything and jumped into my sleeping bag. 

The next day I realised that I had made a mistake and came up with a plan to get back on track. It worked a treat and by Thursday night I was off Cork.

The wind then picked up and I was tacking into big waves. Still 60 miles to Baltimore, which would have taken me over 24 hours in those conditions. It was my second night after Rosslare and sleep was still a problem. I therefore decided to come into Crosshaven Marina.

My intention was to set off early today for  Baltimore but once I had moored up, I started to think that there was no need. I had learned all I was going to learn and I also need to rendezvous with Griff on Saturday. If I had further problems and did not make it, then meeting up with him could be tricky. So I am staying put! 

So apart from my pride, I am feeling pretty good. There are lots of positives and I now know that I have the abilities to sail singlehanded. However, if I am ever to do another singlehanded challenge, I must sort out my sleep regime. 

There are a couple of other guys here in Crosshaven  with me and they had similar problems. We have all been having a group therapy session! 

So that's it, it has certainly been the toughest challenge that I have ever undertaken, but would not have missed it. 

I'll end the Blog here - Griff and I will work our way home over the next week. 

Thank you for your support and kindness over the last week.