Azores 2012

The Jester Azores Challenge, 2012

Start off western end of Plymouth Breakwater, 1200 Sunday 27 May 2012.
Finish on a line between the north and south moles, Praia da Vitoria Harbour, Terceira, Azores.

The start was in warm, hazy sunshine and an occasional light breeze from the SW. Shortly after the start a bank of fog rolled in, as did the Brittany Ferry.

Most of the challenge was conducted against headwinds, including one deep depression that brought sustained winds over 30kts and saw several boats hove-to while it passed. Several retired as a consequence. John Margson in Muffin suffered a broken mast 35nm from Priai da Vitoria, but was able to tidy away the damage and motor into port, finding himself the first finisher. Less fortunate was Peter Evans in Federwolke who had started late and was just 8 days out when the storm was forecast. He made the decision to turn back for the Channel Islands but was overwhelmed and needed assistance before he could reach shelter.

The longest passage time was recorded by Edward Zając in Holly, a Leap 21. At the start several other challengers had helped Edward with repairs to ensure that she was seaworthy, and his perseverance in the smallest boat in the fleet under the conditions was a considerable achievement.

John Margson organised a celebration in Praia da Vitoria , joined by skippers and others who flew in for the occasion. As well as a meal we enjoyed Portugeuse fado music from a very accomplished local singer and guitarists.

Our thanks to the Commodore and staff of the Royal Western Yacht Club as well as the Queen Anne’s Battery team for hosting the start, and for the usual warm welcome at the Praia da Vitoria marina.

Starters

Skipper	Yacht	type	LOA	Finish
Andy Lane	Bula	Robber 3e ¼ Tonner	25′	17/06/2021
Basil Panakis	Jaba	Contest 25 Mk II	25′	19/06/2012
Bill Churchouse	Belgean	Westerly 22	22′	Retired
Chris Cowlard	Roulette of Exe	Rival	30’6″	Retired
Chris Garbett	Jasabe	Twister	28′	Retired
David Knowler	Headway III	Achilles 840	27’8	Finished
Denis Gorman	Lizzie-G	Albin Vega 27	27′	12/06/2012
Edward Andrzej Zając	Holly	Leap 21	21′	01/07/2012
Howard Brown	Mary Ellen	Klipper 30	30′	Retired
Howard Chivers	Sandpiper	Sadler 29	29′	13/06/2012
James Stock	Fly of Beaulieu	Twister	28′	13/06/2012
Jean-Jacques Lassalle	Gribou	Gib’sea 76	25′	Retired
John Apps	Glayva	UFO27	27′	17/06/2012
John Margarson	Muffin	Parker 30	30′	08/06/2012
Jonathan Hopper	Francesca	Victoria Frances Cutter	26′	Retired
Ken Docherty	Solo	Conquest	23′	Retired
Nick Bridges	Dolphin of Fowley	Trapper 501	28′	13/06/2012
Nigel Stillman	Grettal	Kingfisher 30	30′	25/06/2012
Paul Mead	Independence II of Charlsian	S&S She 31b	30’7″	12/06/2012
Paul Turner	Lasten	Shipman 28	28′	Retired
Peter Evans	Federwolke	Westerly Cirrus	22′	Retired
Peter Pochon	Spray		28′	Retired
Philippe Hautfenne	Libid’eau	Trapper 500	28′	Retired
Roger Fitzgerald	Ella Trout III	Dehler	29′	09/06/2012
Thomas Jucker	Marta	Etap 29	29′	13/06/2012
Tim McCloy	China Blue	Junk-rigged Folksong	25′	19/06/2012
Tony Head	Triple Venture	Twister	28′	12/06/2012
Tony Stattersfield	Contessina	Contessina 26	26′	Retired
Trevor Leek	Jester	Junk-rigged modified folkboat	25′	27/06/2012

Some Early Finishers

Gallery

Diaries and Reports

The sitreps include many comments from skippers on the weather encountered during this challenge and reasons for retirements. Click here to download sitreps.