Newport 2018

The Jester Challenge to Newport, Rhode Island, 2018

Start off western end of Plymouth Breakwater, 1200 Sunday 6 May 2018.
Finish at a line extending due west (true) from Castle Hill Lighthouse on Newport Neck, Rhode Island.

The challenge started in ideal conditions for viewing, warm sun and light wind, but less so for sailing which resulted in a slow start. Soon an atlantic low persuaded the fleet to head south to some degree (or perhaps that was everyone’s intention). Three starters eventually retired to the Azores (Len Hiley in Emu – lack of time, Chris Jackson in Sixpence – storm damage that disabled his electrics and Howard Chivers in Sandpiper – broken hand). Doug Pingel prepared for the challenge but was prevented from starting by a pre-race accident on shore.

Tim Luke in Medusa and John Apps in Raven finished the challenge in Newport, Rhode Island.

Our immense thanks to the Commodore, members and staff of the TRSC for moorings, BBQ, dinner and breakfast at the start, and to Norm Bailey for his continued support, guidance and help together with the hospitality of the Newport Yacht Club.

Event Tracking

If you can’t see the active map, see this photo.

Starters

Skipper	Yacht	Type	LOA	Finish
Chris Jackson	Sixpence	Albin Ballad	30′	Retired
Howard Chivers	Sandpiper	Sadler 29	29′	Retired
John Apps	Raven	Rival	29′	30/6/2018
Len Hiley	Emu	Hurley	26′	Retired
Steve Hickey	Newlyn Madjic	Wharram Tiki	26′	Retired
Tim Luke	Medusa	Vancouver	34′	17/6/2018

Finishers

Gallery

Diaries and Reports

Tim Luke – Medusa’s Challenge, Jester Challenge 2018
The stressful bit was getting Medusa to Plymouth a couple of weeks before the start. Then, with 72 hours to go, discovering that the replaced battery monitoring system had failed again and needed replacing during a Bank Holiday. Crossing the start line on 7th May was a relief… Read more

Click to download logs of:

• Chris Jackson and Sixpence
• Howard Chivers and Sandpiper
• John Apps and Raven
• Len Hiley and Emu
• Steve Hickey and Newlyn Madjic