Newport 2022

The Jester Challenge to Newport, Rhode Island, 2022

The challenge started from Plymouth on Sunday 8th May 2022, following a skippers dinner on Friday 6^th and the briefing on Saturday 7^th, there were four starters.

The event began with a fair wind that provided a good first day, but this was quickly followed by a strong westerly flow giving an uncomfortable night for everyone on 11^th. By then it was evident that a severe depression was forming which the fleet met on the 17^th. The three smaller yachts faced force 8-9 despite being to the south east of the depression. Opole, sailing a more direct westerly course, reported 54 knots while under storm jib.

John Apps in Arelia and Howard Chivers in Sandpiper retired and returned safely to the UK. Andrzej Kopytko in Opole tried to continue sailing west but damage forced him back to the Azores on 31 May. Bernie Branfield in Louis reached the Azores on 1 June after battling through a series of further depressions. Both the remaining challengers retired on reaching the Azores.

So, for the first time in the history of the Challenge, there were no finishers.

Ewen summarised the event: “Having made wise, timely decisions that is all that really matters.”

We are grateful to Charles Bush of Mayflower Marina and Sally of Jolly Jack’s for hosting the fleet and dinner before the start, and to Norm Bailey for his continued support and guidance in conjunction with the Newport Yacht Club.

Event Tracking

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

Starters

Skipper	Yacht	type	LOA	Finish
Andrzej Kopytko	OPOLE	Najad 34	34’	Retired (28/5/22)
Bernie Branfield	LOUISA	Invicta 26	26’	Retired (1/6/22)
Howard Chivers	SANDPIPER	Sadler 29	29’	Retired (17/5/22)
John Apps	ARELIA OF HOO	Invicta Mk1	25′	Retired (17/5/22)