The Jester Challenge is not an ocean race. It is a personal challenge for those who wish to test their self-reliance and offshore seamanship, sailing singlehanded in modestly-sized boats. There are no prizes except the satisfaction of having achieved a demanding personal goal.
The Jester Challenge is run on a ‘gentlemanly basis’ within the following guidelines:
- for sailing vessels between 20 and 30 feet (including multi-hulls).
- for skippers who are over the age of 18 on the start date of the event.
- human power is the only acceptable alternative propulsion to that of the wind: rowing, kedging or clubhauling, for instance, are permissible.
- single-handed.
- one way.
- stops allowed, but skippers must take personal responsibility for adhering to any entry and departure regulations wherever they stop.
- no time limit.
- engines may be fitted but only used to charge batteries for equipment such as mobile telephones, steering and navigation systems. The sole exceptions to this, within the spirit of the Jester Challenge, would be the avoidance of an imminent ‘mayday’ situation, responding to a distress call from a fellow seafarer or when within the harbour limits of an intermediate port en route. If the use of an engine – or the acceptance of a powered tow from another vessel, whether a Jester Challenger or not – becomes necessary to meet, for instance, a personal time limit or, simply, to avoid a frustrating calm, then the details should be declared on arrival to fellow Jester Challengers.
- no entrance fees.
- no inspections, but skippers must ensure that their yachts are adequately prepared for any conditions that they are likely meet.
- no regulations: skippers will be entirely responsible for the equipment they take, based on their own judgement and experience.
- skippers should have appropriate third-party insurance at the least.
- the 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 event; accepting full personal responsibility for the preparation and equipping of his yacht; indemnifying any event coordinators and the Jester Helm against any loss of any kind during the event, and accepting any ruling made by the Jester Helm as regards his participation in the event. Any skipper who has not signed and returned such an indemnity prior to the start will not be considered a participant in the event.
- skippers should ensure that they have the correct visa (if required) for entry into any foreign port of destination and any likely mid-way stop.
- skippers are advised to complete a singlehanded cruise of an appropriate length prior to participation.
Jester Challenge 