Newport 2026

Start off western end of Plymouth Breakwater, 1200 Sunday 10 May 2026.
Finish at a line extending due west (true) from Castle Hill Lighthouse on Newport Neck, Rhode Island.

Norm Bailey and the NYC are looking forward to welcoming Jesters to Rhode Island, and we will again enjoy the support of Mayflower Marina at the start.

This is not too early to remind potential challengers of the US visa requirements. Arriving in your own craft is different to arriving via a commerial carrier – there is no ‘visa waiver’ system. You must obtain a visitor visa before you sail. As with most other countries (including the UK) there are now electronic reporting requirements: sailors must use the CMP ROAM App to report arrival. There are serious consequences, of which the least is a large fine, for arriving without a visa

Obtaining a US visitor visa takes a while and is not something that can be done at the last minute. The experience of skippers who have applied for a visa (recently and in 2022 ) is that the time to obtain the necessary interview at the US Embassy may be 8 months. We would encourage anyone thinking of sailing in 2026 to apply BEFORE the autumn of 2025 – if you don’t sail in 2026 they last 10 years, so 2 future Jester Challenges!

For anyone worried about current US politics, please note that our friends in the US are still friends and as welcoming as ever, and that the visa requirements outlined above are long standing.

If you would like to add your name to the provisional skippers list please email us via the contact page. For more information see What is the Jester Challenge, and Jester Guidelines.