Sailing across an ocean is a challenge whatever the vessel, but there’s a particular type of person who decides to do it single-handed in a small boat. For these brave souls, The Jester Challenge might appeal, and John Apps visited the Club to tell us why.
The Challenge is intended for boats between 20 and 30 foot, but is one of the few competitions where ‘there are no rules’. For the main Challenge, Plymouth is the start, and Newport, Rhode Island the destination. It’s not a race, but more a test of skipper and boat. Even a crossing of 410 days is a victory, just ask John! That was his result on his first attempt, in 2006 (finishing in 2007), which gave him a third place on the podium.
12th February 2025