Cian
New member
Hello folks,
Covid caught me out this summer and I was unable to take part in the Baltimore Challenge as hoped. Not to worry though; all going well I'll make 2023!
Planning for these challenges has got me thinking about the boat length requirements. I understand the idea of promoting an event that focuses on self-reliance and good seamanship ahead of ever bigger boats, expensive equipment and faster times; basically excluding all but the very wealthy or sponsored.
At the same time, I wonder if enforcing the 30' limit is, in it's own way, more exclusionary than the spirit of the Jester Challenge initially intended.
My own boat is 32' (well, 31' 1/2!). She's a compromise between having space for a family sailing together while still being manageable on my own. I'd love to participate in the Jester Challenge because I admire the ethos of the event: the idea of taking on a challenge and relying on yourself to achieve it. I think I could engage with the spirit of a Jester event but, obviously, the size of my boat officially precludes me from doing so.
I'm full of admiration for the sailors who make long voyages in small boats and I recognise that in doing so they're achieving something special. In that regard, I think the Jester performs admirably.
But my humble suggestion is that perhaps the event could evolve and include another category that would open an opportunity for those in sightly larger boats, say up to 35', to take part. I believe a poster in a previous thread even suggest a name - the Joker Challenge.
Perhaps I'm completely in the wrong and missing the point entirely. If I am, feel free to tell me. You might convince we one way or the other!
Covid caught me out this summer and I was unable to take part in the Baltimore Challenge as hoped. Not to worry though; all going well I'll make 2023!
Planning for these challenges has got me thinking about the boat length requirements. I understand the idea of promoting an event that focuses on self-reliance and good seamanship ahead of ever bigger boats, expensive equipment and faster times; basically excluding all but the very wealthy or sponsored.
At the same time, I wonder if enforcing the 30' limit is, in it's own way, more exclusionary than the spirit of the Jester Challenge initially intended.
My own boat is 32' (well, 31' 1/2!). She's a compromise between having space for a family sailing together while still being manageable on my own. I'd love to participate in the Jester Challenge because I admire the ethos of the event: the idea of taking on a challenge and relying on yourself to achieve it. I think I could engage with the spirit of a Jester event but, obviously, the size of my boat officially precludes me from doing so.
I'm full of admiration for the sailors who make long voyages in small boats and I recognise that in doing so they're achieving something special. In that regard, I think the Jester performs admirably.
But my humble suggestion is that perhaps the event could evolve and include another category that would open an opportunity for those in sightly larger boats, say up to 35', to take part. I believe a poster in a previous thread even suggest a name - the Joker Challenge.
Perhaps I'm completely in the wrong and missing the point entirely. If I am, feel free to tell me. You might convince we one way or the other!