Victoria Shadow Association Members' Forum

Tobias_Menke

Member

Registered: 2010-09-16

Posts: 16

JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

I think that we should honour and support Jonathans&FRANCESCAs participation in the shortly starting JAC !!!
Who could do that on site ? 
However - I wish him a safe and enjoyable trip and will be very curious about his experiences !
FrancesJosephine/Kiel
P.S:possibly the route could be followed by oceanracetrack.com

Jonathan_Hopper

Member

Registered: 2004-03-23

Posts: 164

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

Thank you Tobias that is very kind of you.

I have managed to get myself and Francesca down to Plymouth ready for the start.   Currently mopping up one or two jobs that escaped the winter preparation list.   One thing that has frustrated me over the years is a small water weep from somewhere around the anchor locker.   It only happens when taking green seas over the bows, and in spite of re-seating everything in sight, I still get a damp sleeping bag.   If anyone can solve this between now and Sunday I would be very grateful.

All else seems to be going well.   Boat is full of food and spares - little space left for me.   Not yet sure whether the trip is madness or an inspiration - I'll let you know on my return.   There are a fair number of larger boats turning up, but fortunately a 22 footer has also arrived so I am feeling better!

Hopefully I shall be on Oceanracetrack, although my positions will need to be put in by hand rather than the easy way with a tracking device - assuming the satelite phone works and I can work out how to use it!

Jonathan

Tobias_Menke

Member

Registered: 2010-09-16

Posts: 16

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

Jonathan - hope you´ll will get some helps. But in every case: its not madness. Its inspirating and encouraging for you and all "simple-(frances)-sailors" - - even you have or want to stop or return early ! What to throw over the rail: stress.

Jon_Spencer

Member

Registered: 2003-11-23

Posts: 162

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

I fully agree with Mike; good luck Jonathan on your adventure, and just do your best to match the performance of your great little boat.  All of us in the Association will be supporting your efforts and challenge.
Jon Spencer.

Anne_Grubb

Member

Registered: 1997-09-17

Posts: 4

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

Has anyone got Oceantrackmaster to work properly?

Tobias_Menke

Member

Registered: 2010-09-16

Posts: 16

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

Actually we got a first position of Francesca and Jonathan - see oceanracetrack. Obviously its all o.k.

Anne_Grubb

Member

Registered: 1997-09-17

Posts: 4

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

Yes got it working  now.  Jonathan is doing well - about 5th place.

Tobias_Menke

Member

Registered: 2010-09-16

Posts: 16

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

"oc-ra-tra" just gave us the news (by Clare) that Jonathan & Francesca decided to turn home. I think we should show our respect for their really hard cruise up to now and wish him a safe return leg. Following the north-east-atlantic weather data in these days - and the predictions - its more than understandable !

Jonathan_Hopper

Member

Registered: 2004-03-23

Posts: 164

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

Thanks to all of you for your support and interest.   I am now safely back in Plymouth, and sitting out the latest depression before the long haul back to Gillingham.   Looks horrible out there.   Glad I am not out in it!

Deciding to turn back at that stage was not easy.   In terms of land distance miles done I was nearer the destination than the uk, but at that stage looking at the weather I was reckon that I would have to sail another 700 miles mainly beating.   I had had some excellent days off the wind on the way down, which as every 26 owner knows they excell at.   However as soon as beating was mentioned I struggled to make good headway,and  keep myself from getting too tired to keep going.   The depression (weather not me) was a bit of a shock.   Although Francesca heaved to very well (tripple reefed main plus handerchief of genoa), I still had a fair number of waves crashing into and over the boat, and the thought of having to go through one more of these, and possibly more, did effect my decision.   From the weather forecast, and a tired and battered skipper, I could see my way fighting to the finish line, and then decide not to set sail for the UK a week later!   Whilst I would have been very happy drinking Azores beer for a few weeks, but family weekend pass would have expired!  

Whilst disappointed on not reaching the end line, we both did well on out first outing to deep water.   Don't tell Clare but it has not put me off!

Peter_Allen

Member

Registered: 1996-05-11

Posts: 10

Re: JESTER AZORES CHALLENGE

Glad to learn that you have returned safe and sound (possibly a bit bruised and battered) to Plymouth.  From other competitors reports conditions must have been horrendous.

It cannot have been easy to decide to turn back after so much effort.  A brave decision and one I am sure was correct under the circumstances.

You should feel proud of your achievement and enjoy a well deserved drink and some rest in Plymouth .