The Jester Challenge 2010, first boats finish in fast times.

The Jester Challenge 2010 celebrates 50 years since the first solo Trans Atlantic race in 1960 in which 'Blondie' Hasler sailed Jester across in 45 days. This years event has been a great success and will no doubt encourage the next cohort of under 30 foot boats for 2014. Congratulations to the skippers for their courage and seamanship and to the organisers for their vision and dedication.

Arrivals:
1st      Igor Zaretskiy on The Grand, a Peterson 25,
      Arrived 26.06.10 @0200 EST. 33 days 19 hours.
2nd.    Rory McDougall on Cooking Fat, a Wharram Tiki 21
      Arrived 26.06.10 @ 0300 EST. 33 days 20 hours 30 mins.
3rd.     Roger Fitzgerald on Ella Trout III, a Dehler 29.
       Arrived 27.06.10 @ 17.31.59 UTC. 34 days.

These are excellent crossing times for boats under 30 ft, Ostar 2009 had 2 big boats finish in over 39 days. The history books indicate that 35 days is a good time for a heavy 26 footer.

There are nine boats still sailing

The tracks and positions of boats reporting can be viewed on www.oceanracetrack.com, the tradionalists remain in stealth mode.

       Roger Taylor on Ming Ming, junk rigged Corribee still at sea with no contact as expected.
      Trevor Leek on Jester,the junk rigged Folk Boat still at sea with no contact as expected.(typically 45 - 55 days)

       Tony Head on Triple Fantasy, a Twister, 265 miles to go on 29.06.10. Hoping to be the next arrival around July 4,there may be Fireworks ?
    
      John Apps on Glayva a UFO 27( spoke to Solo Racing Restival ),40.02N, 53.44W on 29.06.10
      Thomas Tucker on Marta a Bristol Channel cutter,41.43N, 64.11W on 30.06.10
      Tim McCloy on China Blue a Junk rigged Folk Boat is in Terceira re-provisioning on 22.06.10. Setting off west again ASAP.
      Alexi Fedoruk on Fason, a modified Olympic Dragon,44.14N, 50.37W on 29.06.10.
      Michail Soldatov on Gerda, an Albin Vega 27, 41.48N, 59.02W on 29.06.10.

    Denis Gorman. Lizzie -G, was stopped in Azores for repairs but has restarted

The biggest worry for the boats still racing is the possibility of an early hurricane, Paul Simons wrotes in the Times,3rd July 2010:
The first Atlantic hurricane of the year 'Alex', was a cat 2 storm with max winds of 105mph in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday 30th June.
This was an unusually early hurricane, the first to strike in June for 15 years, adding to fears that this will be an exceptionally active season.

Retirements:(see latest info on   http://www.jesterinfo.org/jc2010entrylist.html)

Guy Waites on Red admiral. Turned back from 48.83N, 07.52W with broken bulkhead. Arrived Salcombe 20.06.10.

Chris Garbett on Jasabe, turned back on 19.06.10 with self-steering failure.

Duncan Lougee on Vanquera retired to Horta with rig problems on 17.06.10

Andy Lane on Amadeus dismasted, holed and sank just north of 40N, 51W on 15.06.10. Picked up by US vessel MV Courage after 7 hours. Heading to Antwerp.

Nigel Stillman on Grettel. Retired 1/3 of the way across. Headed home on 18.06.10.

Gus Davidson retired to Ponta Delgardo on 09.06.10 as had run out of time.

David Graham on Astro retired 30.06.10 with gear failure.

John Margeson on Fluffy retired from position 48.4N, 22.55W 30.06.10 after storm which shredded headsail after reefing line chafed through.

Bill Churchouse on Belgean fell overboard just off Scilly. Self recovered and retired to Penzance.

Scott Turner on Altamira retired to Plymouth on 28.06.10 with steering gear failure.

Chris Jackson on Sixpence retired from position 50.15N, 17.24W on 28.06.10 with steering gear failure. Arrived Fowey safely.

Alan Rees on Argos retired on 23.06.10 due to not being ready.