The Jester Challenge 2006

Shanti arrived yesterday evening in Newport 44 days, 6 hours and 56
minutes. I had a very good crossing via the Azores route.
I believe I came in second and last!
Shanti’s trip across to Newport was very pleasant and surprisingly fast. I arrived tanned and relaxed at the finish on Monday 17th July with a time of 44 days, 6 hours and 56 minutes. The distance actually sailed (adding day to day runs) was 3640 miles.
I chose the Azores route to try and avoid the gales and fog of the northern passage, and in this I was successful. The strongest winds experienced were force 7, but for most of the passage the winds were moderate or light.
I passed close west of San Miguel island, in the Azores and then down as far as 33 N 45 W, before heading towards Newport. During the second half of the trip I experienced much light winds with 3 days of near calm close to the finish.
It was good to get in, especially as a tropical storm is due to pass close east tonight. Thank goodness there are no other competitors still at sea.

Pete Hill