Jester Baltimore 2023

well, i had a good go. fatigue and a few boat issues got the better of me.

[@richardomalley1746]

AIS transponder YES particularly for single handlers. Best of luck and fair winds

[@sailawayteam]

I also think transponder is a valuable safety feature. A solo or even a shorthanded crew will by necessity have situations where lookout is compromized, and therefore advertizing one's position through AIS gives so much more chances to avoid collision.

[@jimmydodger4622]

Hi Justin, Mike here from Calypso. It was great to meet you at the Jester and down at Cargreen. Sorry you didn't make it but it's always the right decision to play safe if something doesn't feel right so well done on making that call. I got an AIS transponder just before the trip and it certainly added huge peace of mind while taking naps etc and removed all that thinking about whether I'd been seen. A large ship changed course in masses of time and it seemed that even the fishing boats were a bit more helpful than usual (?).

[@SVRoquetta]

That's interesting, and good to know mate. Good to meet you too 👍👍. So far, there does seem to be a consensus regarding AIS...

[@alexfajardo8809]

Wise man if you ask me… love to see your vids

[@ourpetboat]

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE THOSE WHO DO AND THOSE WHO CAN ONLY SPEAK OF WHAT THEY WILL DO.

[@PatrickHoodDaniel]

You made the right decision. I am very sorry to hear of the loss. I guess he wasn't wearing an EPIRB.

[@benjaminhudd149]

AIS transponder YES! I’ve a corribee 21 that I take out ‘beyond swimming range’ and I swear by it. It’s made by digital yachts and works though my iPad. Enjoyed your 2021 Azores jester films.. wise man to know when things don’t feel right…

[@SVRoquetta]

Thanks, yep, I'm sure n the lookout for a second hand one I recon 👍👍

[@TheFlyingPlectrum]

All very grown up decisions mate. Think of it as a proper shake down for your next adventure. As for AIS. I wouldn't be without it as I've seen many vessels alter course for me beyond visual range and just the knowledge that they can see me helps me relax a little when there is traffic around. Terrible news about the loss, gave me a moment to think about the way I sail. I've definitely got a little lazy with the harness over the last few years.

[@SVRoquetta]

So have I mate, so have i

[@gwrdriver1660]

hi Justin, you should do a jammy Dodger locker, just for jammy Dodgers. you could fill it to last coupleof weeks

[@SVRoquetta]

Now you're talkin.

[@MrRichiewake]

The fulmar infront will soon be behind 🤔🤣. You made the right choice in retiring, just a shame I could not gloat for beating you in Baltimore.

[@SVRoquetta]

I don't really treat it as a race mate, well done for getting there anyway... Will you do the Azores next year?

[@benh9928]

How strict are they (Jesters) on length of boat? Asking as a Rival 36 owner… PS. I like your stern arch: is it bespoke and what is it made of? Thx

[@SVRoquetta]

I think... They are more like guidelines than actual rules.... But a 36' boat isn't really in the jester spirit. My solar arch is fibreglass, I made it. I have to say I've been very happy with it 👍

[@benh9928]

@@SVRoquetta fair enough, I could just sail there anyway I guess. Nice DIY job, not sure anything I made would like quite like that…

[@alanball7450]

Another great video Justin, we used to say in the army prior preparation and planning prevents p-- poor performance, you MUST square away your jammy dodger provisions 👍 I’m no where even near your level of knowledge and seamanship but I can’t see how AIS transponders are a bad thing, if you’re not happy with being tracked you can just turn them off, you’re always crossing the channel, gurnsey last year scileys every year, you’re an inspiration, a normal bloke with a normal budget doing what I and probably others aspire to do

[@SVRoquetta]

Thank you for your generous words! Yes ... the concensus seems to be to get it....

[@alanball7450]

@@SVRoquetta and video the installation lol 👍stay safe and best of luck with your paramedic stuff

[@richardayres2949]

Yep, AIS transponder. Helpful for all sorts of reasons, ships see you, friends who might be sailing in company can see where you are, etc., etc.

[@rc2706]

Love the video, If the passage didn’t feel right, then retiring was definitely the right decision. As for AIS transmitter, I would recommend it. I find it comforting to know that other vessels know my position even before they can see me.

[@berniebranfield8124]

AIS transponder makes collision avoidance much more straight forward but there are several limitations and being tracked can be one of them.

[@twowheelexploration9228]

Brilliant video mate you definitely made the right decision mate. Love all of it .

[@thoriumsailing]

I've scratched two trips for similar reasons and while disappointing, I knew it was the right answer. Glad you had the opportunity to test Roquetta, go through the preparations, and test your decision making; those are good things too. Thank you for reminding everyone: Jester is a hard thing, period.

[@jcfgh]

Correct decision, skipper. Well done in any case. You made Scillies and back look effirtless, even into the wind! All the best

[@neddythened2698]

AIS transponder... why wouldn't you get one? You don't have to switch it on unless you feel the need to.

[@SVRoquetta]

Well... Mainly the expense, 3-5 hundred notes plus antennas etc hurts, and the logic of having one if it could be switched off..

[@neddythened2698]

@@SVRoquetta There are always limitations to the choices we make for boats and kit, that is why I have neither AIS or a yacht ;-). You may want to turn the transponder off to conserve battery power and only use it when crossing shipping lanes or sleeping; privacy may also be a factor... you may not want your fans tracking you down! I am sure you will come up with the best decision for you.

[@markholt8480]

Always good to see you out there mate

[@JamieBowenSailingPlymouthUK]

Arctic Smoke has an AIS transponder, and it can only be a good thing can't it? Anything that increases your chances of being seen by others get's my thumbs up.

[@SVRoquetta]

Perhaps... I don't like the idea of being tracked. I'm sure that how the jester challengers got their COVID fines after they returned from the Azores. There are ais satellites . Very useful in an emergency of course..

[@JamieBowenSailingPlymouthUK]

@@SVRoquetta You can turn them off when you don't want to send out your ping... go dark. I guess having one means you can choose when to be visible and when not to be?