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Chris Jackson in the Jester challenge 2018

Mon, 14 May 2018 15:12:06 +0200

On Monday 7th of May Chris Jackson set off as participant in the 2018 Jester Challenge with his Albin Ballad ‘Sixpence’ This solo challenge is not for the faint hearted among us! It’s a non-stop solo yachtrally which was first sailed in 2006 as an affordable alternative for the OSTAR (Observer Singlehanded Trans Atlantic Race).

The name Jester Challenge refers to 25ft yacht ‘Jester’ which took part in the first OSTAR in 1960 as one of the smallest participants of that year. Owned by Blondie Hasler and later Mike Richey the yacht participated in all the OSTAR editions until the ‘90s. The Jester Challenge is open for yachts of under 10 meters LOA and is a true challenge against the prevailing westerly winds. Although 19 boats can be found on the entrylist, only 7 of them have actually set sail from start in Plymouth (UK).

Chris Jackson and Sixpence is fundraising for Alzheimers. More information about the fundraising campaign can be found here.

To follow Chris, check out his Yellow Brick Tracker.

To learn more about the Jester Challenge, check this website.

Rediscovering your old boat

Mon, 4 Sep 2017 14:27:10 +0200

Recently I happened to be in the UK for the SB20 Worlds in Cowes IOW. While being kept ashore waiting for enough wind to start racing, my eye was caught by the lovely lines of a well known yacht design. The Albin Ballad carrying the name Zora happened to be moored in the same marina.

I vaguely remembered that this yacht was offered for sale a couple of years ago via the English Ballad Club website. Curious to find out more about her new owner(s), I decided to stop by to introduce myself. Barry and Sara, Zora’s owners were onboard, so we found ourselves talking Ballad stuff in no time.

After a while I asked them when they had bought Zora. To my surprise they owned Zora for over 12 years already. It turned out Barry & Sarah bought another yacht - a Hunter 29- some years ago, while still owning Zora. They felt at that time the Hunter offered more luxury comfort in the marina. They tried selling Zora in the meantime, however without receiving a sufficient offer. After a year or so someone turned up offering quite a large amount for their relatively newly acquired Hunter. Although the Hunter being comfy in a marina, the couple missed the sailing qualities of the Ballad, so they accepted the offer on their Hunter and went back sailing on Zora again. They are very happy to be reunited again with the Ballad! Zora fits like a glove. I will not be separated with her again as long as we are able to go sailing!

Aemilia meets Tromp! (finally)

Sun, 28 May 2017 20:51:18 +0200

During the bank holiday weekend around Ascension day, we made a agreement to meet my brother & wife with their Ballad #1143 ‘Tromp’ on the Markermeer. And so we did! I made a small video. I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Aemilia wins Fort Race 2017!

Mon, 15 May 2017 20:06:20 +0200

Last weekend my son Tim and myself decided to enter for the Fort Race 2017, which is a sailing event organized by the combined Yacht Clubs in Haarlem. It was a single race in a triangle course. Aemilia sailed swift and easy in the 10-12 knots of breeze. For Tim it was his very first sailing race ever. Although we tried very hard to get the maximum out of the boat, we were pleasantly surprised to learn we actually took the first prize! Happy crew!

As winner we received a bottle of Haerlems Geluk, which means something like Happines from Haarlem. We couldn’t agree more!

55 mile Solo trip on the North Sea

Sat, 6 May 2017 19:55:07 +0200

Since Wendelien is playing tennis competition and other friends were occupied as well, I decided to make a solo sailtrip. The weather forecast predicted NE 4 or 5 Beaufort, so ideal circumstances for the high aspects and a single reef. I was amazed what a difference a new sail can make to the behaviour and performance of a sailing yacht. Aemilia made quite easy speeds over 6 knots while sailing close hauled to the wind. Great sailing! I could hardly stop at the end of the day...