Dazed And Confused In The Jester Baltimore Challenge

When they decide to venture offshore, solo sailors face an insidious and pervasive enemy, as Andy Robinson finds out.

In 2015 I took part in the Jester Baltimore Challenge, a single handed sailing event for small yachts: from Plymouth, or Pwllheli, to Baltimore in Ireland. It is run on a gentlemanly basis with no regulations and the skippers are responsible for their own safety. After two years of caring for my poorly wife, I needed a break. What could be more relaxing than a sailing trip to Ireland? During the winter I prepared my Moody 29, Crusoe Too. She needed few modifications, fitting AIS was the main one. I had an old autopilot, but worried about its reliability. Short of money, I had a cunning plan. I bought an identical autopilot but kept it boxed. I would use it in an emergency, otherwise I would return it later and get a refund. Great idea in theory, as it was not needed, but it’s still boxed on the boat 12 months later!

Ready and raring to go 

The rest of the winter was spent planning the route. I copied useful navigation information onto laminated sheets, which let me navigate on deck in rough weather without having to go below.

Finally, Crusoe Too was ready; she never let me down and nothing broke. If only I had put as much effort into making myself ready, everything would have been fine. 

After a stressful year, I arrived in Pwllheli feeling frazzled. The big day dawned and the fleet set off accompanied by dolphins. We headed out into a lumpy Irish Sea and the fleet split. I should have started my sleep routine but I was enjoying myself, there would be plenty of time for snoozing later. Darkness fell and I tried to sleep. My routine was to check for boats, dash below, set the AIS proximity alarm, set a kitchen timer for 15 minutes, sleep, dash back on deck, and repeat, but I could not sleep with no-one on watch.