Check-in/OK message from Scotts Jester Spot SPOT Personal Tracker

Scotts Jester Spot
Latitude:55.92943
Longitude:-2.82581
GPS location Date/Time:03/10/2012 13:29:06 GMT

Message:All fine if you want to see my position follow the link to google maps

Click the link below to see where I am located.
http://fms.ws/7GnYp/55.92943N/2.82581W

If the above link does not work, try this link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=55.92943,-2.82581&ll=55.92943,-2.82581&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Scotts Jester Spot

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http://www.findmespot.com

Update

Just thought I would update you all on everything.

 

Altamira arrived back from Plymouth 2 weeks ago and after some repairs will be launched in North Berwick hopefully this weekend.

 

Out of 26 starters for the Jester 2010 twelve remain on course to complete.

 

14 have had to sadly retire

 

9 Have had gear failure from Self Steering to electric problems.

1 Man overboard

1 Out of time

1 Sinking (skipper rescued by cargo ship MV Courage)

 

9 boats are currently between 1 week and 2 weeks away from Rhode Island these are the boats that have trackers

3 boats unaccounted for due to no gps trackers on board but all assumed to be safe.

 

If you wish to follow the progress of these boats you can log on to www.oceanracetrack.com click on Jester Chart position.

 

Scott

Back in Plymouth

Dear All

Just arrived back a 2am this morning and thought I would give you a update on what went wrong.

I was making very good progress boat was sailing well in seas of 15/20 feet with a following 25 mph wind. Not sure about the exact time but I got side swiped by a 20 footer on the stern of the boat at first glance all looked well however the boat started sailing in circles and I discovered that the self steering gear pendulum was locked in the up position and would not move. I tryed for a couple of hours to try and free it but the damaged piece was under the water making it impossible to free it. I had to deploy the sea anchor and get some rest before trying again but problems soon started as the self steering gear kept on turning the boat side on to the waves. The motion was awful and caused me to be sea sick something that I have never had before. I then made one last effort to free the gear but again failed I am sure that it was not badly damaged but because it was under water I could not free it. I then had to take the decision to abandon the gear this was made with a heavy heart as I knew that it would be impossible to carry on to Rhode Island without it. I unbolted the gear from the stern of the boat and let it slide to the bottom. At this point I now knew that it was all over and I turned for home. It has taken me tree days of very hard sailing with no sleep to bring Altamira home but home we are.

I would just like to thank all my family friends and well wishers for all of their support and messages of support it has been a great comfort.

However I am devastated at failing to reach my goal of reaching the other side especially after such a long time of planning for this race.

I have sailed a lot of boats in my time however if any one is thinking of purchasing one I could not praise the Westerly boats higher never did I feel at any time that that boat would let me down.

I will be able to publish the few days of video that was taken in the next few days.

I always said that this would be my one and only shot at doing the Jester Challenge all or bust, unfortunately it is bust but that has not changed my mind and there will be no more attempts.

Once again thanks to you all for the last three years of support and help.

Scott

Scotts' been battling against the wind since he's turned round, but he has managed a good run this afternoon.  He's nearly at Pymouth and hopes to be there in the early hours of Friday morning.  Thanks to everyone for their support and good wishes it will go along way in bolstering him.  He is very disapponted.  It has been 3 years in planning, preparation and a lot of expense and for it all to end like this is heartbreaking!  However if you read this Scott, everyone is so proud of you.  You were on your way to making your dream come true and challenging yourself at the same time.  There are not many of us that would want to have been in your shoes.  Lots of love from all your family and friends. 

Day 4

Unfortunately everyone, as some of you may have noticed Scott has had to turn back.  I haven't had a chance to speak to him myself but he has phoned home and spoke to Nicole saying that after a storm his self steering has broke and he needs to turn back.  Obviously he is extremely upset and disappointed.   This is a major piece of equipment and must be unrepairable for Scott to turn his boat around.  I am hoping he gets back in touch as soon as he can.  I will keep you all posted as to what's happening when I get some news.  Lorraine 

bon voyage

Scott set sail at 1pm on Sunday 23rd May, sun was scorching and there was enough wind to get him off on his big adventure!    Unfortunately the wind tailed off and it has taken a long time today to get going again.   Last night was a bit rough because he wasn't moving, sea very choppy with the boat rolling from side to side and lots of tankers to avoid!  At the present moment he is at the Scilly Isles. 

scotts away