A competitor in Saturday’s Jester challenge transatlantic race has had to pull out due to family problems, but is interested in letting another skipper sail his boat instead. Race organiser Ewan Southby-Tailyour told PBO that Paul Svendson’s 27ft junk-rigged Warsash One Design Vacuum was all set to go and he ‘would be delighted for someone to come forward and race the yacht in his place.’

There are no pre-entry requirements for the Jester challenge, due to start on Saturday 3 June at 1200 BST; competitors must simply fill out a disclaimer form before leaving and may even start a day late if necessary. Organisers recommend participants complete a 500-mile solo sail and acquire 3rd party insurance. Skippers must be over the age of 18 and be ready to ‘assume the full responsibility for all duty of care by the skipper’.

If you are interested in taking approximately 35 days out and ‘racing’ single-handed across the Atlantic, the organiser, Ewan Southby-Tailyour is keen to hear from you and will put you in touch with the skipper Paul Svendson. Tel: 01752 698035 / 07815 317838 or visit: www.jesterinfo.org