Bloody Mary Pursuit Race 2024
Published 17:16 on 8 Jan 2024
The GJW Direct Bloody Mary pursuit race, the fifth leg of the Selden Sailjuice Series, was held at Queen Mary Sailing Club on Saturday 6 January 2024.
This race is one of the go to races for competitors and spectators alike. in the Selden Sailjuice Series.
The conditions were a vast improvement on last years gusty rain swept event. Much less wind this year, though enough to trapeze and no rain. That meant you could see what was going on from inside the clubhouse.
It's a great race to go and watch, though binoculars or a powerful lense on the camera are very useful. There is commentary from the club house throughout and also GPS tracking.
185 boats took part this year the most since Covid. Encouraging. The record is 502 back in the early 90s. It was won comfortably by Sam Pasco from Castle Cove SC in his Musto Skiff.
Several Tamesis members took part, though sailing from other clubs. Dad Griff Tanner in his Musto Skiff nr 568 and daughter Josie Tanner in Topper nr 49070, Ollie Houseman, Steve Wallen and Matt PJ in National 18 Ace nr 424, Tom and Ed Low in Merlin 3684 were all out on the water. Griff was 34th, Ollie, Steve and Matt were 28th, Tom and Ed were 41st. Josie came a very commendable 158th. Her first outing in this event, and tough for the Toppers as they start first at noon. The race finishes 1 hour 50 minutes later.
The were several former Tamesis members taking part including Richard Gray in an RS 400, and Ken Baker in a Yachting World Dayboat. Both have sailed Merlin at Tamesis in the past.
It was good to see Robin Broomfield and Paul Broomfield out in the Enterprise. They will be sailing next week (crossed fingers) in the Enterprise Traveller trophy.
Apart from being a major sailing event, the Bloody Mary is a great chance to see old friends and meet new ones.
Full report on the Queen Mary SC website
https://www.queenmary.org.uk/racing/bloody-mary/
Last updated 22:17 on 27 April 2025