Report: Bloody Mary (2023/24 Seldén SailJuice Winter Series) – 6 Jan

5 Musto Skiffs turned up to 5-12 knots and a warm 10 degrees. Far too tropical conditions for the Bloody Mary.

Having missed one of the winter events, I got the far nicer coloured Silva rash vest. Whilst watching the early starts, we chuckled as the RS400 had a general recall and started 2min later. Definitely helping us overall.

The breeze built 3 knots 10 mins before our start, meaning we could stretch our legs in the puffs. Sam Barker won the pin. After we all tacked onto port, Fred Cudmore hit the after burners and flew out right into an early lead. Before finding one of the many holes at Queen Mary today. With Barker being sat on by the international canoe, meant Sam Pascoe had a small lead at the wind mark.

Down the first run, Fred nailed the right and took Barker and nearly Pascoe. We then had a tight reach. Sam, Fred and Dan Vincent held their kites whilst Barker didn’t and overtook Fred. The next beat decided the Musto Skiff positions for the day. Barker looked good early on but found an extra big hole and let Pascoe away. Fred let Dan through when he headed for the wrong windward mark. It was also the beat when we properly drop the RS700’s who started with us.

As we ended our first lap, traffic management became the name of the game. It took me a complete lap to pass 150 boats. It was all about clear air and staying out of trouble.

By the start of the third lap all I had to pass was the National 12, which, on a shifty and light beat wasn’t that easy. That left me 15 mins to build up a nice lead. Barker pulled through to an impressive 6th. Dan Vincent took 19th, Griff Tanner 34th, and Fred Cudmore 47th.

The good thing about today was I finally beat my dad’s second place he got 15 years ago in a 2.4m. That result leaves me and the Musto Skiffs in a strong place on the Selden SailJuice Winter Series.

Final words are to say thank you to Megan Pascoe and The AA for the rescue Barker van when we got a flat tire and had no jack or spanner.

The next event will be the King George Gallop – GBSC Qualifier at King George Sailing Club on 20 Jan 2024. Register for the event here >>