Sam Pascoe wins the GJW Direct 48th Bloody Mary

 

Musto Skiff sailor Sam Pascoe won the GJW Direct Bloody Mary pursuit race, the fifth leg of the Selden Sailjuice Series, held at Queen Mary Sailing Club on Saturday 6 January 2024.

The winning helm from Castle Cove Sailing Club, crossed the line ahead of a 185 boat fleet accompanied by sailors representing 52 boat classes from 84 sailing clubs. A dry north westerly force 2 to 3 wind greeted the sailors, with the sun poking holes in the clouds during the race, competitors had no complaints about the conditions.

Winning helm, Sam Pasco said: "It's a very great feeling, I've chased it for quite a long time, brilliant to win it. I got a second last year, matching my Dad's result in a 2.4 from 17 years ago, so a good one to tick off the list!"

Martin Pue, race director, said: "The 48th GJW Direct Bloody Mary was an extremely competitive race leading to prizes being awarded to the top ten boats across six different classes. A huge success overall with a great turnout, it was impressive to see nearly over 20 youth helms, and 38 Grand Masters.

"The race was well organised and a huge thanks must go to the volunteers, the race management team, safety teams and staff who worked tirelessly throughout the day. We would like to thank our title sponsors GJW Direct and also the Selden SailJuice Winter Series."

Overall Results: (top ten)

1. Sam Pascoe - Musto Skiff, Castle Cove S.C.

2. Tom Gillard & Rachael Gray - Merlin Rocket, Sheffield Viking S.C.

3. Jack Holden & Robert Anderson - RS400, Chichester Y.C

4. Graham Camm & Anya Camm - National 12, Burghfield S.C.

5. Philip Meakins & Richard Anderton - Osprey, Warsash Y.C.

6. Sam Barker - Musto Skiff, Castle Cove S.C.

7. Ian Martin & Chris Martin - Merlin Rocket, Burghfield S.C.

8. Ian Walker & Anna Warren - RS400, Warsash Y.C.

9. Matt Reid & Libby Watkins - RS400, Parkway Y.C.

10. Ben Saxton & Lottie Fields - Merlin Rocket, RYA

Helm prizes:

First Lady Helm: Ann Jackson & Alan Skeens - Enterprise, Burghfield S.C

First Queen Mary Helm: Griff Tanner Musto Skiff, QMSC.

Grand Master: Philip Meakins & Richard Anderton - Osprey, Warsash Y.C.

First Junior Helm: Edwin Cross ILCA 6, Shoreham S.C.

Class prizes were also awarded to:

ILCA 6 - Edwin Cross, Shoreham S.C.

ILCA 7 - Jamie Blake, Great Moor S.C

Merlin Rocket - Tom Gillard & Rachel Gray, Sheffield Viking S.C

RS200 - Thomas Goodey & Verity Hopkins, RNSA

RS400 - Jack Holden & Robert Henderson, Chichester Y.C

RS800 - Ben Palmer & Dicken, Hayling Island S.C

Topper - Sam Mason, Silver Wing S.C