The "Bloody Mary" Regatta

We did it ! Gerry & I have competed in the famous "Bloody Mary" regatta at Queen Mary reservoir. And we are alive to tell about it ( see photo!). 

The Bloody Mary Pursuit Race is the largest inland dinghy race held in the UK. Open to all dinghy classes with a PY number equal to or lower that the International Topper, it takes the form of a two and half hour Pursuit Race with the slowest boat starting at 12:00 noon and the faster boats starting progressively later depending on a handicap rating which is set by the Race Committee.

This iconic event, which is in the Yachts and Yachting hall of fame as one of the Top 5 events in the world, draws competitors from all over the UK and the Continent.

The day had not started well:- We had hired a car with a tow bar to take us from the Welsh Harp to Queen Mary Sailing Club, only to discover that it had a 13-pin electric socket, which did not work with the 7-pin electric plug on our lighting board. A quick trip to the Welsh Harp Boat Shop resolved this - thanks to Rob and Jeff at the shop for your advice - but we ended up an hour later than we had planned. It was then a case of rapidly rigging the boat (along with 200 others), whilst Gerry rushed off to find out what the course was.

The earlier forecasts had 15-20 knot winds, with 30+ gusts, but initially the conditions looked milder. So the decision was taken to use our best P&B sails - the occasion warranted it.

We launched a bit late, and ate a couple of sandwiches on the boat, as we waited for the 23 minute starting slot.

Fortunately, there weren't that many slower boats like the GP14, so we were able to get a reasonable start, although some way behind the other 4 or 5 "GP"s that were in the same starting slot. The Laser start was happening behind us, and after a few minutes we began to notice them on our tail. Gerry's job as lookout had just go more difficult !

The course was massive and complex, and Gerry had taped a map to the boat, and was continually having to review it.

Following the first beat, we hoisted the spinnaker, and were able to make good progress down-wind. The Asymmetric Spinnaker boats were off to the sides, as we took the shortest course. After gybing, it was time to drop our spinnaker. Unfortunately, I dropped the halyard too quickly, Gerry put the kite into the wrong part of the boat, and we ended up with knitting all over the floor, and a spinnaker sheet under the hull. Thus ended our spinnaker flying for the day. Mistakes happen. It was a pity, because much of the course turned out to be dead down-wind, so we had to "goose wing" the sails in those circumstances.

Half way round the course, the fun began, as faster boats like 420s (with fitter, more able helms) began to sneak past us. We were having to make allowances for these, as we gauged the overlap at each mark rounding.

We completed the first circuit of the reservoir, but then realised that all was not over - another hour-and-a-half to go, and another two entire circuits.

Things got exciting at one mark, as we were overtaken by a high performance 505, with a tough-looking crew-member hanging on the trapeze at full stretch. They promptly capsized right at the mark rounding. I think they were enjoying themselves. We had to take avoiding action.

The wind was getting stronger, and other boats were capsizing around the place, but Gerry did a great job helping to keep the boat flat.

Mark rounding began to get complicated, as boats came in from all angles. A couple of RS 400 suddenly arrived at full speed.

I did manage to luff up an unfortunate RS 200 about 10 boat lengths from one mark, so we made a perfect rounding: only a small victory, but it gave me a slight satisfaction !

Where did that Foiling Moth come from ? ??

As the day progressed, the wind got stronger, there were more capsizes, and the fleet spread out in front of us. It began to be tricky to find the next mark. We were reduced to debating with passing boats, until we eventually worked out where to go.

It was a long, tiring race, as we eventually ended up with a gaggle of RS Quests for company, and a lonely Topper. As we went round the final mark, the committee boat at the finishing line called out a "well done". We had made it. Gerry had done a brilliant crewing job.

Our final score was 196th out of 218 entrants.

The wind really picked up at the end, and we were planning back on a reach to the clubhouse. The wind began to scream through 200 sets of rigging, as everyone struggled to get their boats packed away. In the end, the promised 20 knot winds arrived - and more - with what seemed like hailstones at time. It took hours to get the boat packed away and make our way home in the darkness back to the Welsh Harp.

We had done the "Bloody Mary" - nothing had broken, no capsizes - and lived to tell the tale !