Big names getting ready for Bloody Battle
by Andy Rice, SailJuice.com 6 Jan 2016 14:59 GMT
9 January 2016
Bloody Mary action © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
The Bloody Mary looks set to become the biggest event of the GJW Direct SailJuice Winter Series, with almost 200 entries already registered.
As usual, this classic pursuit race hosted by Queen Mary Sailing Club is attracting the great and the good to the west London reservoir this Saturday. Chris Howarth and Vyv Townend (Fireball World Champions), Tom Gillard and Andy Couch (multiple champions racing in a 505) and Nick Craig and Toby Lewis (multiple Endeavour Champions), who on this occasion are racing a GP14 in preparation for the GP Worlds in Barbados later this year.
The Bloody Mary is the sixth of seven events in this winter's Series, and after last weekend's Oxford Blue we see a third new leader this season, Craig Williamson (Laser) jumping to the top. Ian Horlock (Supernova) lies in second and David Summerville (D-Zero) means it is all singlehanded hiking boats currently filling the podium. However with 4 results to count and 2 events to go, with 112 sailors currently in two or more results, the Series is still wide open.
Here's an update on the other competitions within the competition:
Trident Top Club Rankings
Steady going for the top 3: Hill Head, Burghfield and Staunton Harold, with Burghfield narrowing the gap to the leaders. Hayling Island jump to 4th overall, with Datchet and Draycote also making gains up the leaderboard.
Battle of the Classes, Top Class
D-Zeros still maintain their lead from the start of the Series, although Lasers and RS200s have both closed the gap after a strong showing at the Oxford Blue.
Gul Top Lady Award
Jessica Berney (National 18) leapfrogs from third to top spot, swapping with Eleanor Craig (Radial). Early leader Kim May-Papailiou (29er) holds onto second place. Waiting in the wings with three results each are Ann Jackson (Enterprise) and Val Millward (Challenger), both looking good for podium finishes with two events to go and four to count.
MUSTO Speed Challenge
Ralph Singleton (RS800) now tops the MUSTO Speed Wall after an adjusted speed of 16.1 kts achieved at the Oxford Blue.
Harken Youth Trophy
Tom Southwell (D-Zero) maintains his unbeaten run at the top of the Harken Youth Rankings. Nick Devereux (GP14) moves up to second. There are several sailors currently counting two events including Arran Holman (29er) and Edward Higson (Laser) tied on 122 points, who have potential to mount late challenges.
Meanwhile, if you want to guarantee your spot the Bloody Mary, online entry for £17 is available before midnight on 6 January 2016. Otherwise you can take your chances on the day, provided the 350 entry limit hasn't been reached.
Provisional overall results after five events can be found here and to enter other events in the Series visit www.SailJuiceSeries.com.