Celebrating 50 Years of Racing – Sign Up for the GJW Direct 50th Bloody Mary Pursuit Race!
by Tony Bishop 26 Nov 2025 16:19 GMT
10 January 2026
The GJW Direct Bloody Mary © Alex Irwin /
www.sportography.tv
Queen Mary Sailing Club (QMSC) is gearing up for a momentous milestone, the 50th edition of the legendary Bloody Mary Pursuit Race. Taking place on January 10, 2026, this iconic event remains one of the most anticipated events of the SailJuice Winter Series and a highlight of the UK dinghy racing season for half a century.
Over the past five decades, the race has been won by some of the finest names in sailing, including Mike McNamara, John Merricks, Ian Walker, Mark Campbell-James, Ian Barker, Simon Hiscocks, Rob Greenhalgh, and SailJuice's very own Andy Rice to name a few. Etching your name onto the winner's list is to join an elite club of sailors.
Glen Wallis, representing GJW Direct who are continuing their sponsorship of Bloody Mary, states, "We're delighted to be the title sponsor of the Bloody Mary again and part of the 50-year anniversary celebrations. It's a real privilege to be involved in this hugely anticipated event to kick off the 2026 racing season. GJW Direct can help arrange comprehensive insurance to many classes of dinghies and other leisure boats, offering a simple online quote and buy service and a UK based team of specialists to assist."
The two-and-a-half-hour pursuit race will begin at 12:00 noon, with the slowest boats setting off first, followed by progressively faster classes according to handicap. This unique format ensures a dynamic, inclusive and exhilarating competition for sailors of every level.
Please note that race entry will be online only. Participants are strongly encouraged to register early. Entries close at midnight on Thursday, January 8th, 2025, so don't miss your chance to be part of this spectacular 50th edition.
For full details, including online entry, Notice of Race and sailing instructions, please visit the QMSC website at www.queenmary.org.uk/racing/bloody-mary
Race Details:
- Date: January 10, 2026
- Time: 12:00 noon (race start)
- Location: Queen Mary Sailing Club, Ashford, Middlesex
- Format: Pursuit race, with boats starting based on their PY handicap
- Online Entry Deadline: Midnight, Thursday, January 9th, 2025
Enter here!
Do not miss your chance to be part of one of the most exciting events in the sailing calendar!