The Bloody Mary 2002 saw 294 boats competing at Queen Mary Sailing Club on the surprisingly mild day of January 5th. Six Europes entered into the pursuit race, just enough to enable them to have their own class prize.

Despite there not being a breath of wind in sight, racing got underway at 12.00pm with the Toppers and 2.4 Metres. Shortly before the Europes were due to start a thick covering of fog descended upon the race course, making it virtually impossible to see the first mark! However seeing the first mark was not the only problem, seeing the other end of the line was the main problem for Chris Gill and Alasdair Green as they found out when they were called OCS and had to go back and restart.

With the Toppers and 2.4 Metres starting 18 minutes previously, the lead boat had long gone. The Europes and other classes of boats were left to find their own way around the course. After two hours of blind sailing, the fog lifted and we were at last able to see where we were supposed to be going! Unfortunately the fog had not lifted in time for the Europes to catch up with the leaders, the highest placed was Andrea Brewster in 28th.

Fellow Europe sailor Sarah Ayton also competed in the event, crewing for her brother in a firefly in which they came a respectable 27th place.

Andrea Brewster

28th - Andrea Brewster, Frensham Pond
76th - Chris Gill, Portishead
80th - Alasdair Green, Largs
89th - Helen McHale, Weston
185th - Chris Hughes, Weston
295th (Rtd) - James Eynon, Weston