Sam continues to lead the way at Bloody Mary!
Published 11:01pm on 6 Jan 2024
Sam reports...
That 5 Musto skiffs turned up to 5-12 knots and a warm 10 degrees. Far too tropical conditions for the Bloody Mary.
Having missed one of the winter events I got the far nicer coloured Silva rash vest. Whilst watching the early starts we chuckled as the RS400 had a general recall and started 2min later. Definitely helping us overall.
The breeze built 3 knots 10min before our start meaning we could stretch our legs in the puffs. Sam Barker won the pin. After we all tacked onto port Fred Cudmore hit the after burners and flew out right into an early lead. Before finding one of the many holes at queen marry today. With Barker being sat on by the international canoe, meant Sam Pascoe had a small lead at the wind mark
Down the first run Fred nailed the right and took Barker and nearly Pascoe. We then had a tight reach. Sam, Fred and Dan Vincent held there kites whilst Barker didn't and overtook Fred. The next beat decided the Musto Skiff positions for the day. Barker looked good early on but found an extra big hole and let Pascoe away. Fred let Dan through when he headed for the wrong windward mark. It was also the beat when we properly drop the RS700's who started with us.
As we ended our first lap traffic management became the name of the game. It took me a complete lap to pass 150 boats. It was all about clear air and staying out of trouble. By the start of the third lap all I had to pass was the National 12. Which on a shifty and light beat wasn't that easy. That left me 15min to build up a nice lead. Barker pulled through to an impressive 6th
Dan Vincent 19th
Griff Tanner 34
Fred Cudmore 47
The good thing about today was I finally beat my dad (Martin's) second place he got 15 years ago in a 2.4m.
That result leaves me and the Musto skiffs in a strong place on the Seldern Sail Juice Winter Series
Final words are to say thank you to Megan Pascoe and The AA for rescue Barker van when we got a flat tire and had no jack or spanner!
Nice work Sam, well done!!!
Photo by Tim Olin.