The GJW Direct 50th Bloody Mary
Join us for the landmark 50th celebration of the Bloody Mary, as the iconic GJW Direct #BloodyMary50 pursuit race returns on 10 January 2026 at Queen Mary Sailing Club. The event welcomes all dinghy classes with a PY number equal to or lower than an International Topper, along with selected keelboat classes, promising an exhilarating and highly competitive fleet. With at least 250 boats expected on the water, QMSC is set for an extraordinary, high-energy spectacle befitting the event’s 50th year. Online entry is now officially open secure your place and be part of sailing history.
Saturday 10th January 2026 - entry closing 23:59 on Thursday 8th January.
GJW Direct - GJW Direct has specialised in Marine Insurance for over 200 years now. They arrange insurance for lots of different types of Boats, ranging from dinghies, sailing boats, yachts, motor cruisers, inland waterway boats, narrowboats, barges, houseboats, speedboats, rigid inflatable boats, waterski boats, jet skis and personal watercraft. Getting a quote and buying online is really quick and simple and they also have a UK based team of specialists to assist.
2025 Report
Jono and Freddie Pank win the GJW Direct 49th Bloody Mary
Firefly sailors Jono Pank and son Freddie won the GJW Direct Bloody Mary pursuit race, the fifth leg of the Selden Sailjuice Series, held at Queen Mary Sailing Club on Saturday 11th January 2025. Second place was Tom Gillard and Rachel Gray in a Scorpion and in third was Jamie Stewart, Ben and Dicken Palmer in their Thames A Rater.
The winning team from Castle Cove Sailing Club, crossed the line ahead of a 99-boat fleet accompanied by sailors representing 39 boat classes from 52 sailing clubs. The race held in an icy-dry north westerly force 0-1, with the sun making a welcome appearance throughout the race, competitors wrapping up for the conditions.
- Final Results
- Boat Tracking
- Yachts and Yachting Interviews
- Link to Selden SailJuice Winter Series Website
- Photos of the Bloody Mary (Simon Winkley Marine).
Thank you to all competing this year we look forward to seeing you back at Queen Mary on Saturday 10th January 2026, for the 50th Bloody Mary!
What is the Bloody Mary?
The Bloody Mary is open to non-foiling dinghy classes with PY numbers ranging from the International Topper to the 49er and to selected keelboat classes. The first start is scheduled for 12 noon with the slowest boats starting first and the faster boats starting progressively later. The race lasts 150 minutes. Held in the depth of winter and part of the SailJuice Winter Series.
The Bloody Mary is part of the Seldén SailJuice Winter Series, you can find out more about the Series at www.SailJuiceSeries.com.