BCYC Pursuit Race 2025 Report
The rearranged UHP Systems BCYC Pursuit Race was held on Sunday 17th August. As with the original date, the wind proved a challenge with 15kts blowing from the South East, creating an unpleasant sea state. The catamaran fleet decided the slipway was too dangerous for launch and recovery so stood down. An Osprey launched from the slipway at Verdis and was joined by 8 yachts. As the handicap started to unwind there was some very close and tactical racing resulting in 3rd place being settled no more than 7 seconds from the end. The Osprey, helmed by Simon Brewer and Crewed by Alistair Ramsden, quite literally, was in a class of its own, skipping over the waves and flying their spinnaker on the downwind leg, completing 6 laps to win the race – 2 more laps than the 2nd placed boat Molly with Kokomo in 3rd and Jigsaw in 4th.
Many thanks to those who volunteered for race management, safety duties and off the water activities. Particular thanks to MYC volunteers who laid the course and assisted with safety, essential to the running of this race, and, of course, our sponsor, UHP Systems Ltd, for their generosity and support..
Post race, competitors and guests were treated to a fork buffet which was thoroughly enjoyed over tall tales and merriment.
BCYC Pursuit Race 2025
The rearranged BCYC Pursuit Race will take place on Sunday 17th August, starting at 11:30 and finishing at 14:00. A post race social event and presentations will take place in the Clubhouse following racing.
Thank go to UHP Systems Ltd for sponsoring this event.
BCYC Pursuit Race 2024
On the 18th August we held the BCYC Pursuit Race – probably one of our best ever. 21 boats from 4 sailing clubs entered with the fleet including everything from youngsters on a Feva being hunted by a 37 foot Bavaria, fast catamarans and a foiling moth. For those that haven’t seen the Moth, it’s more like low flying over the water. The course was 2 nautical miles long and the moth lapped in an average of 8 minutes! I think he must have got dizzy as he retired after taking the lead. As we approached the last half an hour, the lead changed on about 4 occasions the Dart18 Soggy Moggy, helmed by Ezri Hemsworth and crewed by Rachael Meddick running out the winners.
Thank you to Paul Wayte of UHP systems for sponsoring the race. His sponsorship allowed us to treat all sailors and volunteers to chilli and rice, provided by Chai, as well as a well earned cold beverage. He also, very generously, provided his fabulous yacht as the Committee Boat which proved much more comfortable than sitting on a rib.
When we came ashore it was fantastic to see the Club and Car Park so busy – it was quite a logistical challenge weaving the ribs through parked cars. The buzz in the Club was great and I’m delighted that so many people turned up to watch the latter stages of the race and recognise the achievements of the sailors.
BCYC Pursuit Race 2023
Congratulations to Paul Hemsworth and Rachel Meddick, winners of the 2023 BCYC Pursuit Race, on Dart18, “Soggy Moggy”.
The Race took place on a gloriously sunny day in May – the 29th to be precise. Calm seas, blue skies and a gentle breeze, gradually building throughout the race, made for some champagne sailing. 20 boats took part including 3 yachts, 5 Dart 18 catamarans and 6 Lasers providing plenty of opportunity for in-fleet racing as well as chasing down those in front. Of particular note was a father and young son on a National 12 and a battle of the Picos with the Dads (Meurig and Marc) on one desperately trying to out-do the “kids” on another – let’s just say, that on this occasion, youth won out over experience!
With 5 minutes to go, the race was very much in the balance with Paul and Rachel hunting down Cathie Blakemore on her Byte, eventually passing her on the final leg to take the honours.
Thank you to MYC for their continued support, providing marks and safety boats. Thanks also to those BCYC volunteers who helped run the event: Alyson Nicholson, Race Officer, Paul Nicholson, Assistant Race Officer and Simon Brooks, safety and finish boat.
2022 BCYC Pursuit Race
Well we did it! The Pursuit Race was held on 17th September after a break of two years. A pleasantly sunny day with very a very light breeze at the start growing to an enjoyable force 3 for the last 40 minutes providing some enjoyable sailing.
16 boats entered including 2 yachts, 6 catamarans and 8 monohull dinghies. It was great to families on the water too – mixing it with the “big boys and girls”. Achilles 24, Spicy Lady, had a family on board including 2 young children; the Laser Vision was sailed by Richard Woffinden, rear commodore of MYC, with his young daughter Seren, who also shared the helm duties and flew the spinnaker; and a Dart 16 catamaran sailed by Charlie Cole and his young son Isaac, who also shared the helm duties.
The winner was Marc Pressdee on an Aero, closely followed by Tony Rees on a Laser and in third place the intrepid father and daughter, Richard and Seren on the Vision. After 2 and a half hours of sailing, there was only two minutes between the first three, all of which were on the same leg of the course.
The calm conditions didn’t quite suit the cats nor Va Va Voom an Elan 37. However, those aboard the Elan said the enjoyed a 3-course meal while returning to the marina!
Huge thank you to Tony Pettican and Anchem for being the event sponsor and to Alistair Ramsden for providing a number of great additional prizes.
Thanks too to Mumbles YC for their invaluable support, and to those Club members who provided safety cover and race management.
Photos taken on the water can be viewed here Jo Mullett | Flickr. Presentation photos will be available soon.
Winner, Mark Pressdee, holding the Lee Cup
2022 BCYC Pursuit Race
17th September 2022 Start 11:00
And we’re back! The 2022 BCYC Pursuit Race will take place on Saturday 17th September, starting at 11:00.
Many thank to Tony Pettican at Anchem who is this year’s regatta sponsor.
Start times and sailing instructions will be available soon
2022 BCYC Pursuit Race NOR 17 SeptDownload