Eskimo Pursuit at Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club

Matt Mee and Chris Robinson win the Blackpool & Fleetwood Eskimo Pursuit © Peter Jackson

The Eskimo Pursuit race has been in existence for 49 years. Normally held over the festive period, but due to a clash with Grimwith Sailing Club's “Brass Monkey”, the Eskimo Pursuit was re-scheduled to 26th February. It was a Goacher one, two - not only sails but employees too.

An uncharacteristic light, warm South Westerly breeze greeted the 42 boats as they mustered on the River Wyre for the start. The first start was for the Byte, Laser 4.7 and the Graduate, then 5 Streakers followed by various classes including 5 RS200s, 7 Merlin Rockets, 2 Fireballs and on to the last monohull, an Osprey with the oldest combined crew age of about 130. The only multihull was a Dart 15 Sport.

The course set put the fleet at the extremities of the view from the Riverside Room at the always welcoming B&FYC, so the spectators and families could eat, drink and watch from the warmth of the clubhouse.

First was Matt Mee and Chris Robinson in Steve Goacher`s Merlin Rocket - Chris being one of Steve’s employees and 2nd was the GP14 World Champion Andy Tunnicliffe, also from the Goacher factory, in his Solo. It was a close finish, Andy was in front when the whistle blew but the Rocketeers had just passed Andy by the time they had got to the next mark. 3rd was the GP14 of Innes Armstrong and Jamie Partridge from Burwin S.C.

Prizes sponsored by Rooster Sailing went to the first 12 boats and others. This is a 'Must Do' event with tricky tides, unpredictable shifts along with the legendary B&FYC hospitality.

Full results can be found here.

Thanks must go to Tony Roe and his race management team, offshore and keelboat section for providing safety cover and Dancing Fish Events for keeping everyone fed and watered throughout the day.

The 50th Eskimo Pursuit race is scheduled for Sunday 30th December 2012.