Sailing Ely’s Nick Copsey took part in the Bloody Mary on Saturday, regarded as the biggest and most important pursuit race in the UK sailing calendar.
More than 300 boats took part in the event alongside Nick and his crew Luke Lazell.
The race, held just outside London, typically last for two-and-a-half hours, with the slowest boats starting first and the fastest boats starting last.
And, starting 27 minutes behind the toppers, Nicks national 12 was well suited for the conditions, with the biggest threat likely to come from the solos, starting 10 minutes ahead, and the lasers, starting six minutes in front.
Despite a poor start and first leg, Nick was soon in the groove and carving his way through the fleet, overtaking all but two of the lasers and one solo and keeping all but three of the faster boats behind.
Nick eventually battled his way into ninth, a rarity for a teenager.
The result leaves Nick in the top 10 for the Sailjuice race series, with his next event in Northampton in two weeks time.
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