Entries soar for Industry Regatta

The Little Britain Challenge Cup, Europe’s largest commercial sailing regatta, now in its 24th year, received a record number of firm entries on the first day of opening the on-line booking service.

Mary Scott Jackson, Event Manager comments, “This is the most encouraging start, with nigh on 50% of the entry capacity taken up last year already spoken for. It looks like the industry are seeing the LBCC as a serious networking opportunity as well as having a wonderful few days’ racing. We forsee this being a sell out year, so urge regulars and newcomers alike, who have yet to register, not to delay, so they can be assured of place in the 8-11 September event.” The LBCC on-line entry booking service, www.littlebritain.co.uk , allows both returning and first time sailors to instantly book their place at the construction and property industry’s top sailing event.

Alternatively regulars will have already received the 2011 Entry Brochure in the post, and can simply return the printed booking form. Anybody wanting more information, entry brochures and general advice should contact the LBCC Event Organisers at or telephone 01983 248 140. For those without their own boat or crew, there is guidance, boat share schemes and yachts for hire available through Island Charters www.islandcharters.co.uk

Both those wishing to actually compete, or simply join in from the quayside, there is a jam packed programme of events which will take 1500 guests through from sunrise to the early hours throughout the regatta period.

Everyone is invited to join in the evening parties held at Cowes Yacht Haven, which includes this year the Friday night extravaganza, ‘Viva Las Vegas’ , giving guest the chance to dress up in theme, and take part in a fun filled programme of entertainment. This includes getting hitched in the Little White Wedding Chapel, and special guest appearances from ‘Elvis’, ‘Frank’, and the lovely ‘Vegas Show Girls’. The LBCC is more than just a jolly, as it continues to support a number of charities, which, more than ever, need help and support. Not least the GBR Paralympic Sailing Team. This is our last big chance to raise funds for these most magnificent of sailors, to ensure they enter the 2012 Olympics in winning style. Already well into serious training on the Olympic waters of Weymouth, these seven young individuals are determinedly gearing themselves towards victory, despite their varying degrees of disability which range from cerebral palsy through minus a right forearm to a double below the knee amputee.

The LBCC money really does make a huge difference, as these sailors, all professionals and regatta champions, get nothing in the way of handouts from government or councils. This is the time that costs start to soar, as the team require more boats, which come hand in hand with higher maintenance bills. As well as actively overturing sponsors themselves, to help keep their boats in prime condition and in the water, they rely on the generosity of people like the contestants and guests who attend the Little Britain Challenge Cup.

Contact details: LBCC Event Organisers at or telephone 01983 248 140