Little Britain Challenge Cup at Cowes

Little Britain Challenge Cup © LBCC

Over 90 yachts battled it out in the Little Britain Challenge Cup, Europe's largest commercial sailing regatta, with star guests, the GBR Paralympic Sailing team taking part as one crew to compete against 1000 able bodied sailors for the final two races.

The overall winner of the 2011 LBCC is Stone and Ceramic Warehouse(Class 3), with Shepherd Construction (Class 4) taking second place, and Gratte Brothers on Little Emily (Class 4) in third.

Despite ominous forecasts, weather conditions were good throughout, providing excellent racing conditions for the whole regatta. Lively winds speeded up both the opening Thursday and final Saturday races, but casualties were minimal, mostly a few torn sails and spinnakers, save for one more dramatic collision that took place in Class 40.7, fortunately nobody was injured.

The Paralympians gave up their precious free time to join in the LBCC racing and evening festivities. Competing in Saturday's racing and attending the Gala Dinner undoubtedly spurred on a generous reaction from the construction industry, as this year's charity coffers, which is shared across a number of sailing related organisations, leapt up to total £40, 000* after the four day event.

Comments LBCC Committee Chairman David Smith, "I was privileged to be invited to join the GBR Paralympic sailors, for what were two memorable and exciting races. Also, in what has turned out to be, another very testing year for our industry, I am so delighted our supporters and sponsors rallied over the last few days to push this year's donations up to a magical £40, 000*. "

Everyone was invited to join in the after race celebrations held at Cowes Yacht Haven, which kicked off with several pontoon parties on Thursday hosted by H Smith (engineers) and RICS Matrics (surveyors), along with the Champagne Reception at the Royal Yacht Squadron. This was followed by supper and dancing to all girl band, SHE BAND! who pumped out all the top soul favourites until the early hours of Friday morning.

On Friday it was the turn of Gold Sponsor IOBAC to host what was probably the busiest and biggest pontoon party held in the history of the Little Britain. Over 300 people gathered around IOBAC's party boat, a sleek black Sunseeker, for the laid back launch of the company's new revolutionary flooring system.

This was swiftly followed by the annual fancy dress extravaganza, ‘Viva Las Vegas', giving guests the chance to dress up in theme, which was mostly interpreted as coming as Elvis, to take part in a fun filled programme of entertainment. Popular highspots were the unlikely ‘marriages' taking place in the Little White Wedding Chapel, and special guest appearances from a fabulous ‘Elvis', ‘Frank', and the very popular long legged ‘Las Vegas Show Girls'. Music that night was supplied by band ‘May Contain Nuts', made up of talented performers who work in the construction industry.

The Saturday Gala Dinner was a glittering sell out occasion, with a special appearance from TV celebrity Roy Walker. As well as fronting Catchphrase for over 20 years, Roy revealed he was a very keen sailor, a fact, combined with his genial style of humour, which resulted in an enthusiastic welcome from the LBCC audience. The Paralympians also took to the floor for a standing ovation and then, to dance with other sailors, to live band The Mix.

After what was, for many revelers, a final long night of partying, the hardcore turned up on Sunday morning for the closing Bucks Fizz fuelled Trophy Breakfast, where the final race and class winners were called to the stage to receive their awards.

Next year the LBCC, which takes place 6-9 September 2012, celebrates its 25th Anniversary, so guaranteed to be a seriously gilt-edged occasion.

All enquiries contact LBCC Event Manager Mary Scott Jackson telephone 01983 248 140 www.littlebritain.co.uk

*unaudited figure