Little Britain Challenge Cup 2013
by Jane Faust 10 Oct 2013 16:20 BST
12-15 September 2013
The Great Return
This year's Little Britain Challenge Cup www.littlebritain.co.uk, the biggest sailing regatta for property and construction saw the welcome return of several high profile companies, signifying a renewed confidence within the industry.
Over 800 people attended the four day event, with all races completed, and resulted in a new Little Britain champion, overall winner Stone and Ceramic Warehouse (Class 2), second Core Group (Class 1), and third Sir Robert McAlpine (Class 3)
Chris Grainger, Stone and Ceramic Warehouse MD commented, "Our crew, an eclectic mix of architects, surveyors, builders and tile salesmen were delighted to get their hands on the Little Britain Challenge Cup again, but more importantly we were all very pleased to have competed in such a well organized great regatta. The courses set were the best ever and the dock side fun and events were superbly run by Mary and her team. It was also very encouraging that there were so many newcomers this year. We all need to spread the news of what a great event the LBCC is, and see even greater numbers next year."
Amongst companies who have returned to the Little Britain is housebuilder Telford Homes plc, absent for 4 years.
"Our industry has been battling through a long recession, but this year we are starting to feel sufficiently confident about our business, and decided we wanted to get back to one of our favourite charity events, sailing and socialising with friends and colleagues." commented Telford Homes plc's MD Mark Parker, whose crew romped into top place in their class, earning them the Highest Placed Developer trophy.
For new kids on the block, AMEC, there was applause all round as they received the Best Newcomer trophy in their debut appearance at Little Britain, racing in Class 4.
The usual action packed schedule of evening entertainment included the Champagne Reception hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron at their historic club headquarters overlooking the Solent, a pontoon party generously sponsored and hosted by Lakesmere, the Villains and Heroes themed Friday night, where many a brave crew dress to kill, culminating in spirited speaking from TV presenter adventurer Hannah White at the Saturday Regatta Charity Dinner. Three live local bands pumped out the best of Island sounds each night, and dancing continued until the small hours.
John Robertson and Megan Pascoe, members of The GB Paralympic Sailing Team added an Olympic sparkle, by attending the Saturday Regatta Dinner. The paralympians are regular benefactors from funds raised at Little Britain, but this year the tables were turned, as Megan, along with fellow paralympian sailor Hannah Stodel donated £250 back to the Little Britain Challenge Cup Charity Fund, money they had raised by on a race round the London Olympic athletic stadium.
The Little Britain donates all surplus funds from each regatta to eight sailing related charities which along with GB Paralympic sailing team, includes the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Jubilee Sailing Trust.
For all enquiries on taking part or sponsoring the 2014 Little Britain Challenge Cup taking place 4-7 September, call Mary Scott-Jackson, Event Manager Tel 01983 248 140/07790 770 526, Skype marysj1, or email .