By Nicola Elam

Image credit: PW Pictures.

24 September, 2019. 

This month the 32nd annual Little Britain Challenge Cup, took place in blazing sunshine across the Solent. The atmosphere was upbeat and vibrant despite light winds on day one. Plenty of competitive sailing and friendly rivalry continued between property and construction personnel – resulting in much celebration enjoyed by all.

By the end of the weekend’s racing, LBCC had claimed another all-round success, with 31 yachts taking part in what is still the UK’s biggest regatta dedicated exclusively to the property and construction industry. Gloriously warm and sunny weather provided a stunning backdrop for the teams who are from a diverse range of industry organisations.

The LBCC regatta consists of four races over two days, complimented by a timetable of networking events and obligatory pontoon parties. Shepherd’s Wharf Marina, Cowes, acts as host venue – providing a structured agenda delivered by a committee of passionate volunteers.

Charitable causes have received £1.3m thanks to LBCC

The aim of the event is to raise money for selected charities and has so far generated £1.3 million, distributed between various organisations who offer sailing-themed resources for people whose lives are in some way adversely compromised.

The charities benefiting from the regatta include: Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Rona Sailing Project, Cowes Sailability, Cirdan Sailing Trust, RNLI, Turn to Starboard and a range of other Solent based causes. Visitors staying shoreside were invited to particpate in the charities’ exciting activities.

LBCC participants and industry organisations are attracted by the dedicated opportunities for team building, as well as the event’s unique environment for client entertaining.

The race includes a combination of owned boats and chartered vessels that can enter as complete teams or individuals. There are also tickets available for shoreside networking only.

Winners and losers

This year’s overall LBCC winner was Knight Build, who have entered the race thirteen times. They triumphed by the narrowest of margins against LBCC’s own Chairman, Nick Covell, sailing for Alltask. 

2019 also saw the return of the first all-female crew in a decade, marking the start of a determined effort to increase female participation.

At the helm of the all-female crew, Lettice Swan – MDA Consulting. Crew: Jess James & Lucy Walsh – JAW Sustainability, Bianca Mader – Holder Matthias, Flic Meares – Scott Brownrigg, Kim Morgan – BW, Evelyn Hogan – Cordless Consultants, Claire Fenwick – Spatial Dimensions, Danielle Lees – Sketch Studios, Charlie Knox – Paragon.

You can see this year’s full race results on the LBCC website: https://www.littlebritain.co.uk/race-results/

Join in year-round networking

Monthly networking events are held throughout the year at the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Mayfair. Sign up to the LBCC mailing list to receive invitations and event news: https://www.littlebritain.co.uk/ sign-up/