The Little Britain Challenge Cup, the construction industry regatta, proves that it is possible to have fun and raise in the region of £125,000 for charity, which is £50,000 more than last year.

The main beneficiaries will be the Cirdan and Jubilee sailing Trusts, local organizations such as Island Youth Centre Water Activities will also benefit.

The L B C C, which is now the largest corporate sailing event in Europe, took place off Cowes, Isle of Wight on September 8th and 9th. The event attracted a record 220 yachts from every area of the business, including architects, builders, engineers, surveyors, lawyers, and consultants. There were 60 new entrants.

Well-known faces from the sailing world taking part in the event included Olympic Gold Medallist Shirley Robertson, and world yachtsman Harold Cudmore, who doubled as guest speaker at the Gala Dinner.

The Royal Yacht Squadron organized the racing, with two races on the Friday for which the weather was sunny with force 4 - 5 winds. Saturday's racing was just as competitive, but as always the true Corinthian spirit managed to prevail.

Architects, The Manser Practice sailing 'Menenes' carried off the Top Yacht Trophy, 'The Little Britain Challenge Cup'.

After each days hard racing over 2,000 entrants also partied hard, rocking to the sounds of the 'Fab Beatles' and the 'Cosmic Slobs', inside the event marquee and outside by a spectacular firework display in the yacht haven marina.

Nicholas Colwyn Foulkes, Chairman of the organizing committee for 2001 committee said, "It's been hard work and great fun but well worth it, when you see the difference the money makes to the charities".

Check out the Little Britain Challenge Cup web site at www.littlebritain.co.uk for more stories and fantastic pictures.