More than 70 IT and technology companies took their business rivalries to the water in aid of charity last week by competing in the 2004 Chubb Insurance IT Regatta.

Sponsored by Chubb Insurance Company of Europe (Chubb), the regatta attracted the event’s largest ever field of 70 yachts and over 900 participants to the Isle of Wight for two days of intense competition, corporate entertainment and charity fund raising.

In a series of practice and scoring races, yachts ranging from 30′ to 85′ tacked round the Solent bouys at a cracking pace, thanks to almost perfect wind conditions. The field also included a fleet of 31 Sunsail 36′ yachts chartered for Microsoft’s Channel Partners, leading to some keen battles between boats.

Although the funds raised are still being counted, the organisers expect to raise around £35K to be divided among the NSPCC, Jubilee Sailing Trust and Dreams Come True. Paul Wareham, technology insurance manager from regatta sponsor Chubb Insurance said; “The 2004 regatta was a fantastic event with some of the closest racing that I’ve seen for a while. The combination of top-class sailing and fierce competition created a great atmosphere for fun, fund raising and networking. “

The 2005 IT Regatta will take place at Cowes on the 27-28 June 2005.

The overall result of the IRC class

1st, Teksys with Yes

2nd, KanDo with Plastic Bag – Gusto

3rd, Hurst UK with Walk on By I

The overall result of the Sunsail IRC class

1st, ianywhere – Xcellnet

2nd, Unilever 1

3rd, Intel