A record 241 entries, with over 2,500 industry professionals are preparing for The Little Britain Challenge Cup – the largest industry sailing event in Europe which starts this Thursday.

The Little Britain Challenge Cup is a construction business regatta open to crews whose businesses are directly involved in the Construction Industry. In keeping with the spirit of the event, the number of owner’s representatives from outside the construction industry is limited to one per boat for boats under 11.5m loa, two for boats between 11.5m and 13.0m loa and three for boats of more than 13.0m loa.

Despite the competitiveness, the event never loses sight of its main aim to raise funds for charities. Last year over £100,000 was raised and this year the Little Britain Challenge Cup will be supporting the John Merricks Sailing Trust, the Ellen MacArthur Trust and the Andrew Cassell Foundation, this is in addition to the more established beneficiaries. Local Isle of Wight organisations such as the Cowes Sea Cadets, the Island Water Activities Centre, the St John’s ambulance brigade and the Cowes Inshorer Lifeboat will continue to receive support.