Little Britain Challenge Cup

Taking place from the 9th-11th September 2004, the Little Britain Challenge Cup (a construction industry fund-raising event) is now the next largest regatta held in Cowes after Cowes Week. Packages are still available on either a bareboat or fully catered basis from £2,750. When Stephen Green and Peter Thompson got together 14 years ago in a Minneapolis bar little did they know that their simple wager would end up creating such a major regatta. Both men were working on the Little Britain project in London (hence the regatta's name) and were scouring the US for cladding needed for the building.

Over drinks they waxed lyrical about sailing. They resolved to race once they returned home and struck a bet that the loser would buy dinner. Phil Davies, also working on the same project, decided to join in and this was cemented when Stephen Green invested in a £28 trophy.

And from these small beginnings the present day regatta was born with over 200 boats and more than 2000 competitors from the construction industry taking part.

The racing at the Little Britain Challenge Cup, which is run by the Royal Yacht Squadron, is held over two days but the socials start on the Thursday and culminate on Sunday with the Trophy Breakfast when nearly 50 trophies are awarded --so plenty of time for networking and meeting up with friends old and new!