In case you were wondering what it's all about, here’s some information that will help you understand what to expect from the event...

Can anyone take part?

The Little Britain Challenge Cup is organised by – and for – the Construction Industry. All of the major architects and contractors send teams to the event and most participants are high-level industry professionals and big decision makers. If you are unsure of your eligibility to enter please contact the Regatta Office.

When does entry for the event open?

The Notice of Race / Entry Brochure is sent out early May to all of the previous year’s entrants plus to any new enquiries received over the winter months. To make sure you receive your copy, click here to register.

What is the Event Entry process?

Once the entry brochure is sent out the entry form is also available on-line. It is always a race to get completed entry forms and payments in on time and the event is usually sold out within 2 weeks – so to avoid disappointment you need to make sure you get yours back as soon as possible.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your boat details available when you initially register for an entry. You can just complete Stage 1 of the form (which asks for company name and contact details) and return either with an entry fee/deposit cheque (non-refundable) or online payment using your credit or debit card.

Once your registration and payment have been accepted by the Race Office, you'll then have until Friday 22nd June to submit all remaining information and outstanding fees to the Regatta Office. You will also be asked to provide details before the event of the crew you will have racing with you each day – this facility will be made available online. Please note that places are allocated on a strictly first come-first served basis.

What happens if I’m unsuccessful in securing an entry?

You will be contacted by the Regatta Office to ask if you would like to go on the waiting list and your payment and entry form will be held until a place becomes available. We usually manage to accommodate all those on the waiting list.

When does the racing take place?

 4 race series with one race on Thursday afternoon, two short races on Friday and one long race on Saturday. Click here for more detailed racing information. The Royal Yacht Squadron organise the racing and set the courses – giving competitors the added excitement of Squadron line starts.

What happens Shoreside?

The Little Britain has a massive event marquee on Cowes Yacht Haven where all meals and social activities take place. Relax in the bar after a hard day’s racing and look forward to an exciting evening of fun and entertainment.

There are activities planned for every evening; cocktail parties at the Royal Squadron, live music, Friday theme evening and culminating in the Gala Dinner on the Saturday night. It’s a well respected industry social event – and great fun! A full programme will be available soon online and will be included in the Regatta Guide which will be sent out early August.

Thursday and Friday suppers are buffet style and service runs from 19:00 to 21:00, so there's no rush if you want to enjoy the many cocktail parties being held on various boats! The Saturday Gala Dinner is a more formal affair and tickets are snapped up very quickly for the 1,850 places. Depending on your party number, you will be allocated either a whole or shared table. Tables seat either 10 or 12 persons so please bear that in mind that if you have, for example, a party of 14; they will be placed on 2 tables, one of which will be shared with another company.

What happens when I arrive at the event in Cowes?

A representative from your boat/company will need to register at the Regatta Race Office prior to your first race where you will receive your Welcome Pack which will include your numbered bow stickers (these must be affixed to your boat for all racing), Meal Tickets, Wristbands (these are needed for entry into the LBCC Event Marquee and must be worn at all times) Battle Flag, copies of the Regatta Guide, Sailing Instructions and any give-aways donated by sponsors. The Regatta Race Office will be located in a dedicated marquee alongside the marina in Cowes Yacht Haven.

Boats that are not able to register at the Race Office prior to the start of the first race may, in exceptional circumstances, apply to receive their bow stickers/race chart by post and register after completing the first race. This request must be received at the LBCC office by 12:00 on the 1st September.

Once you’ve done all that, just relax and enjoy all the great racing and social activities.

Photography at the Little Britain?

World-class photographers - Hamo Thornycroft, Patrick Eden and Beken - covering the racing (and the socials) each day. A selection of their pictures are displayed on the event TV screens and are available in the photos page on this website. If you are interested in buying any of the shots, either click on the link below each photo or visit the photographers' own websites, via the links on the photos page, where you will find their complete collections. Hamo Thornycroft and Beken and will be donating a percentage of their sales to the event charities.

The LBCC also has a roving film crew who will be capturing footage to display on Event TV.