Four charity partners will benefit as the IT industry’s flagship yacht racing, networking and fundraising event sets its sights on its next quarter century
The UK’s largest charity and IT sailing event, the Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta, raised £50,000 in its 25th anniversary edition this autumn.
Since its inception, the annual two-day regatta in The Solent has raised more than £1.45 million for life changing causes. Sailors and non-sailors alike, working in or with the IT industry, can push the total even higher by participating in the 26th edition, which will take place on 15-16 September next year. Moving with the times, next year’s event will see an exciting new format making it easier for more people to join the party or come for just one day.
Shaun Frohlich, chair of the Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta, said: “Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the event was a proud moment and made all the more special by learning we had raised a recent record for our four fabulous charities.
“As we head into our next quarter century, we look forward to welcoming even more colleagues from the industry to one of the world’s most iconic sailing grounds for an event that combines yacht racing with networking and fundraising for causes that truly matter.”
Participants come from across the IT industry and compete on matched yachts equipped with professional crews and all the gear required. This year’s the event saw over 60 people completely new to sailing taking part. Strong winds and clear skies led to an exciting day of close racing and an event that will last long in the memory of all who took part.
A lively gala dinner in Cowes on the Isle of Wight rounded off the first day, with fundraising activities and a silent auction in aid of the charity partners. To mark its 25th anniversary, the event announced a new charity partner, The Final Straw Foundation.
The Final Straw Foundation grew out of a Hampshire beach cleaning initiative. It works with schools, communities and businesses to raise awareness of the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and reduce the amount of plastic in use.
The regatta also supports: The Genie’s Wish, which works to enhance the lives of children and young adults with a life-limiting condition or terminal illness; The Greig City Academy, which is Britain’s only inner-school sail training programme; and The Andrew Simpson Foundation, which facilitates wider participation in sailing.
Peter Jeffery, corporate and commercial partner of principal sponsor Russell-Cooke, said: “We were especially pleased to welcome The Final Straw Foundation as a new charity partner in our 25th anniversary year.
“It really strengthened the regatta’s focus on sustainability, which is a cause close to our hearts as part of our broader commitment to being a responsible business. We were also pleased to continue to support our long-standing charity partners, all of which do inspirational work with children and young people in sailing and beyond.”
The regatta has now set a long-term target to raise more than £1.5 million for good causes. Teams looking to get involved in next year’s event can find out more about its history, logistics, and charitable work at: www.thesiliconcup.com
