Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2012 | Page 79

Challenge for Lasers The second annual Laser SB3 Challenge, hosted by Little Britain in Cowes, will take place on June 15 and 16. The compact 24-hour event is running in conjunction with Pelican Racing, and gives those working in the construction industry the opportunity to compete in Laser SB3s for one day of racing. LBCC Chairman Tony Poole said: “The Laser SB3 Challenge weekend really does provide a great opportunity for the construction and property industries to mix and mingle in the early part of the sailing season.” The June Challenge will be followed later in the year by big brother, the Little Britain Challenge Cup, celebrating its 25th Anniversary in Cowes, from September 6 to 9. The action-packed three day sailing regatta attracts a large cross section of organisations and individuals who are involved in the building world. Around 125 boats will be competing in the Solent and after racing each day, the weekend builds to a climax with the glamorous Saturday Gala Dinner. Meanwhile, the annual Little Britain Challenge Cup reunion party was given the star treatment, with the arrival of six members of the Skandia Team GBR Paralympic Sailing Team, who are regular beneficiaries from LBCC monies raised. This elite team of athletes seized the opportunity to join in the celebrations during a brief respite from training for the forthcoming Paralympics. Last year, despite tough economic conditions, the construction industry’s Cowes regatta raised a magnificent £40,000 for nine selected charities, which were the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Jubilee Sailing Trust, Skandia Team GBR Paralympic Sailing Team, Cirdan Sailing Trust, Cowes Sea Cadets, Island Youth Water Activities Centre, St John Ambulance, Solent Rescue and Cowes Sailability. www.visitislandlife.com 79