This year saw the launch of the Marketing Week ABC Cup, a 2 day regatta based between Portsmouth and Cowes which took place on Sept 18th and 19th. Companies from the Advertising, Branding and Communications sector enjoyed two fabulous days of sailing on the Solent organised by top sailing company On Deck who are based on the Isle of Wight.
After a breakfast briefing in Portsmouth at the top of the Spinnaker tower, the teams took to the water in Benneteau 40.7 yachts and over the course of 2 races made their way to Cowes Yacht Haven for a drinks reception hosted by Lewis Silkin and an informal barbeque supper.
Day 2 saw wonderful sunshine but very little wind as the boats headed out to sea again, but this did nothing to deter the fun of the competition! Teams competed in a further 3 races before heading back in to Gunwharf Quays for a Gala Dinner and auction on board HMS Warrior. During the evening prizes were awarded to the winning 3 teams – ODM, Lewis Silkin and Postcode Anywhere – and the auction, which was kindly hosted by Jonty Hearnden from television’s Cash in the Attic, raised a further £9,300.
Enormous thanks must go to all the teams who entered the event, but in particular to Marketing Week and Lewis Silkin for all their efforts in launching the event, and to all the team at On Deck who worked tirelessly to provide us all with a fantastic two days.
Next year’s event will take place on September 24th and 25th 2009 so book early to avoid disappointment! For more information please call Simon at On Deck on 01983 612642.
Kate Day, events organiser, Helen & Douglas House
