This year’s Moore Blatch Silicon Cup has been launched and is now open for IT companies to
enter. The event takes place over 26-27 September on the Isle of Wight, near Cowes.
The largest sailing regatta for the IT industry started the countdown to this year’s event with a drinks
reception in the City of London – which included a cheque presentation to its three nominated
charities.
The event also pushed the button on a new website through which companies can now register for
the regatta and two days of racing, making the most of the networking and team-building
opportunities on offer.
Justin Langford, commercial director and co-founder of Coeo, and a member of the Silicon Cup
committee, said: “The regatta attracts a broad spectrum of people including those who are stepping
onto a boat for the first time, as well as those who are serious sailors and compete regularly.”
Everyone who enters will have an ‘awesome time’, while building long-lasting relationships and
raising money for charity. There is nothing better than doing something you enjoy for the benefit of
others; which is why we want as many companies as possible to register this year.”
The Silicon Cup was first run in 2000 and since then more than 7,000 people have taken part.
Entrants don’t need to be experienced, as registration secures a Sunsail boat for up to ten people,
along with a professional skipper and mate and safety gear.
Langford explained: “The boats are crewed by skilled, professional sailors who can race the boat if
necessary, so participants can be involved as much or as little as they want. That said, these are
high intensity races over short courses.
“Most sailing races have to use a handicap system, with boats starting from different places. But
Sunsail has one of the biggest, matched fleets in the world, so in the Silicon Cup everybody starts
from the same point and competes on a level playing field.”
Registered companies can use their boat for corporate hospitality, to reward high-performing staff,
or for team-building.
Peter Jeffery, partner at Moore Blatch said: “We came on board last year and renewing our
sponsorship was a no brainer. Last year’s regatta was a great experience for team members and
customers.
“We spent two days working together, and that really strengthens bonds. It’s also great to know that
you are giving something to charity. The Silicon Cup is good for the team, good for business, and
good for charity, which is why we are so pleased to support it.”
The Silicon Cup has raised a cumulative £900,000 for charity through registrations, donations and
an auction for unique prizes that is held during a celebration dinner at the end of the first day.
The regatta supports Dreams Come True, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, and the Andrew Simpson
Foundation; three charities that enrich the lives of children with serious medical conditions, provide
opportunities for young people and encourage them to take up sailing.
Langford said: “We are now on a push to raise the £1 million. That will be real milestone for the
people who have supported us, and for the charities we support in turn.”
Duncan Souster, the chief executive of nominated charity the Jubilee Sailing Trust, told the launch
event about its unique mission to help people who face challenges in life, by enabling them to crew
its two tall ships.
“People muck in together, which creates social chemistry, builds life skills, and sets people
challenges that enable them to reappraise their sense of self,” he said.
“It is the support of events like the Silicon Cup that enable people to go through that
transformational experience. We are very much looking forward to this year’s regatta; and we thank
everybody who takes part.”
Martin Neal, head of challenges and events for Dreams Come True said: “We are delighted to be
working with the Silicon Cup again in 2019. The event has been supporting Dreams Come True for
more than 12 years now, raising a staggering £182,000 in that time.
“The Silicon Cup has fulfilled the dreams of more than 60 children and young adults, aged two to
21, across the UK. We thank everybody involved for their support and dedication.”
Richard Percy, CEO at the Andrew Simpson Foundation said: “Everything we do is driven by our
belief that all young people have the ability to excel and succeed in life and work. We believe that
the challenges of Sailing and Watersports do this by promoting health and well-being and building
essential personal skills.”
“The generous funds raised by the Silicon Cup will help us to continue to deliver and provide more
opportunities through our charitable activities, including our Community Sailing Programmes which
make sailing accessible to those that would not otherwise be able to participate and enjoy the many
benefits that they bring. Thanks to its support of the Silicon Cup, together we transform lives
through Sailing.”
