The Little Britain Challenge Cup, Europe’s largest commercial sailing regatta, now in its 24th year, received a record number of firm entries on the first day of opening the on-line booking service.

Mary Scott Jackson, Event Manager comments,

“This is the most encouraging start, with nigh on 50% of the entry capacity taken up last year already spoken for. It looks like the industry are seeing the LBCC as a serious networking opportunity as well as having a wonderful few days’ racing. We forsee this being a sell out year, so urge regulars and newcomers alike, who have yet to register, not to delay, so they can be assured of place in the 8-11 September event.”

There’s a great chance to try kayaking for free at this year’s OK Classic Fishing Tournament in Swanage.  While the tournament competitors are out on the water, a special demonstration day will be taking place where colourful recreational sit-on-tops will be on display and members of the public will also be able to get afloat and have a go.

No previous experience is necessary, safety equipment will be provided and participants will be fully supervised. There will also be plenty of free advice for anyone interested in getting started in the hugely popular sport of sit-on-top kayaking. The demonstration fleet will be based in Prince Albert Gardens, Swanage and launching will take place close by from the Monkey Beach

This year’s Southampton Sports Boat and RIB Show, taking place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd May is set to be the biggest and best yet.  The action-packed free family will be held once again at MDL Ocean Village Marina in Southampton and will offer a fantastic array of on and off water entertainment.

Highlights at this year’s show include the Freestyle Asylum team who amaze with their PWC tricks and stunts, as well as the Thundercats Racing UK team and the launch of the exciting new AquaX competition series.

Headline sponsor for 2011 is Suzuki Marine, alongside title sponsor Sports Boat and RIB Magazine and there will be plenty of top name brands exhibiting at the show including, Barrus, RIB X and RIB Shack showcasing the very best sports boats, RIBs, as well as equipment, clothing and accessories.

Help the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, the official charity of this year’s J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, raise £31,500 and get six boats with eight crew members virtually Round the Island through its new ‘BUY A MILE’ fundraising initiative.

How does it work?
 
Each of the 30 young people racing on the six competing Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust yachts in this year’s Round the Island Race will be looking to sell 50 virtual race miles, before they cross the finishing line on Saturday, 25th June. 

Every mile purchased will move the chosen virtual yacht forward one mile and you can track each boat’s progress online.

The Crick Boat Show 2011 is once again taking place at Crick Marina on the Grand Union Canal on the May late bank holiday weekend (28 - 30 May). The show is a great day out for all the family as well as everyone who loves boats.

There will be a huge range of exhibitors specialising in all things boat-related as well as food, crafts, leisure and arts.

For the young (and the young at heart) there is an exhaustible list of activities including face painting, circus skills, traditional fairground with Punch and Judy show, arts and crafts, bouncy castle, pedal karting, bungee-trampolining and a giant spider mountain to be climbed and conquered with a giant slide down for those who make it to the top.