After taking a sabbatical from the Marine Industry Regatta last year and supporting the British Marine boat, it felt odd to hand over the trophy to another crew! So this year, Barton Marine returns to the starting line with our own boat and motley crew of very abled sailors. On Wednesday 17 May, our Barton Marine Captain (Rob Lyne) and abled sailors: Dermot Bealey, Hazel Morris, David Barrow, Alice Driscoll (others to be announced), will board the Sunsail yacht in Port Solent, Portsmouth to bring home the trophy yet again!

A fantastic day out is expected with dozens of leading players in the UK marine industry, followed by a BBQ and prize giving in the Club House. The 2017 event will jointly raise funds for the John Merricks Sailing Trust and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Sailing, fun, industry camaraderie, food, drink and raising funds for two great charities… what could be better? And we aim to reclaim the trophy!