Sailing for a cause: Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta returns for 2026

Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta © Silicon Cup

The IT industry's biggest charity sailing event, the Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta, returns on 15-16 September 2026. This year marks an exciting new chapter for the event as competitors gather at its new home in Ocean Village, Southampton, creating an enhanced experience for participants, sponsors and guests alike.

Far more than a sailing competition, the regatta has earned a reputation as one of the technology community's most distinctive annual events, combining competitive yacht racing with customer entertainment, networking, team building and charitable fundraising in an environment unlike any traditional business event.

Open to experienced sailors and complete beginners alike, every yacht is accompanied by a professional skipper, ensuring every participant can experience the teamwork, challenge and camaraderie that have become synonymous with the Silicon Cup.

The organisers are delighted to welcome back top 100 law firm Russell-Cooke as Headline Sponsor for the 2026 regatta, now in its fourth year of partnership. Russell-Cooke advises a broad mix of commercial, regulatory, not-for-profit and private clients across a wide range of disciplines.

Members of Russell-Cooke's corporate and commercial team, led by partner Peter Jeffery, who has more than 20 years' experience advising technology businesses and entrepreneurs, will once again be taking part in the regatta.

Peter Jeffery, corporate and commercial partner at Russell-Cooke, said: "We're delighted to be supporting the Silicon Cup Regatta again this year. The event has built a fantastic reputation for bringing together professionals from across the technology sector. Alongside the networking and sailing, it also raises significant funds for some truly worthwhile causes, which aligns closely with our commitment as a responsible business to supporting our communities. We're looking forward to spending time with clients, contacts and fellow participants, and to another successful event both on and off the water."

Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta - photo © Silicon Cup

Every team that takes to the water helps create opportunities for young people, supports children and families facing extraordinary challenges, and contributes towards protecting the marine environment through the event's four charity partners. This year, the Silicon Cup is proud to support The Genie's Wish, The Andrew Simpson Foundation, Greig City Academy Sailing Programme, and The Final Straw Foundation.

Through the generosity of sponsors, participants and supporters, the Silicon Cup community has raised more than £1 million for charitable causes over the lifetime of the event, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses unite behind a shared purpose.

Shaun Frohlich, chairman of the Silicon Cup Regatta, said: "The Silicon Cup has always been about bringing people together through shared experiences. Every year we see colleagues become stronger teams, customers become friends and new relationships are formed both on and off the water. We're delighted to welcome everyone to Ocean Village for the first time and look forward to another memorable regatta while continuing to support four charities that make a genuine difference."