First outing for charity regatta proves a roaring success thanks to support from Solent brewers

This year’s inaugural Sail to Reward Regatta raised a staggering £20,650 last week with the backing of event sponsor Isle of Wight Distillery, producers of Mermaid Gin.

It’s been a huge boost for its namesake charity Room to Reward, which offers short hotel breaks to the hard-working volunteers at fellow charities and community.

The regatta launched from Southampton’s Ocean Village Marina on Monday 19 June, as participating teams made their way across the Solent.

Among them was the Jeanneau 410 charter yacht Mermaid Spirit, named as such by owners Prometheus Sailing in honour of a three-year partnership with Isle of Wight Distillery, and flying a Mermaid-branded spinnaker.

It was also the vessel of choice for Room to Reward founder Nicolas Roach on the big day.

They were joined by teams from Harbour Hotels, NFU Mutual, Savills, Homegrown Hotels, and Meridien Modena Ferrari, competing on a fleet on 41.0 Sunsail yachts.

But it was Starboard Hotels who ultimately emerged victorious and received the Mermaid trophy, sponsored by Mermaid Gin.

To close out the day the participants and their guests headed over to Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa, where they were treated to a three-course meal infused with Mermaid spirit by Michelin star chef Alex Aiken.

There was also a charity auction, with a variety of gifts provided by sponsors to raise some extra money for Room to Reward.

• isleofwightdistillery.com