Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
A crew of novice sailors from plumbers merchant Plumbase has won the annual Polypipe Regatta sailing race.
The Plumbase 2 boat beat 65 other contenders, including some highly experienced sailing teams.
Scott Benfield, manager of the Plumbase branch in Portsmouth, and eight customers made up the crew. Although Benfield has sailed occasionally in the past, none of the other Plumbase team had any experience.
“It was a complete surprise for everyone, not least us because the Plumbase second team had finished right at the back on the last two occasions!” he says.
The 13th Polypipe Charity Sailing Regatta was held on 1 July. It is organised by Steve Upson, Polypipe SE sales director and this year raised funds for the British Heart Foundation and the John Merrick Sailing Trust. The regatta takes place in the Solent and appeals to non-sailors and experienced crews alike.
Upson said: “I was extremely pleased with the outcome of the event. The day is organised to be truly inclusive and, in fact, all the podium places were claimed by inexperienced teams this year. It was a great day and the charities are also winners.”
