This year's event drew 30 boats and we have reserved 40 boats for the 2006 event.

Among the entries, which include last year's first three - Practical Boat Owner , Rockley Watersports 1 and 2 - are two boat teams from Rockley, Lewmar and Oval 316 and several first time entrants, including Cooney Marine, Fairline Boats and Design Unlimited.

Entries cost £565.00 +VAT, plus a cheque for £100 per boat to the John Merricks Sailing Trust. Boats are to be collected on the Tuesday evening, April 25, after which there's a fleet evening at Chiquitos in Port Solent with dinner for eight crew and two jugs of marguerita per boat included in the price.

The fleet is racing for The Lewmar Trophy and trophies will be awarded to the first four boats, with keeper prizes for each crew member.

The Marine Industry Regatta is sponsored by Boating Business, Practical Boat Owner, Yachting Monthly and Saltwater.

More information from regatta@boatingbusiness.co.uk, or check the regatta website - it has pictures of this year's event - at www.marineregatta.com