The 2006 event is again sponsored by Boating Business, Practical Boat Owner, Yachting Monthly, Saltwater Communications and British Sailing and is set for Wednesday April 26. It will be sailed in Sunsail's fleet of Jeanneau Sun Fast 37s out of Port Solent. The aim is to run four races, with three to count.

And we already have some newcomers wanting to know more. Fairline is on the list, as is Cooney Marine: we hope to get 35 or more boats out next year.

We 're still negotiating the shore side of things and will be able to give you the final cost in next month's BB . As in previous Marine Industry Regattas, the event cost will include a £100 per boat charity donation to the John Merricks Sailing Trust.

The boats will have to be taken over on the Tuesday evening again, after which it's on to the Regatta Party (at a different venue to last year), where there will be a buffet supper, the presentation of the cheque to the JMST and few other plans that should liven the evening up. A Marguerita Happy Hour is among the suggestions? If you'd like to join the 30+ companies on the email circulation list for information, send an email to regatta@boatingbusiness.co.uk Check out the regatta website - www.marineregatta.co.uk