Mermaid, the Isle of Wight Distillery’s award-winning spirits brand, secured 1st place at this year’s Drinks Trade Regatta held in Cowes.
Now in its 20th year, the regatta – which evolved from the Inter Brewery Regatta – was organised by Prometheus Sailing and took place on the Isle of Wight on 4th and 5th June.
The event brought together teams from across the drinks and hospitality sectors for 2 days of sailing, alongside a crew dinner at the Royal Ocean Racing Club in Cowes, networking opportunities and fundraising for industry charities The Drinks Trust and Only A Pavement Away. A total of £4,500 was raised.
Competitors raced aboard Prometheus Sailing’s fleet of Jeanneau 410 yachts, with teams including Clark & Son Solicitors, Matthew Clark, Beds & Bars, Sky and other businesses from across the industry. Representing Mermaid on board Prometheus’ Mermaid Spirit were members of Mermaid, Loungers UK and Maverick Drinks.
Challenging weather on the opening day forced organisers to reduce the planned 2 days of racing to a single day, although crews still completed the journey from Port Solent to Cowes before improved conditions delivered excellent racing.
Over 4 races, the Mermaid team secured 2 race victories and 2 second-place finishes to claim the overall title.
The final standings were:
- 1st place – Mermaid
- 2nd place – Hawksbill Team (Matthew Clark and Beds & Bars)
- 3rd place – Clark & Son Solicitors
The victory reflects Mermaid’s close connection to the sea and its Isle of Wight home, with the brand drawing inspiration from the surrounding waters and supporting marine conservation initiatives.
Xavier Baker, Co-Founder of Mermaid, has said:
“To win the Drinks Trade Regatta on our home waters is incredibly special. The event brings together so many fantastic people from across the drinks and hospitality industries, while raising valuable funds for The Drinks Trust and Only A Pavement Away.
“We’re proud to have taken the title and grateful to everyone who helped make the event such a success.”
Simon Boulding, Managing Director of Prometheus Sailing, has said:
“We were delighted to welcome so many members of the drinks industry to this year’s regatta and congratulations to Mermaid on their victory.
“It was particularly pleasing to work with such a vibrant industry that not only took part in the event, but also helped us raise a meaningful amount of money for charity.”
The Drinks Trade Regatta continues to bring together members of the drinks and hospitality sectors through competition, fundraising and collaboration, with details of the 2027 event set to be announced in due course.
