Capgemini Sailing Challenge raises 185,000 pounds for Crimestoppers

Last weekend 23 boats competed in a rally around the Isle of Wight raising £185,000 for the charity – the single biggest amount ever raised from a corporate event run in aid of Crimestoppers.

Funded and led by Capgemini, the consulting, technology and outsourcing firm, the initiative saw teams of Police Officers put their sailing talents to the test in a bid to become winners of the Capgemini Sailing Challenge.

Gardening expert and TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh, the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, welcomed the teams at a pre-rally dinner on the Friday night before the teams set sail at 5.30am on Saturday morning. After an exciting weekend, the Metropolitan Police were crowned overall Challenge Champions, raising in excess of £70,000. Lancashire Police won the rally and Thames Valley Police picked up the coveted Innovation Award.

Saturday evening saw a celebratory dinner in Cowes attended amongst others by Crimestoppers' Chief Executive Michael Laurie. He praised everyone involved in the challenge saying “The sailing challenge brought together our partners, the police and business. I am very grateful to all of them; to Capgemini for sponsoring this imaginative challenge and to the police forces who took part, raising a considerable deal of money to help us with our work.”

The event was a wonderful way to mark Crimestoppers' 20th anniversary, and as a National Strategic Partner, this is Capgemini's commitment to the charity's 20th Anniversary Corporate Charity Challenge. Helen Turnbull of Capgemini comments “We are delighted with the success of the sailing challenge, making over £185k for the charity and also raising the awareness of the charity across the UK. Working collaboratively and as a team was crucial to success in this challenge, something Capgemini has at the heart of its business”.

More information will be available on the Capgemini Sailing Challenge website soon.