The largest annual sailing event in the UK IT industry, The Silicon Cup 2007, took place in Cowes on 27-28 September 2007. The most successful Microsoft boat was the 45-foot "Fraxious", which came second in the IRC event.

The crew was lead by Microsoft's Alistair Beagley and Mark Taylor, while Claire O'Halloran (also of Microsoft) brought along a group of key Microsoft partners, including Tom Keane of NitroSell (pictured on the right accepting the trophy on behalf of the crew).

Also on board were Jonny and Andy of Miomi.com, Simon of ViaPost and Daniel Doll-Steinberg of Tribeka, all of whom where watched over by the expert yachtsmen Richard Merriweather and Nigel King.

Now in its eighth year, the idea for the event originated from senior people in the UK IT industry, who got together and decided to combine their passion and their profession to raise meaningful amounts of money for charity. The first Silicon Cup was held in the summer of 2000. The 2007 event was contested by over 800 people, representing over 300 companies. When the money is counted, this event should again raise over £50,000 for nominated charities - the NSPCC, Jubilee Sailing Trust and Dreams Come True.

The regatta took place on 28 September, with registration, sail training, race practice and Barbeque on the day before in Cowes. The racing started with a course down the Solent. Yachts anchored for a picnic lunch, then there was a race in the afternoon around a triangular course off Cowes. After the racing, prizes were awarded and refreshments were enjoyed.

At the conclusion of the event, Claire commented, "I was so encouraged to see such an awesome team of people achieve something really special together....in pretty challenging conditions. To secure second place on our first attempt is really something! The aching body today is far countered by the glow of victory." She also thanked Karl Noakes of Microsoft for making the day possible.