Race for glory

After Hours events are a great way to learn new skills, and network with fellow directors. Enter a team, or take a single berth, in September's thrilling After Hours Cup, where you can experience what it's like to helm a 68ft yacht

The After Hours Cup returns on September 19, offering readers the chance to race some of the largest and fastest yachts in the world. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a complete novice, our deal with Clipper Ventures means there will be a professional helmsman and a skilled crew member on every boat to help guide your team to glory. This year, Nautica Watches will be the official time keeper, and Henri Lloyd will be coming on board as our official clothing partner.

Clipper Ventures operates a 10-strong fleet of 68ft round-the-world yachts—the largest and fastest fleet of its kind in the world. The After Hours Cup will be won by the team that is best placed after three high-adrenaline races around the Solent. Last year's winners, Team Singapore, prevailed because of their superiority in coping with wildly fluctuating conditions: they managed to excel both with the wind, and without it. Each team captain will show you how to emulate that success, demonstrating the art of aggressive tacking, finding the cleanest air and how to calculate the most efficient course.

The After Hours Cup is your chance to sail one of these unique racing machines; to experience the rush of fierce competition; to network with fellow After Hours readers and guests on the boat and on land; and to entertain your most valued stakeholders.

Throughout the day there will be refreshments, including a drinks reception the night before and an awards ceremony to honour the fastest teams when you get back to dry land. Members of the winning crew will each receive a Nautica watch to commemorate their achievement. Book a single place for yourself, or a whole boat for your company or team and help raise funds for The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). With fellow directors to race against, the competition is guaranteed to be intense. Have you got what it takes to win the After Hours Cup?

To enter the After Hours Cup call Eloise Maxwell on 020 7766 8905, or email eloise.maxwell@iod.com