16th – 17th September 2025
Port Solent, Portsmouth, UK

Committee members

Meet the Russell-Cooke Silicon Cup Regatta team. Together, they are responsible for delivering the event.

Shaun Frohlich

With 40 years of industry experience, Shaun is a well-known figure amongst the IT leadership community and has spent the past 10 years helping people to shift their mindset from working on the business to realising growth potential and value from the business. Shaun co-founded and still runs the Silicon Cup, raising over £1m since inception in 1999.

Simon Boulding

Simon is the Managing Director of Prometheus Sailing and has worked in the sailing industry for over 20 years. He has been involved in the Silicon Cup since 2004 and is a passionate supporter of the regatta and its chosen charities. 

Justin Langford

Justin Langford leads Coeo, a Microsoft cloud and data analytics business. He joined the organising committee in 2019 after participating in the Regatta for several years. Justin has enjoyed sailing for many years and loves the idea of combining sailing and supporting great charities with the Silicon Cup!

Peter Jeffery

Peter Jefferey is a partner at Moore Barlow. He specialises in corporate law, working mainly for IT companies helping them with everything from setting up, buying other businesses, through to fund raising and finally their sale. Peter is a keen sailor and likes nothing better than cruising solo or with a crew, but always with good food and wine!

Chris Hemingway

With an international IT Background for the past 35 years and having worked in numerous leadership roles, Chris’ love of the water and sailing led him to attend the Silicon Cup in 2010. In 2016 he joined the committee with the view of giving back and today, helps lead the charity liaison side of the event.

Mark Fowle

Mark began his Silicon Cup journey over 20 years ago, entering boats full of staff and clients every year. He then became a valued member of the committee. Mark believes more IT companies should get involved in this incredible event that keeps on giving back to everyone that’s involved.

Ed Armitage

Edward Armitage is an experienced Managing Director within IT Managed Services. He founded Bedroq in 2019 to provide surveillance and IT services to the Police and Energy sectors. In 2018 Edward set up Equity Results to use his technical and commercial experience to help others build value in their businesses. He also founded, grew and sold Modrus in 2016.

Mark Venables

Mark is the CEO of Highland Marketing, a PR and Marketing agency that specialises in Healthcare and Healthcare tech. Mark developed an early love of sailing – a skill he learnt aboard a 58ft captured German World War II yacht called Overlord. In 1982 he attempted to sail the world, but his vessel was nearly sunk in the same storm which prevented TV presenter John Noakes from making a similar voyage. Joining the Silicon Cup committee and becoming a sponsor of the event was the perfect opportunity for him to combine his love of sailing and charity work.

Giles Horwood

Giles is the Managing Director of Simpson Associates.  A keen sailor for many years, whilst also enjoying time in the mountains and a member of one of the Peak District Mountain Rescue Teams, can often be found in North Wales enjoying both the sailing and mountains.

Sponsors

We work with a handpicked selection of sponsors and partners to produce the Silicon Cup.