A SHORTAGE of good accommodation could be the ruin of international sailing events in Herne Bay, according to the Rear Commodore of Herne Bay Sailing Club, Dick Holness.

More than 100 sailors, plus guests, are expected to converge on the town for the three-day National Albacore Championship in August.

However, Mr Holness was surprised to find only one place in the Tourist Information Accommodation Guide for Herne Bay. He said:

"We're supposed to be a seaside town for tourists. But where are people supposed to stay?"

Mr Holness, who is organising the event in August, has been trying to help people from all over the country secure accommodation but drew a blank at the Tourist Information Centre.

"The people there were extremely helpful, but unable to help us!" said Mr Holness, "Nowhere's listed."

Mr Holness said he doesn't want to resort to trawling through the town looking for accommodation telephone numbers to write down, neither does he want people to arrive in Herne Bay to find everything booked up.

"Herne Bay Sailing Club wants to get bigger," continued Mr Holness, "Our club is building a good reputation for events like these and we're keen to do more. This is a major problem."

A spokesperson for the council said: "There is only one Herne Bay bed and breakfast listed in the city council's accommodation guide. All the establishments in the guide must have been inspected and given a grade by the AA, RAC or Tourist Board.

"This is a policy of all the local authorities in Kent. We have to do this to ensure the safety of visitors and quality grading is one way to do this.

"It is up to individual establishments to decide whether they want to be inspected. The lack of places in Herne Bay choosing to do this is a big problem and we would be delighted if more signed up for the inspections. We are working with them to try and encourage more to do so.

"An entry in the accommodation guide costs just £195 a year. When you consider that 90,000 copies are issued worldwide, this offers excellent value and would attract a lot of businesses and visitors to Herne Bay.

Mr Holness appealed to anyone with a bed and breakfast or those willing to play host for the weekend of August 3 - 5 to contact him.

He can be reached on 01227 366831.