THE University of Kent at Medway hopes to improve business links with Germany by hosting a VIP reception aboard STS Khersones, the last Cape Horn windjammer under sail, expected off Chatham on September 3 after racing from Hamburg.

The University is to welcome the ship by hosting a party for 300 delegates on board from Saxonia, including its president and the burgermeisters of Leipzig, Dresden and Rostock.

Also, joining in the party will be university vice chancellors from several German universities and directors from companies such as Deutsche Telecom, Siemens AG, Deutsche Bank and Daimler Chrysler.

The University of Kent at Medway's vice chancellor, David Mellville, will welcome the delegates to improve business links between Medway and Germany.

A university spokesman said: "This is a very important trading opportunity for Medway's business community to open up discussions with the German visitors who are very keen to establish a good working relationship between the two countries."

STS Khersones will stay in the River Medway until September 5.