ONE of the biggest fleets of dinghies for some years will be racing off Whitstable this weekend as more than 100 Laser helmsmen and women fight for places in the next world championships.

This will be the final series of four with accumulative points being awarded on the ladder system.

Three have already taken place and grants and special training facilities for the global event those at the top will be anxious to consolidate their positions

The final placings will also scrutinised by the British Olympic Yachting Association which is already looking ahead to the Athens regatta in 2004.

The event, organised by Whitstable Yacht Club, is expected to attract between 100 and 120 entries split into three fleets using different size sails.

Three races start at mid-day Saturday and the other two on Sunday. The fleets will be kept at sea between races and fitness will play a big part.

Between six and 10 entrants are expected from the host club and Herne Bay, including Whitstable veteran Peter Raymer, 75, who has just returned from an international Laser meeting in America.