The Osprey Class Association Southern Area Championships are being hosted by the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club this weekend.

The championships make a long-awaited return to the club on the same weekend that the Cherub Open takes place.

Sailors from across the country are expected to attend the event, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, off the Sheerness beach.

Ken Brown, the club’s vice-commodore, was delighted to see the high-profile championship coming to the island and was hoping that local challengers would be able to make a name for themselves.

"We’re really pushing the club forward," said Brown. "We’re expecting boats from all over
the country to attend for the
first time in around 10 to 15 years

"We had a little difficulty around 2000 but we’ve slowly rebuilt and we’re getting
guys back out on the circuit now.

"The profile of the club has been raised and we now have one of the best sailing venues in the South East.

"There’s a possibly someone local could challenge the leaders but we’ll probably be looking at a top-five finish. We’re expecting some pretty good competition and we’ll be doing our best."

Saturday’s opening race starts at noon.