Lee-on-the-Solent sailing Club will be buzzing with activity this weekend (6th and 7th July) when over 200 entries are expected for the Volvo RYA South Zone Championships.

The regatta is part of a wider, national event which gives the opportunity for young sailors to show their talent and progress into the major youth training squads.

For others it will be their first taste of competition away from the home club.

"The Volvo RYA Championships have steadily grown in stature and popularity amongst young sailors since the inaugural events in 1999", said Steve Joel, Youth Manager at the RYA.

"Then about 900 competitors took part.

In 2002 we are expecting up to two thousand entries across all nine events.

" Last year the South Zone had the largest entry in the country and the aim is to attract even more over the two day series on 6th and 7th July.

There will be classes for Optimist, Topper, Cadet, Mirror, Laser Radial, Laser Standard, 420 and 29er dinghies as well as Hobie catamarans and windsurfers.

There are mixed handicap fleets too.

Many youngsters from inland sailing clubs will be tussling with their first races in Solent tides which should give them excellent experience.

Others are seasoned old-handers.

For 29er competitors Tom Smedley from Havant sailing with Jonny Marshall and Pippa Wilson from Lymington with crew Jenny Marks, this will be the final event before they go on to represent the country in the ISAF World Championships in Canada.