A WEEK long regatta which has a history of more than 60 years in Poole, has already attracted almost 100 boats and more than 150 sailors.

Competitive sailing Zhik Poole Week takes place at Parkstone Yacht Club in August and offers six days of exciting closely-matched racing for all dinghies and small keel boats.

Returning this year to the original week long format, the event is being held from August 23 to 28 and offers sailors the chance to experience some of the best harbour and sea sailing on the south coast.

All sailors competing in the regatta will be in with the chance of winning one of the daily spot prizes, £200 worth of vouchers donated by head sponsor, sailing gear designer and producer Zhik, alongside other prizes throughout the week.

More than 15 classes of boat have already entered, including the popular Laser, Topper, Wayfarer, RS100/200/400, Flying Fifteen and Merlin Rocket.

Each class with six entries or more will have a class race, and there will be a handicap race.

All entrants will receive free temporary family membership to Parkstone Yacht Club, so they will be able to take advantage of the location and facilities on offer. There will be plenty to keep sailing and non-sailing members of the family entertained throughout the week, with activities and a daily social programme, including post-sailing entertainment, food and drink.

Bryan Drake, Commodore at Parkstone Yacht Club, said: “We’re all really looking forward to this year’s Zhik Poole Week, with more than 150 sailors taking part, it’s set to be a fantastic week of sailing for everyone.

“Although there’s one month to go before the first race, anyone keen to take part should enter before 10 August to take advantage of the discounted entry rate.”

The first Poole Week regatta took place in 1948 and over the last 67 years the event has changed its format and even its name but remains the premier annual dinghy and small keel boat event in Poole Harbour.

For more information go to pooleweek.org or call Parkstone Yacht Club on 01202 743610.