MORE than 100 competitors will take part in a European sailing championship in Christchurch Bay later this year.

The 2016 European Sailing Championships for the Contender class of sailing dinghies will be hosted by Highcliffe Sailing Club at Mudeford Quay in September.

And with hundreds of people set to visit the area for the event, Christchurch council is being asked to consider new plans for parking and overnight campervans.

A report to Wednesday's resources committee says the sailing club would like competitors to be able to sleep in campervans overnight, while also offering them a discount on parking for an eight day permit at Mudeford Quay.

Other European countries who have hosted the event have always provided free parking, the report states.

And while Highcliffe Sailing Club are mindful of the income that councils derive from income, they are calling for the local authority to consider their one-off request.

"This is potentially a great event for the town and will bring in many tourists and place our area on the map with the sailing community in the UK and abroad", the document says.

Officers say 100 vehicles could stay overnight in the 441-space car park, without having an adverse effect on parking provision for other visitors.

The financial cost to the council, for amending parking orders and offering a 50 per cent concession on parking, will be £4,250.

But if members were prepared to offer the organisers 100 permits, the report says depending on a number of factors, including the weather, the event could potentially increase income for the council.

Should the measures be approved, Highcliffe Sailing Club will be under conditions to keep the site clean and tidy.

Recommending the discount and overnight allowance for member approval, the report concludes: "This event will bring a high-profile international competition to the town and will provide our community with an opportunity to watch the spectacle of exciting racing, and also a sense of pride that Christchurch is considered to be one of the top host destinations in the UK for dinghy sailing."