sailing enthusiasts are hitting out at plans for a marina extension which they say could jeopardise the future for thousands of young sailors.

Dozens turned out to register their fears at a campaign meeting.

They are concerned that the planned changes, which would see deep water moorings further out into the River Hamble, would block off a channel for slow boats and dinghies to use the river safe from strong currents and larger vessels.

However, the man behind the application for Shore Pier Yard in Warsash says it would in fact make for safer sailing, as well as safeguarding the future of the site, which employs 30 people in seven businesses.

Sarah Norbury, editor of magazine Practical Boat Owner and a Warsash resident, said: "The width of the river would be reduced by a third. Most local people agree that this would make it extremely unsafe for sailing. Children would be in great danger.

"Young sailors wouldn't be as safe as they were before. People are talking in quite dramatic terms.

"Several national and international champions have sailed there as they grew up, and children's sailing might ultimately have to stop."

Warsash Sailing Club, which has

produced world champions, Olympic sailors, round-the-world racers, America's Cup skippers and national squad members in its 50-year history, is among the objectors.

Commodore Derek Morland said: "It would cause a safety issue for everyone who uses the river, but we are especially worried that it would affect access to the river for our young 'kippers' group.

"A third of the river would be blocked off and it would cause congestion. This would compromise the river. It's crazy.

"Warsash Sailing Club will always fight any development on the river which is bad for it. This is purely for commercial reasons."

Planners received letters from The Royal Yachting Association, the river's berthholders' association, residents' groups and river users when a previous application was submitted.

Now modified plans with more car parking spaces have been lodged.

Warsash Residents' Association chairman Ken Prangnell, who sailed for more than 50 years, said: "Quite a lot of our members are sailors and we are worried. The obstructions in the river are not wanted and any extra car parking is welcomed, but it simply won't be enough."

Chris Frost, director of owners Warsash Marine Ltd, said: "People don't want to pay as much for the mud berths and the viability of the business is affected by that.

"We've spent two years working hard to get navigational consent for deep water berths. We've had stakeholders' meetings and made lots of modifications to try to compromise.

"I can understand people's concerns, but we believe this will make things safer going out in the fairway."

The application is expected to be considered by Fareham planners on Wednesday, June 15.