THE LEAD charity of Southampton Sailing Regatta has been announced as cancer care charity Maggie's for this year's event.

Preparing to sail their own yacht in the last day's legal cup race, they are encouraging people to support them during the event.

Ten spaces are available on Maggie's yacht for individuals wanting to provide their support, with no prior experience necessary to join in.

A raffle will also be held by the charity offering prizes, which will be awarded during the after sail awards across the three-day event.

George Louch, Event Director at Southampton Sailing Regatta, said: "We are very excited to have Maggie’s on board with us for this year’s Southampton Sailing Regatta and look forward to seeing their yacht out on the water. I hope all their team members love the day and the raffle is a great success."

Gemma McKnight, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s, said: “We are delighted to be lead charity for Southampton Sailing Week Regatta. Maggie’s is a charity solely reliant on donations to support and grow our network of centres. Money raised from this partnership will help us move one step closer to bringing Maggie’s to the south and to make the biggest difference possible to people living with cancer and their family and friends.”

Maggie's will open their first Southampton-based centre in 2020 to support people living with cancer.

Southampton Sailing Week Regatta will take place on Monday 16, Tuesday 17 and Wednesday September 18.

The event will award two cups to winning teams and individuals each day, with six races in total taking place across the event.