This weekend there will be a fantastic opportunity for young sailors to mix it up with more experienced ones at the RYA Youth Zone Championships.

The South Zone's regatta will be held at Hayling Island Sailing Club this Saturday and Sunday, with three races apiece.

Aspiring sailors will be able to compete at one of six locations around the country.

The primary aim of the RYA-driven event is to seek out young talent and to give these youngsters the opportunity to experience competition outside of their own club environment.

At the top end it will also feature national junior and Zone Squad members, thereby covering the spectrum.

The concept, now in its fifth year, has 142 competitors already signed up for the Hayling regatta.

A new aspect for 2003 is that the six venues will focus on the younger sailors in just the junior classes.

Racing will be in the Optimist, Topper, Cadet and Mirror classes with the Hobie Dragoons all attending a single national event in the East Zone.

Windsurfing racing will be in the 3.5m, 4.5m, 5.5m and national junior class. There will also be fast and slow handicap classes to encourage sailors in all classes to join in.

Competitors aged eight to 17 will be on Saturday's start line on the harbour. All youngsters are welcome. Sailing background and a sailor's normal class is immaterial.