IT'S D-Day for the world's toughest yacht race tomorrow when organisers announce whether it will be deserting the shores of Southampton for Portsmouth.

Southampton has hosted both the start and climax of the Global Challenge since its launch more than ten years ago.

The race is estimated to be worth millions of pounds to Southampton in tourism and raising its worldwide profile.

However, event bosses revealed earlier this year that they were considering moving it along the coast for the 2004/5 event.

Organisers business Challenge has been working alongside council chiefs from the two cities for the past two months to look at the merits of both ports.

Civic leaders in Southampton insisted its plans to redevelop the waterfront and Ocean Village meant it would make the city even more suitable to host the race, which takes place every four years.

Mark Baptist, marketing and media director for Business Challenge, said they had looked at various aspects of both cities, including facilities it could offer for yachts, crew, sponsors and visitors.

"Over the past few months we have effectively embarked on a world tour to look at prospective ports of call.

"We have given them all requirements documents, that have been returned to us, which contain a variety of elements."

A spokesman for the City Council said: "Southampton City Council put forward a detailed and extensive bid to stage the Global Challenge.

"We acknowledge the fact that we are up against stiff competition and are awaiting the results of the decision."

A spokesman for Portsmouth City Council said the city had a reputation for holding nautical events and felt confident it would put on a good show if it was chosen.

The event is billed as the world's toughest as yachts have to circumnavigate the globe against the prevailing winds and currents.

A spokesman for Southampton Chamber of Commerce said the event would be a huge boost for businesses it if returned again to the city.

She added: "Southampton is placing a greater emphasis on its maritime heritage so it would be important that the Global Challenge returns to the city."

Southampton has already been confirmed to host a spectacular start and finish over two weeks in spring 2006 for the Volvo Ocean Race.

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