SOUTHAMPTON is today squaring up for a battle against rival city Portsmouth to keep its title as the ocean sailing capital of the world.

Organisers of the Global Challenge, which has started and finished in Southampton since it began in 1992, have announced they are considering moving the launch of the 2004/5 event to Portsmouth.

Assessments of each city's port are currently under way and Business Challenge, which organises the race, is working closely with the city councils.

A decision is expected to be made in September, but, in the eyes of Southampton, there should be no contest as to which city would be the best host.

City Council spokesman Mike Douglas said Southampton had been a "tried and tested" port for successive Global Challenges and their predecessor, the British Steel Challenge, for over a decade.

He added: "But we are not complacent. We were delighted when the Challenge Business chose to relocate to Ocean Village, but we realise that there will always be stiff competition for prestigious yacht races that generate such high levels of international coverage, as well as inject income into the local economy."

Mr Douglas said the city was developing a waterfront which was an even more perfect fit for events like the Global Challenge and the Southampton Boat Show. It will also be a suitable venue for the Volvo Ocean Race, for which the city will host a spectacular start and finish over two weeks in spring 2006.

He added: "The city council has an obligation to ensure that value for money is delivered for all our citizens through events of this kind, and we hope the Challenge Business will continue to judge the whole Southampton package on its many established merits.

"With the redevelopment of Ocean Village nearing completion and, longer term, exciting plans for the Royal Pier area, the city is more than capable of continuing to add value to this kind of prestigious sailing event."

Business Challenge themselves admitted that Ocean Village was "buzzing with people, activity and atmosphere" at the finish of the BT Global Challenge 2000/01 and that Southampton has been "a great port" for the race, but said Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays provided an attractive alternative.

Portsmouth City Council spokesman Mark Wingham said: "The city has a reputation for holding nautical events and we feel that we put on a good show.

"Either Southampton or Portsmouth would be a great host for the event."