The Dart 18 Catamaran World Championships are coming to Stokes Bay.

The event takes place off Gosport from August 16-22 and around 200 boats are expected to compete.

There will also be a Fun Fleet for those who are still learning or don't want to take the racing too seriously.

The Dart 18 is the biggest racing catamaran fleet in the UK, with many international sailors.

Stokes Bay is one of the largest sailing clubs on the south coast and has been instrumental in developing some of the world's finest Olympic medallists such as Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy, who are both members.

A large number of European entrants are expected from a variety of countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland. In addition, competitors are expected from Canada, Africa and Asia.

It is anticipated that the competition will be closely contended and could even see an England v France struggle for podium positions.

The title of World Champion is being defended by Christophe and Cathrine Ghazarian and other French competitors include French National Champions Vincent Bouvier and Fanny Merelle, Herve Le Maux and Joanna Jones (second at Worlds 2002) and Thierry and Christine Wibaux (third at Worlds 2002).

The British are no strangers to the podium at the World Championships and British ex-World Champions that may be competing are Kim Furness (World Champion 1991) from Pentewan Sands Sailing Club, and Gareth Owen (World Champion 1998) from Dee Sailing Club.

Other Brits that stand a good chance of winning the title include Brian and son Tom Phipps, Stuart Snell, Bob Fletcher, Stuart and Sandie Sly and Jasper and Laura Barnham, all ex-national champions

Local knowledge of winds and tides can be a big advantage and could produce a home victory for Stokes Bay members.

David and Sam Lloyd, from Portsmouth, are the current National and Inland National Champions (Portsmouth) while Southampton's Chris Moore, Cathrin Farthing or Lawrie Draper could challenge.

The Dart 18 high performance catamarans are of simple, elegant design proven to be one of the most successful classes of boat since its initial concept 27 years ago.

Being a 'one design' class, the boats are all technically identical, meaning that competitors must prove themselves and are reliant upon their sailing and racing skills.