Downs Sailing Club is gearing up to host thousands of people in the summer for the National Youth Regatta.

The week-long annual competition starts on Monday, July 21.

About 400 youth competitors, their families and supporters will descending on Walmer from the Sunday, boosting summer tourism trade – just days ahead of the carnival on July 31.

Downs commodore Chris Danican said: “It’s been in the planning for 18 months. The clubhouse will be the nerve centre for the operation.”

This is the first time in 15 years that the competition has been held at Walmer and it is expected the area between the pier up towards Kingsdown will be sailed by hundreds of vessels.

Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts will welcome competitors and their supporters and Ripple Vale School will host campers, while official caravan sites will also benefit from more business.

Last year, the club accepted a £50,000 Sport England grant to renovate the clubhouse. Works are now almost finished.

To find out more about the regatta or to volunteer to give a helping hand, visit www.nssa2014.downssailingclub.co.uk.

For the full story and updates, see the East Kent Mercury.