Weymouth and Portland set to host prestigious windsurfing championships
Local residents are being urged to be a part of the international event
Locals in Weymouth and Portland are being asked to get involved ahead of the arrival of a prestigious windsurfing competition due to be held.
The two Dorset towns are set to host the 2026 Musto iQFOiL World Championships, with 250 of the world's leading windsurfers from across 40 countries will compete.
Fans and locals will be able to enjoy the competition, with a free Fan Zone located at Weymouth Pavillion on September 12th.
The festival will be held throughout next week, with a number of major broadcaster travelling to the local area to highlight the local coastline.
Other outdoor activities will be held for families, with children being able to get involved with the fun. Coinciding with Weymouth's Waterfest on the next beach, people will be able to try other watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
The event is expecting to bring a boost of tourism to the local area, while the local area's reputation as a windsurfing hotspot is set to be bolstered.
Speaking on the upcoming event, Councillor Nick Ireland from Dorset Council said: "Hosting a World Championship of this scale is fantastic for Dorset.
"Events like this don’t come around very often, but it gives us the chance to show off our stunning coastline to an international audience while bringing people into Weymouth to support local businesses. We very much hope it will inspire young people to get involved in water sports which are available right on their doorstep.
"We are really pleased that local people can be part of the event and even try a new water sport while celebrating Dorset's unique connection with sailing."