The 2012 Olympic sailing venue at Weymouth and Portland will host the final event of the 2008-09 ISAF Sailing World Cup series.

Over 700 sailors representing 38 nations have gathered at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy for the 2009 edition of the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta, where continues through until the Medal Races this Saturday (19 September).

Following on from stops in, Australia, the US, Spain, France, The Netherlands and Germany, the inaugural ISAF Sailing World Cup series reaches its conclusion in Great Britain, with World Cup honours up for grabs in the 10 Olympic and three Paralympic sailing events.

Amongst the star names lining up is Paul Goodison (GBR), who will be looking to continue his run of unbroken regatta wins which has seen him take gold in Beijing, both the European and World Laser titles as well as victory at the last three World Cup events. Chief amongst Goodison’s challengers will be fellow Brit Nick Thompson, who despite playing second fiddle to his team mate in recent months, still holds the lead in the World Cup Standings after making a stunning start to the season.

Other strong home challengers are Beijing Olympic gold medal winners Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson (GBR) who line up in a Star fleet packed full of Olympic and World Championship medallists. Another of the British Beijing gold medallists Pippa Wilson competes in the 470 fleet with new crew Saskia Clark. Britain’s newest World Champion Nick Dempsey (GBR) misses out however, after straining a hamstring in Weymouth last week on his way to winning the RS:X World title.

Also eagerly anticipated is the Women’s Match Racing event, which will make its debut Olympic appearance at London 2012.

Racing in Weymouth began yesterday, with the series continuing through until the final Medal Races on Saturday 19 September, when Weymouth is opening its doors withfreeentry to the public.

For more, visit www.sailing.org .