A SAILING project is on the crest of a wave after receiving a cash boost to support youngsters getting into the sport – and is also set to benefit from the world’s premier yachting event.

The Portland-based Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (ASSF), established in memory of the late Olympic sailor with the aim of helping the next generation onto the water, has been awarded £10,000 by Sport England towards the purchase of five RS Tera sailing dinghies.

And there’s a double celebration as the foundation has been named as the official charity for Cowes Week 2017.

Representatives from the foundation will be at the iconic event, the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta, organising activities to encourage disadvantaged young people to get afloat and experience the excitement of sailing.

Cowes Week bosses said the foundation was selected from a long list of charity applications.

The foundation said funds raised will be directed towards inspiring sailing initiatives that improve the lives of youngsters.

ASSF funding and development officer Tim Anderton said: “As a national sailing charity with its roots in Dorset, this is fantastic news and gives us a real chance to highlight the work of the foundation on a major stage.”

Meanwhile, the Sport England grant will help towards buying fast single-hander sailing dinghies which will be used by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre to give youngsters a pathway into regular sailing through its Bart Clubs for beginners and Race Club for the more advanced.

They will also be used by a number of different organisations at events including the South West Youth Sailing Academy, the National Schools Sailing Association and the RS Tera Class association.

The boat supplier, RS, has provided a six-stacker trailer for transporting the boats around the region.

Tim Anderton said: “The foundation looks to improve the lives of young people through sailing.

“The Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre is key in the foundations development of sailing programmes. The centre is looking to expand its community offering by working with schools in the local area and offer young people the chance to experience sailing on a regular basis.”

Meanwhile, Portland sailor Hannah Mills and her partner Saskia Clark are among the nominees for a prestigious award.

The Olympic champions, who won gold in the women's 470 sailing class in Rio, have been shortlisted for an award at The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2016.

The pair have been shortlisted in the Olympian of the Year category for their efforts at the Rio games.

They will go up against boxer Nicola Adams, equestrian star Charlotte Dujardin, rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning, taekwondo gold medalist Jade Jones and cyclist Laura Trott.

The awards are now in their 29th year with the winner announced on Thursday, December 8 at the News UK headquarters.

Eleanor Mills, editorial director at The Sunday Times said: "We’re delighted to honour the outstanding sportswomen of the UK and Ireland in our annual sportswomen awards. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our female athletes, especially after the hugely successful Rio Olympics this year. The public vote gives the awards added significance and it’s an excellent shortlist that we’re looking forward to celebrating in the coming weeks.”