DOUBLE Olympic medallist Simon Hiscocks and six of the country’s top sailors were among the star guests at a Dorset Echo ‘Bring on the Games’ event.

A host of 2012 hopefuls including Giles Scott, Luke Patience, Stuart Bithell, Kate and Lucy Macgregor and Megan Pascoe gathered on board the luxury 777 yacht in Portland Marina with dignitaries, council officers, yacht club and harbourmaster representatives and Dorset business people.

The aim of the event, hosted by the Dorset Echo, was to set the news agenda for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing events, which will be taking place in borough waters next year.

It marks the start of the Dorset Echo’s Going for Gold campaign which aims to provide unrivalled coverage and advertising opportunities in the run-up to the Games.

Beijing bronze medallist windsurfer Bryony Shaw and Athens bronze medallist sailor Chris Draper sent video messages of support.

Top 49er sailor Chris, of Corfe Mullen, said: “It’s fantastic what you guys are doing, it’s great to get support from local media.

“The Olympics is going to be a fantastic experience for Dorset and Weymouth, and it will be a great amphitheatre for the medal races.”

Guests included Bryony’s parents Hazel and Brian Shaw, of Castle Cove Sailing Club, Sunseeker’s Ian Joliffe, borough Mayor Paul Kimber and Portland Mayor David Thurston.

Sailing academy deputy chief executive Rachel Sadler said: “We really want everyone in the area to get behind the Games and support our sailors in 2012.”

Managing director for Newsquest Dorset, publisher of the Dorset Echo, Vincent Boni said: “This event was about setting our agenda for 2012 and encouraging everyone involved in the Games to contribute and to keep us up to speed.

“It will take a Herculean if not Olympian effort in order to make the most of the opportunities for the region and we need to engage with every aspect with care and enthusiasm.

“We need to promote the event but even more we need to make sure that it provides a lasting contribution to this extraordinary and special part of England.”

Andy Cake, owner of the 777 yacht, normally based in Torquay, said: “The 2012 Games are a great opportunity for everyone really, the amount of business it’s going to generate.”

Dorset Echo editor Toby Granville said: "We're delighted to host the Bring on the Games event and to put the Dorset Echo's association with the Olympics firmly on the map.

"As the main media for the area we'll be striving to keep our readers up to date with the latest coverage in the build up and during this once in a lifetime event.

"So keep reading the Going For Gold section online and in the Dorset Echo newspaper for all the best coverage."