AN ORGANISING committee has completed preparations for the 2007 Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Weymouth.

The group held their final meeting on Monday to finalise plans for the prestigious event.

Members of the committee include David Dunn and Derek Abbott of the Yacht Clubs of Weymouth (YCW), and Rob Campbell and Gavia Wilkinson-Cox of the British Dragon Association and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council members Dennis George, Jacqui Gisborne and Kevin Good.

Group chairman David Dunn said: "For big events, members from the four yacht clubs of Weymouth - the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, Weymouth Sailing Club, Castle Cove Sailing Club and the Royal Naval Sailing Association - form the Championship Committee.

"We're used to working with each other and have got a good team.

"A couple of years ago we hosted the J24 Worlds, and last year was the Wayfarer National Championship. We also help with the Olympic Sail for Gold events."

He added: "The Edinburgh Cup will be good for Weymouth.

"These particular boats are quite expensive and very elegant. They are an old design that's kept up to date and are attractive boats - it will be very scenic.

"We are deliberately using Weymouth Harbour to moor the boats and are making a lot of effort to get the general public involved."

As well as the prominent siting of the boats, a marquee will be erected in the cargo stage area of the harbour to provide a focus of activity for competitors and an information point for visitors.

Weymouth will stage the Dragon Edinburgh Cup and South Coast Championship from June 30 to July 7.

More than 40 boats from across the UK and Europe are expected to compete in the back-to-back events.

Six races are scheduled for each event and competitors will be based at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club.

To enter or find out more visit www.edinburghcup07.co.uk