The shores of Gorleston will this summer be home to young aspiring sailors from across the country.

In July, the town will host the annual NSSA National Youth Regatta where hundreds of youngsters between the ages of 12 and 18 will take to the sea for a week of competition.

People can sign up no matter what skill ability they are at, though there is a maximum of 400 entrants.

Andy Goff, who is the event commodore, said the regatta will bring around £500,000 to the area through tourism.

He said: “This is a major event for Great Yarmouth and the whole of Norfolk and we are really privileged to have been asked to host.

“The organisation is absolutely huge and we will have around 400 boats, 41 safety crew members and 150 adult helpers, all camping and being fed at Cliff Park Ormiston Academy.

“We are hoping to have a visit from Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.

“We are also being supported by many local companies and philanthropists including Peter De Savary who I sailed with in 1983 in the America’s Cup.”

“As part of the preparations for the regatta, there will be a pre-event dinner at the Ocean Rooms and we have invited organisations from across the county to attend to learn more about the National Schools Sailing Association, and support young people in the regatta.”

Team registration for this years event will open on April 1, 2016, and the racing itself will run from Monday, July 25, to Friday, July 29.

Camping and caravanning facilities will be available at Cliff Park Ormiston Academy where breakfast, lunch and evening meals will be available.

Races during the week regatta will take place over four courses for those of different skills including a “Rookie” fleet reserved for young sailors who are competing away from their home waters for the first time.

A full programme of social and sports events will be organised every evening, commencing with a welcome event on Sunday night and concluding with prize giving and disco on Friday evening.

Entry fees, accommodation/food will be posted on the event and NSSA websites nearer the time.

Competitors must be members of the NSSA and can only enter as part of a team which must have an adult to act as team manager who is responsible for the group during the week.

Teams with both male and female competitors must have both male and female adults in their management team and the ability to bring a sea worthy safety boat will be advantageous.