ONE of the first major sailing regattas in the North-East takes place this weekend.

The Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club is hosting the event, which will attract people from across the region.

The regatta will include classes for all types of yacht and will involve six races sailing over Olympic-style courses within Hartlepool Bay.

There will be three class starts and the event will include races which will count towards the North East Cruiser Racing Association series.

More than 30 yachts are expected to take part and the first race will take place at 1pm on Saturday.

Bill Todd, commodore of the Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club, said: "Some of the best sailors from the North-East will be taking part and all the skippers and their crews are working hard to get their boats ready for what will be a very competitive weekend.