THE final preparations have been put in place for a landsailing event on a North-East beach this weekend.

The Redcar Regatta will see up to 30 people racing on the beach for the first time in more than 30 years.

Northern Echo reporter Graeme Hetherington was treated to a ride on a twin-seated training yacht, controlled by former British Champion Martin Leach, ahead of racing starting tomorrow morning (Saturday, April 27).

Mr Hetherington said: "A sport like landsailing is clearly weather dependent and the wind gusting across the beach was constantly changing direction meaning it was difficult for us to maintain momentum.

"However, under the expert guidance of Martin, we were able to get up to a respectable speed and test the surface of the beach."

Mr Leach said: “Obviously, the event is dependent on the weather but the beach should be great for the racing. It is flat, wide and open, which means the competitors could be able to get up to speeds of 30 to 40mph.”

The regatta is being organised by local members of York Landyacht Club, the closest British landsailing club to this area.

One of the organisers, Kevin Skelton said: “We are really looking for to the event and hope that it could become an annual race meeting.”

The event will run from 10am to 4pm, with practice from 8.30am tomorrow and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.

Part of Coatham Beach will be closed to the public for the regatta. But there is ample room at Majuba Road for spectators to view the sport at close quarters.

The timings of the races could be subject to change at short notice because of beach and weather conditions.