A WIRRAL bid to stage a prestigious international sailing event has received the royal seal of approval.

West Kirby Sailing Club will find out next week whether its bid to host the International Sailing Federation's World Team Racing Championships has been a success.

If successful, the bid could see the event - which attracts thousands of spectators and competitors from all over the world - held over a week in the summer of 2007 at West Kirby Marine Lake.

The event will be an impressive addition to the programme of events and attractions leading up to Liverpool's Year as Capital of Culture in 2008, which includes the return of the Open Golf Championship - the world's third largest sporting event - to Wirral in 2006.

In her capacity as president of the Royal Yachting Association, The Princess Royal is supporting the championship.

Princess Anne said: "I know that the facilities at West Kirby will provide a magnificent venue and the club has a wealth of experience in running prestigious team events."

Other supporters include Wirral council, Wirral West MP Stephen Hesford, Sir Bob Scott, Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, West Kirby Chamber of Trade and Commerce, and the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, which is hosting the Open Golf Championship in 2006. Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell has also pledged backing.

The event is one of the most prestigious in the sailing calendar. Next year's championships will take place at Rhode Island, New York, and are expected to draw teams from more than 20 nations. Organiser Ray Griffiths said: "If successful there will be 150 to 200 competitors from all over the world. I think we have a good chance because the marine lake is the best facility in the world for such events because you can watch it from three sides of the lake.

"We have a wealth of experience form the Wilson Trophy that is held annually on the lake."

Steve Maddox, chief executive of Wirral council said: "We intend to continue working with the club, offering whatever support and help we can to maximise the impact and benefits that such an occasion would bring."

Wirral West MP Stephen Hesford added: "Merseyside generally, and Wirral in particular, is becoming increasingly well known for what they have to offer, and this event would be an impressive feather in the cap for the area."