GOLDEN girl Sarah Dempsey has joined the search to find south Dorset’s next Olympic sailing champion.

The double gold medal winner is backing Weymouth and Portland Housing’s (WPH) Kids Sail Free project.

WPH, which owns and manages almost 4,000 properties, is offering its young tenants aged between 11 and 18 free sailing lessons through the summer.

Youngsters taking part will receive free sessions on the water with professional tuition, help and advice on hand from a number of local experts.

These include Sarah, former 49er world champion Simon Hiscocks and Weymouth Sailing Club’s Phil Samways.

WPH have sponsored a dinghy especially for the project and youngsters can expect fun and games as well as safety and seamanship training.

Sarah, 28, who scooped gold in the Yngling class at both the Athens and Beijing games, said: “It’s a wonderful scheme and I’m delighted to support it.

“Hopefully there are some budding gold medallists among WPH’s tenants.

“When I was at school I was probably a little overweight and not very sporty but I watched Sally Gunnell win gold in the Barcelona Olympics in ’92 and decided I wanted to be an Olympic champion.

“My dad knew someone who had a boat and so I gave sailing a try.

“That was when I was about six and I’ve never looked back.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it and I look forward to seeing some stars of the future emerge.”

WPH managing director Kevin Dey said it was ‘a fabulous opportunity for children’ and thanked the sailors and Weymouth Sailing Club for their support. He said: “Hearing Sarah’s story is a real inspiration and it just shows what can be achieved with a bit of dedication and commitment.”

“Parents don’t have to worry about the sport costing thousands after the free sessions have finished.

“Weymouth Sailing Club will be offering youngsters membership at just £5 and there will lots of opportunities for children to continue sailing cheaply through the club."

The Kids Sail Free sessions are being held on May 13, May 27 and June 10 at the sailing club, all starting at 6pm.

For details or to book a place call Pam Matthews on 01305 206912.