WINDSURFERS will be undertaking a fast and furious sprint across borough waters tomorrow in an attempt to beat a long-standing record.

Competitors for this year’s Harbour Dash will be lining up on Weymouth’s Overcombe Beach for an 11am start.

The Harbour Dash, which has been running annually in the borough for more than 30 years was founded in memory of Brian Matthews, who died in January 1986, the day after his 60th birthday.

Mr Matthews learned to windsurf in 1979, having been taught by Phil Gollop at his original set up of a few lock-ups at the end of Old Castle Road.

The concept of the Harbour Dash came about because Mr Matthews was always the first for a seafaring adventure, Sailing from the harbour to Overcombe or Ringstead regularly.

The event has been cared for and nurtured by Norman Petty for the last decade, the prize for the winner being the Brian Matthews Memorial Cup.

Tris Best, managing director of the Official Test Centre based at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, said: “The format of the event is quite simple.

“It's a race from Overcombe to Portland Harbour, where you dip inside the wall via the north shipping channel and back out into the bay via the east shipping channel.

“It's then a quick zip back to the beach, finishing the same point that you started.

“While stuff of legend, the event has always been quite a low-key affair. The title for the fastest time has been held by local champ Adie Bugler for more than 20 years and is crying out to be challenged.

“Will this year prove to be the year where the record is finally broken?”

Cost for entries is £15 on the day, covering the cost of the rescue boats.

Any additional money raised will be donated to local charity the Will Mackaness Trust, founded in memory of a young windsurfing enthusiast.

The charity, named after the former head boy of Wey Valley School who tragically lost his life to an aggressive form of brain tumour in 2008, is the Dorset Echo’s chosen charity in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events on borough waters.

Registration for the 2011 Harbour Dash will take place in Overcombe car park.

All are welcome to take part, and the organisers say please ensure you have paid and displayed and are ready to go by 11am.

For more information, call the OTC on 07817 717904, or email info@otc-windsurf.com