Falmouth awarded pre-2012 sailing

Ainslie learnt to sail dinghies in Falmouth

Falmouth has succeeded in its bid to host a prestigious pre-Olympic sailing event before London 2012.

The event in May 2012 will include the Finn Gold Cup race, a qualifying event for the Olympics.

Falmouth now needs to accept the offer so that organisers can officially confirm the Finn Festival will be held in the town.

Around 200 international competitors will attend with many expected to stay on during their Olympic preparations.

Ben Ainslie, who has previously won four Olympic medals, learned to sail in the waters around Falmouth and so could return to home ground for the Finn Festival.

The 32-year-old will be looking to win his third gold in the Finn Class at the London Olympics.