Organisers of the America's Cup launch campaign for volunteers for this years's event in Portsmouth

Organisers of the event are looking for 300 Wavemakers to act as volunteers across the four days of racing.

Leslie Greenhalgh is the event director. She said: ‘For the people of Portsmouth to be involved in an event from the inside, you see an aspect of it much closer up.

‘It’s an opportunity to present your city of Portsmouth to new visitors. A high percentage of people who come to the event have never been to Portsmouth before.’

Jaye Isherwood, 60, from Port Solent, was a wavemaker last year.

She said: ‘It was great to be a part of the event. The whole world is looking at Portsmouth and to be a part of it is something special.

‘I am a sailor myself and it was great to promote one of the best sailing areas in the world.

‘One of the big things for us was to be an ambassador for Portsmouth. We had local knowledge and it was great to be able to pass that on.’

The Wavemakers are being sponsored by Airbus Defence and Space. The firm is running a programme which will see 50 employees become Wavemakers for the event.

Mike Healy is the Portsmouth site director. He said: ‘There are a lot of sailors in Portsmouth. The connection with the sailing community is a strong one.

‘Last year a lot of our staff were at the event and wanted to be part of it. This gives us an opportunity for a deeper involvement.’

This year’s America’s Cup World Series takes place from July 21 to July 24.

To apply please visit lvacwsportsmouth.com.