Sussex sailors are ready to answer Bob Geldof's rallying call and set sail for France.

Yachtsmen and women and motorboat owners are preparing to join the Sail8 initiative next weekend.

Sail maker Jane Clout is ready to make the crossing with friends and is anxious to hear from others who would like to join the waterborne protest timed to coincide with the G8 summit of world leaders in Edinburgh.

Jane, from Portslade, said: "I know about 20 boat owners who want to join the action but the detailed information coming from the Sail8 organisers has been quite slow.

"Through my work I'm in touch with a lot of boat owners and I'm happy to act as co-ordinator for this area."

The main crossing will be for Dover to Calais but a Portsmouth to Cherbourg crossing is planned and Jane hopes a Brighton to Dieppe route will also be popular. There are plans to take aerial photographs of each flotilla.

Jane said: "We need assurances we will be able to get into Dieppe harbour. Hopefully we will have that information soon."

Earlier this month Geldorf called on Sussex sailors to recreate the Dunkirk evacuation by sailing to France and picking up French protesters who would be waiting on the shores. Round-the-world yachting legend Ellen MacArthur has given her backing to the initiative. She said: "We have seen in the past how people power can work and there is no doubt if everyone makes an effort the rewards will come for those that need it most."

Jane said many keel boat owners would be in France this weekend for the Royal Sovereign event to St Valery and some of them would want to join the flotilla next Sunday.

Anyone wanting to join the action can contact Jane on 01273 411375 or email Jaysea@OneTel.net Some ferry companies are also running ships to France for the event. To register a boat or for more information, visit www. sail8.ybw.com Are you joining the Sail8 flotilla? If so, The Argus would like to hear from you. Call 0127 544539 or email news@theargus.co.uk