'Fantastic' – that was the welcome Dartmouth has given the hundreds of J80 sailors who flooded into the town last weekend.

The organisers of the world sailing event have been bowled over by the town, the interest in the event and the support they have been given to make the huge event run smoothly.

And in return Dartmouth has received a money-spinning boost to its economy as the town ended up almost completely booked up for the week.

A spokesman for the international sailing event which has brought crews from across the globe to the Dart, said: 'It has been absolutely astonishing.

'There has been lots of interest from the town, lots of people coming in in spite of the weather.

'Everywhere you go you are made to feel welcome. It's fantastic.'

But she also pointed out the event could have done with less rain and more wind – as the first days racing had to be delayed for some two and a half hours because there was not enough wind strength out in Start Bay to enable the racing to go ahead.

'It's not Dartmouth's fault. The event is weather dependent and this can happen wherever you go,' she added.

Dartmouth Business Forum chairman Paul Reach said it looked like the businesses most likely to benefit from the huge event are the evening ones such as restaurants as the 500 or so sailors and their support teams are concentrating on the racing during the day.

'They seem to be very happy with the arrangements here,' he said. 'Quite a few of the rental properties have gained. They are using a lot of local properties and I think the whole place is pretty well fully booked.'

At the weekends dozens of the eight metre yachts lined the town's embankment as they were craned one by one into the Dart.

The 75 yachts ended up being moored five deep along the harbour authority pontoons.

The hundreds of sailors were treated to a Royal Navy Beating the Retreat spectacle at the Britannia Royal Naval College at the weekend as part of the welcome. The sailing organisers' spokesman said: 'Luckily we found a gap in the weather to hold the reception on the terrace.'

The last of the races were due to go ahead today ahead of the prize-giving ceremony this evening.

The championships website is already praising the town for the way it has backed the event. It says: 'The Royal Dart Yacht Club and waterborne volunteers have ensured that everything has gone smoothly on the water.

The website adds: 'Support from the town of Dartmouth and local businesses have also been crucial to staging the event in the town.

'Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority has provided berthing for competitors, a water taxi service and an enormous amount of logistical assistance to the regatta organisers.

'The local RNLI is assisting with communications and Dartmouth Regatta Committee members have also been helping to ensure that the event is a success.

'Baltic Wharf in Totnes, First Class Nautical of Dartmouth and Darthaven Marina in Kingswear facilitated a month-long coaching programme for the UK teams which took place on the waters in which the world championship will be fought.'

More on the J80s in sport.