Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour are widely recognised as some of the best sailing waters on the planet. This, together with the development of the new purpose-built, on-shore facilities, have resulted in the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) being selected as part of the venue for the sailing competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Leading sailors from around the world will discover what those closer to home have long been aware of: the combination of clean winds, sheltered waters and weak tides in the area is unique and provides an unrivalled location for thrilling sporting competition.
Spectators, meanwhile, will marvel at the spectacular backdrop to the action, with our modern world-class facility set in the centre of the Jurassic Coast, the only natural World Heritage Site on the UK mainland.
WPNSA primarily offers its superb venue for events and training, but also operates a successful sailing school, windsurfing school and a large members’ community catering for all abilities from complete beginners to Olympians.
The Games will not be a one-off, but a springboard to ensure there is a continuing and lasting legacy in Dorset and the United Kingdom. The Academy has hosted conferences with business leaders and senior figures from the sailing world aimed at ensuring we remain a key destination on the sailing map far into the future.
Our purpose is to effectively promote the sport of sailing to all levels of competence and ability, through courses, training and national as well as international events, whilst supporting and working closely with the local community.
Facilities on-shore include a licensed function room, conference/meeting rooms, various slipways, a 16-tonne boat hoist, extensive dinghy parks, three permanent cranes and storage for all types of boats. Our magnificent venue lends itself perfectly as an outstanding choice of venue for functions, business meetings, weddings and conferences. First and foremost, though, we are a place for sailors run by people with a passion for sailing.
Our commitment to young sailors is absolute and through an associated charity called the Chesil Trust, we have introduced thousands of local children to the sport with the ‘Sail for a Fiver’ scheme.
WPNSA has a commitment to stewardship of the environment and in striving to play our part in making our industry more sustainable the Academy has won several prestigious awards. Whether you wish to run a major championship event, try sailing for the first time or simply enjoy sailing for the fantastic and fun sport that it is, we think you will find our services unbeatable.
19/2/2013 15:35