Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy

HRH The Princess Royal, IOC Member and President of the Royal Yachting Association, officially opened the £7.85 million purpose-built Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) on 9 June 2005.

Set up as a 'Sailing Centre of Excellence', the Academy is located within the former Royal Naval Air Station, HMS Osprey, Portland. This site covers approximately seven acres and launches directly into the sheltered water of Portland Harbour. Immediately outside the harbour excellent sailing can be found in Weymouth Bay. The enclosed harbour will provide one course area offering flat water, with four other course areas planned in the bay in relatively close proximity to the shore.

The Academy’s state of the art facilities include new pontoons, launching ramps and extensive development of onshore facilities. The dedicated strength and conditioning gym is fully tailored to the specific needs of the sport, for able-bodied and disabled sailors alike. The National Sailing Academy will be further improved as the Olympic sailing venue and benefit from the improved facilities the Games will leave behind, providing a state-of-the-art facility for elite training, competition and local community use. The venue will also be available as a training centre prior to the Games.

WPNSA Development

Construction work to improve the facilities at WPNSA is well on track to finish ahead of schedule, improving facilities for athletes training at the 2012 Games venue and for the 2009 Skandia Sail of Gold Regatta in September, the final event of the 2008-2009 ISAF Sailing World Cup.

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and its contractors Dean & Dyball began construction work in March 2008 to enhance the existing sailing facilities with the construction of a new permanent 250m slipway and new race-boat parking, lifting and mooring facilities.

Sebastian COE, Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee said the development of the venue would bring benefits far beyond the Games, "The success of our sailors was one of the highlights of a fantastic Beijing Games for Team GB so I’m delighted that we’re on track to deliver enhanced sailing facilities at Weymouth & Portland for our sailors to train well ahead of 2012. Our plans are driven by legacy and these enhanced facilities will also provide new opportunities and facilities for people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities to experience the thrill of sailing for many years to come."