Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is a centre for the sport of sailing on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on the south coast of England. The Academy building is located in Opsrey Quay on the northern tip of the island, whilst the waters of Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay, adjacent to the site, are the main areas used for sailing.
Contents |
[edit] Foundation
The National Sailing Academy was formed as a not-for-profit company in 1999 and officially opened on 1st April 2000. It occupies former naval premises, to which it has added a new clubhouse. Funding came from a number of sources including the National Lottery and the South West Regional Development Agency.[1] The academy aims to promote the sport of sailing at all levels of competence and ability, through courses, training and events. Membership is open to anyone in return for an annual membership fee. The academy actively promotes sailing to local schools and offers facilities such as boat hoist and storage. It also operates Boscawen House, formerly an admiral's residence, which offers accommodation for up to 47 people.[2]
[edit] 2012 Olympic Games
In 2005 the Academy was chosen as the host venue for the sailing events at the 2012 Olympic Games - the only Olympic event to be held outside London. Sailing events are scheduled to take place from 28 July to 11 August 2012.[3] The main reason that the Isle of Portland was chosen to host these events was the fact that the Academy had only recently been built, so no new venue would need to be provided. However, as part of the South West of England Regional Development Agency's plans to redevelop Osprey Quay, in which the WPNSA is built, a new 600 berth marina and an extension with more on-site facilities will be built by around 2008.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ WPNSA - Background. WPNSA (2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-02.
- ^ WPNSA - Accomodation. WPNSA (2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-02.
- ^ IOC Announces Host City for 2012 Olympics. International Sailing Federation (2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-02.
- ^ Dean and Reddyhoff Marina. Dean and Reddyhoff Limited (2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-02.
