he Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is celebrating a decade of excellence throughout the summer of 2015. From its humble beginnings the WPNSA has developed into a world class sporting venue due to the passion and determination of those involved at the inception and the continued support of many, including the Royal Yachting Association and the local authorities.
The official opening by The Princess Royal on the 9th June 2005 marked the end of a period of significant development transforming the former naval site into an award winning, purpose built sailing venue.
Following the successful bid for London 2012, the WPNSA became the first venue to be completed. The Games gave Weymouth & Portland the chance to showcase itself to the world and were a resounding success. Inspired by the success of Team GB, there has been increased participation in sailing at the grassroots level and the events calendar is busy as classes take the opportunity to access the Olympic and Paralympic sailing waters. One of the fundamental aims of the WPNSA is to increase community engagement and participation in sailing across all abilities so there has been a tangible legacy from 2012.
The WPNSA continues to be a mecca for local, national, European and world championship events and the 10 year anniversary coincides with one of WPNSA’s highest profile international events, the UK leg of the ISAF Sailing World Cup. Running 8-14 June, this is the 4th regatta of the series which culminates in Abu Dhabi.
The only international multi-class regatta in the Olympic and Paralympic classes staged in the UK, the event returns to the venue that in 2012 hosted the sailing and windsurfing events for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
WPNSA Chairman Tim Hancock commented, “It has been such a memorable decade of the Academy’s evolution into a thriving globally recognised sailing venue. This is a time to celebrate our achievements to date and look forward to a bright future”.