Weymouth and Portland named European ISAF Sailing World Cup venue

Dave Evans and Ed Powys 49er sailing at the WPNSA © Paul Wyeth / RYA

The RYA is delighted to announce that the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has yesterday been named by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) as one of two European venues for the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup series, which will form part of UK Sport's Gold Event Series.

Returning to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic waters, ISAF Sailing World Cup Weymouth and Portland will be the fourth stage of the six-leg revamped elite series, and will take place between 8-19 June 2015 with the racing conducted over five days.

Bids to host the two European regattas of the ISAF Sailing World Cup were carefully considered by ISAF with key criteria including a compact venue, first class sailing areas and facilities.

Weymouth and Portland will join Hyeres, France, as the other European venue and will add to the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup line-up which kicks off in Melbourne, Australia in December 2014 before visiting Miami, USA in January 2015. With the best Olympic classes sailors competing for a place at the Final in Abu Dhabi in November 2015, the stage is set for intense racing.

John Derbyshire, RYA Racing Manager and Performance Director, commented: "It's great news that Weymouth and Portland has been confirmed as one of two European venues for the ISAF Sailing World Cup series. Not only a great boost for the sport of sailing in the UK, the Weymouth and Portland venue and area, but it is a fantastic opportunity for the country's race officials, volunteers who have a real passion for the sport of sailing, as well as British Sailing Team members, to be involved in a World Class sailing event on home waters."

Simon Morton, UK Sport's Director of Major Events, commented: "UK Sport is really pleased to be supporting the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup as part of the our Gold Event Series. Weymouth proved to be a successful and popular venue during London 2012, and it is testament to the enduring impact of the Games that some of the biggest sailing events are returning to British shores.

"Some of the world's best sailors will be competing at this event, and it will provide a seriously competitive environment for our top British athletes as they prepare for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup:

• Melbourne – 7-14 December 2014
• Miami – 25-31 January 2015
• Hyères - April 2015
• Weymouth - 8-19 June 2015
• Asian Round - TBC
• 2015 Final Abu Dhabi – November 2015

For further information on the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup series visit www.isaf.com.

For further information on UK Sport's Gold Event Series visit www.uksport.gov.uk/pages/gold-events-series