2015 Highlights at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
by WPNSA 28 Feb 2015 09:32 GMT
28 February 2015
The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is ready for another year of water based action. Some of the braver youths are taking to the winter waters of Portland Harbour as early as February and March sailing in the Topper, Laser and 420 dinghy Classes. The WPNSA has confirmed six national ranking events across the year for Olympic Classes as well as five National Championships and a multitude of regional events.
The Royal Yachting Association's Youth National Championships, one of the most important annual events in a youth sailor's racing calendar, heads back to the Academy for a 2nd consecutive year with racing from 4-10th April.
The International Sailing Federation, Sailing World Cup will also return to Weymouth and Portland in 2015. Peter Allam, Chief Executive, WPNSA,explains the importance of this event, "part of a five event global series, staging racing in Melbourne, Miami, Hyeres, Weymouth and Portland as well as Qingdao, this will be the highest profile event to be held at the Academy for 2015. With 678 sailors having competed recently in Miami, the ISAF Sailing World Cup will pull the elite athletes back to UK shores". Dubbed as the 'road to the Olympics' it is a chance to mix with the stars of the sailing world from the 8-14th June.
John Derbyshire, RYA Racing Manager:
"The RYA has a long-standing relationship with WPNSA, which has played host to a number of its flagship regattas over the years and provides great inspiration and legacy for the sailing community as the home of the London 2012 sailing competitions.
As well as Weymouth and Portland providing the performance training base for the British Sailing Team, 2015 will see WPNSA welcome back elite level World Cup sailing for the Olympic and Paralympic Classes as part of the revamped ISAF world tour, with WPNSA also hosting the RYA Youth National Championships – the pinnacle event in the UK Youth Racing calendar. We're looking forward to some spectacular racing in world class surroundings!"
August is a big month for youngsters during the summer holidays. The Topper National Championship runs 1-7th August and with nearly 50,000 boats sold worldwide this event will guarantee a packed start line. Also designed for single handed youth sailing the RS Tera fleet will host their National Championship on site from the 28-31st August.
Ian Jameson, Chairman, RS Tera Class Association:
"The RS Tera Class Association has decided to return to WPNSA for 2015 following our fantastic events held on site at Weymouth and Portland for the 2013 National and World Championships. Not only is the WPNSA world class with all the facilities you could ever need to run a major championship, the staff and volunteers really make it a very special place. The other selling point of the venue is the availability of sailing water ideal for running junior class events where sailors' safety is the primary consideration. The RS Tera fleet will be competing in Portland Harbour and joined by a coached regatta fleet, the event will run alongside the first RS Aero National Championship over the August Bank Holiday weekend".
The Academy schedule continues with autumnal action; everyone is welcome to get involved in the second annual Bart's Bash taking place on the 20th September. The first week of October is dedicated to speed with the pilgrimage to Weymouth Speed Week.
Visitors are welcome during events to view the racing from the open air deck and indoor café, parking is free of charge. A full guide to events can be viewed at www.wpnsa.org.uk