Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, site of 2012 Olympic sailing events, opens its doors

The Olympic sailing venue in Dorset is opening its doors over the Bank Holiday weekend to anyone who wants to try a new watersport.

Among the activities on offer are dinghy sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding.

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which can be found on the causeway between Weymouth and Portland, is launching the event, called Sail Fest, for the first time this year. It will run from 23-26 August.

Visitors to the academy will be able to try a new sport, join in coaching sessions, compete alongside 100 dinghies or more in a regatta and enjoy a hog roast on Saturday evening.

The Saturday evening event will feature a speech by the academy’s new chief executive, Olympic medalist Peter Allam.
 
Keen to entice more people to the academy and to highlight the multitude of sports that can be done there, Peter said: ‘The aim is for everyone in the family to participate and for a nominal fee experience a new sport at the academy.

‘The taster courses on offer over the Bank Holiday weekend are an ideal opportunity to try a new hobby at low cost in a safe and fun environment.’
 
Academy visitors can also try their hand at rock climbing and mountain biking at the academy.
 
Follow the link for more information on Sail Fest.

Find out more about the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.