Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy celebrates two years

by Carolyn Lashmar on 26 Jul 2010 London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) Open Weekend took place today, July 25, at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA). 300 Optimist sailors took to the water to attempt the challenge of simultaneously tacking on a whistle. The challenge provided a stunning spectacle on the 2012 Games waters as the Optimists successfully co-ordinated 8 tacks in a unique challenge that has never been attempted before.

The challenge took place before the practice race which kicks off an exciting week of sailing in the Volvo Musto Optimist British National and Open Championship. The youth regatta welcomes 498 sailors across three classes from across Europe, Asia and even Oceania. The Academy was basking in sunshine as family members, locals and press eagerly awaited the challenge which has been the cause of much hype. The anticipation was well worth the wait as the successful optimists provided a magnificent scene for all to witness.

It was a great way to start the week which can only get better for the Optimist sailors. Later in the week they will be treated to a visit from Olympians Sarah Ayton and Saskia Clark who will be taking time out of their busy schedule to go out on the water with the youth sailors and offer advice and tips. Triple Olympian champion Ben Ainslie began his journey to the top of the sport in an Optimist and he will be making an appearance during this special week to inspire the young sailors to become the future racing stars.

The Volvo Musto Optimist British National and Open Championship sailors have brought a large amount of visitors to the area with an estimated £1.5 million pounds being injected to the local economy. Many young sailors using their skill to successfully complete the Tacking on the Whistle Challenge will have aspirations of Olympic sailing one day like many of their predecessors from the Optimist class.

John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, said, ‘The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy was the perfect location for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to host this Open Weekend Challenge. The Optimist fleet managed an impressive 8 tacks on the whistle as a group providing a stunning display for those watching.’

www.wpnsa.org.uk