THE Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is bursting into life this Spring, offering a packed events calendar straight through the summer season.
With a long established reputation for running major championships, the academy will host more than 10 different sailing classes, half of which are competitive youth classes as well as a number of windsurfing and disabled access events during the year.
April welcomes the UK’s most aspiring water sports athletes for the Royal Yachting Association’s Youth National Championship.
This is an annual pilgrimage for young sailors, all hoping to start their journey to sailing stardom and follow in the footsteps of Sir Ben Ainslie, director at WPNSA.
May is a month for spectating as the ultra-fast, hydro foiling Moths take to the waters of Portland Harbour guaranteeing high octane viewing experiences, followed by the famously big fleets of the Feva and RS 100-500 National Championships.
The busy month of June will see international heroes from the Olympic and Paralympic days heading back to Dorset’s shores and taking part in the high profile Sail for Gold event.
Following on from GBR’s Paralympic successes, the WPNSA will host a Sailability Event in June offering ultimate disabled access to all competitors.
June is also a month for nostalgic celebration of the more traditional dinghy designs including the International Canoes, Solo Class and GP 14s, with the Wayfarer Class hosting their Nat-ional Championship in Weymouth Bay the following month.
July has been picked by the UK Windsurfing Association to enjoy the warmer weather during their event.
August has a strong youth focus, celebrating the school summer holidays, the largest youth dinghy associations have chosen the safe, sheltered waters of Weymouth and Portland to host the Optimist and Cadet National Championships in close succession.
The Cadet Class will remain on site for their annual World Championship.
The public are welcome to attend academy events with access to the café, balcony and there is free car parking.
For further details including dates of events, visit wpnsa. org.uk
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