Sailing centre in the spotlight

8:53am Tuesday 1st July 2008

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MORE than 30,000 leaflets will be sent to residents in Weymouth and Portland this week with the latest plans for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.

It includes a special four-page focus on the borough with an update on construction works at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Residents can find out what the enhanced facilities will offer local sailors of all ages and abilities and see early details of transport plans.

The first stage of academy construction work, involving reclaiming 18,000sqm of land and 50,000 tonnes of Portland stone, is nearing completion.

Once the land reclamation works are finished, approximately 150m of all-tide slipways and ramps will be constructed later this summer, together with a new pier offering two yacht-lifting cranes.

In front of the pier, a new pontoon will be constructed with 70 berths, while a 200m breakwater will protect the facilities.

The facilities are due to be completed by late autumn, which would make the academy the first venue ready for the 2012 Games.

Dean & Reddyhoff, developers for the South West Regional Development Agency, are also well under way with work on a new 560-berth commercial marina at Osprey Quay, of which 250 berths will be used during the 2012 Games.

Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee Sebastian Coe said: "We are on course to transform Weymouth and Portland from an existing top-class venue into a world-class training and competition venue equipped to stage further major international sailing events and competitions after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"The enhancements will also provide new opportunities and facilities to enable people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities to experience the thrill of sailing."