A SPECIAL open day is welcoming the local community into the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) on Saturday, March 30, The event, which runs from 10am to 4pm, aims to showcase all the sports and facilities the academy and on-site partners at Osprey Quay, Portland have to offer and the many ways to get involved from participation to volunteering.

Entry is free and visitors are invited to take part in activities such as dinghy sailing with SailLaser, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding at the Official Test Centre (OTC).

There is also rock climbing, mountain biking, coasteering and kayaking with Weymouth College’s Outdoor Adventure Centre.

Each taster activity will take about one and a half hours and costs £15.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day at the academy's cafe, and a barbecue will be held at lunch time.

Chief executive John Tweed said: “The WPNSA Open Day is a chance for visitors to get involved and have a go at the sports WPNSA has to offer.

“The Games were not a one off, but a springboard to ensure there is a continuing and lasting legacy in Dorset and the United Kingdom.

“We hope to inspire young and old in the ‘afterglow’ of very successful Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, in all aspects of marine sports not just sailing. “Involvement can range from partaking regularly to volunteering at events.”

All are welcome. Call 01305 866000 to book taster activities.