Work is nearly ready for 2012

The project is expected to be finished ahead of schedule by November - making Weymouth and Portland the first venue ready for the Games.

It means that sailing heroes from the Beijing Games such as Sarah Ayton and Paul Goodison will be able to train on home waters at the facilities well ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

Building work is well past the halfway stage on a new slipway for the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

And work has been completed on a 200-metre breakwater to protect the new facilities.

Construction is also well under way on a new pier for two yacht-lifting cranes and a pontoon with room for 70 race boats.

The 250-metre slipway has been built out of 70,000 tonnes of Portland stone put in place to reclaim 18,000 square metres of land in front of the sailing academy.

Contractor Dean & Dyball is overseeing the project alongside the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).

The firm began the construction in March and has carried out all the work with a 100 per cent safety record.

Work is also moving along well on a 560-berth commercial marina funded by the South West Regional Development Agency.

Developer Dean and Reddyhoff has arranged for 250 berths to be set aside for the 2012 Games.

The ODA expects the new marina to bring social and economic regeneration to Portland.

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, said: "I'm delighted that we're on track to deliver enhanced sailing facilities at Weymouth and Portland for our sailors to train well ahead of 2012.

"Our plans are driven by legacy and these enhanced facilities will also provide new opportunities and facilities for people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities to experience the thrill of sailing for many years to come."

ODA chief executive David Higgins said: "Weymouth and Portland was the first venue for 2012 to start construction work.

"Reaching the final stages of the project is another important milestone."