A close up view

DON’T miss your chance to experience the thrill of Olympic-class racing and to get up close to the world’s best sailors at a Spectator Day on Portland this Saturday.

This week’s Skandia Sail for Gold regatta is the last major competition hosted for the Olympic and Paralympic contenders at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy before the London 2012 Games.

The whole event is open to the public but Spectator Day will include live commentary and footage of the medal races on large screens, bars and refreshments, a prize ceremony and a chance to meet the competitors.

Last year more than 1,500 people attended to soak up the atmosphere and get a taste of what the Games will bring.

Register for free tickets at skandiasailforgoldregatta .co.uk

Free tickets

FREE tickets for the borough’s Olympic Torch Relay evening celebration on Weymouth Beach in July are available from Tuesday.

Rapper Wretch 32, Britain’s Got Talent dance duo Twist and Pulse and an acrobatic display will be among the entertainment taking place to celebrate the Olympic flame’s arrival in Dorset on July 12.

The event, which includes a mass drumming spectacular involving local children, the bands Weapons of Sound, Magic Drum Orchestra and B-Sharp plus the audience, will begin at 5pm and end with a firework display at 9.30pm.

Wristbands will be issued to 12,500 people who apply in advance online at dorset foryou.com/2012torchtickets from 7am on Tuesday.

Those successful will be asked to collect them from one of six TICs before 4pm on June 29.

Volunteer here

JURASSIC Airlines is recruiting volunteer staff in preparation for its six-week visit to Weymouth, from July 26 to September 9.

The Maritime Mix Cultural Olympiad by the Sea project, will see ‘Weymouth International Airport’ built in front of the Pavilion throughout the Games.

Jurassic Airlines creative director Richard Hartnell is seeking volunteer Check-in Crew, Security Guards and Flight Stewards or Stewardesses – all of which will need some element of role-play.

Event Stewards are also needed, for which no acting skills are required.

Call Lisa Quick on 01297 445021, email lisa@lrdt.co.uk or visit jurassicairlines.co.uk.