Slalom 8 - Weymouth Academy
Sat 23rd - Sun 24th October
The Final crowning event of what has been a hugely successful 8 race series so far will take place at the Home of British Sailing and the 2012 Olympic host venue- Weymouth. Famous for its sheltered waters, guaranteed wind and superb flatwater high speed conditions, Weymouth, will be welcoming the BSA for a second time this year and like with the first we can expect excellent conditions and a warm welcome from the OTC boys and girls in one of the worlds premier windsurf racing arenas.
The BSA Finale will see the crowning of national champions from across competitive windsurfing in an end of season dinner and party on the Saturday night which all competitors are welcome to attend with a live band till late into the night! The racing will follow the simple format of downwind slalom- fast and furious with the main focus being placed on the ever popular master blaster fleet, out and back- beach start, one gybe and a sprint finish.
Simple fun and highly rewarding with some great prizes on offer for all who enter.
Hosted by The OTC, racing will based at the National Sailing Academy with full access to this superb facility for all competitors. As well as racing, competitors can enjoy a huge array of demo kit available to try from all the BSA brands as well as benefiting from technique clinics and talks given by the brands sponsored team riders who will be on hand to share some of their secrets!
Its fun, inclusive and there for everybody regardless of ability or kit quiver! The BSA will also entertaining an impressive youngster turn out with numerous under 15 junior Team15 sailors already signed up to attend and compete alongside Olympic medal winners Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw.
Venue
Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy.
WPNSA, Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1SA Tel 01305 866000
About The Academy
WPNSA officially opened on 1st April 2000, with residence taken up in the converted ex-naval offices, whilst the plans for the new Academy were taking shape.
The brand new clubhouse was opened officially in June 2005 and is now fully operational with new external facilities including 30 pontoons, new slipways and much expanded room for boat storage and car parking.
The academy has excellent shower, toilet and changing facilities. In addition there is a cafe style restaurant with free wi-fi including use of two computers. A viewing deck overlooks the harbour.
There is no grass for rigging and although large carpet mats have been installed these soon get full so a rigging mat is always a good idea.
The slipways at Weymouth are generally extreamly slippy, so extra care should always be taken especially at low water.
WPNSA will host the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Academy Website
Directions
By Car From DorchesterTake A354 to WeymouthFrom Poole and BournemouthTake A352, which then becomes A353 to Weymouth From BridportTake B3157 to Weymouth
When you arrive at WeymouthTake the A354 to Portland. This will bring you to the causeway linking Weymouth and Portland. Halfway along the causeway you will reach a mini-roundabout. Turn left, we are signposted 'Sailing Academy'.
By BusWeymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has it's own bus stop.
Camping
As you enter the Sailing Academy overnight camping is located in the large car park on your right. Conveniently kit can easily be carried to the rigging area and slipways just accross the access road. Trailers can be left in the trailer park before parking. There is a small charge made by the academy for overnight camping. Drinking water is avaiable nearby. Many pitches now have electric hook up. There must be one clear vehicle gap between each vehicle, in other words every other space must be left empty. Failure to comply will cause YOU much inconverience.
Accommodation
Turnstones B&B is walking distance away, other accommodation can be found at Visit Weymouth. Other options are Sky View apartments, Contemporary Cottages, Spinnaker House, Portland Roads and Dream Cottages. Portlandholidaylet.co.uk has a listing of B&Bs and other accomodation.
Windsurfing Friendly Accommodation
We have been contacted by the Venue on Portland that has offered discounted accommodation rates for Windsurfers as detailed below.
The Venue on Portland, has now opened a new wing with 29 en-suite double/twin or single bedrooms over two floors. All rooms are fullyaccessible and each floor has access to a common area which has TV/DVDplayers and lounge furniture as well as free wi-fi access. Additionally, each floor has access to a full wet/dry facility allowing sailors to washdown their kit after sailing and hang it to dry. There is ample free parkingon-site as well as a bar and restaurant, which will serve you a continental breakfast each morning and is open for those wishing to have dinner in the evening.
The facility is less than 10 minutes from the sailing centre and isoffered at an exclusive rate of £40 per room per night, B&B.For further information and to book please contact Gary Vaughan(garyv@travelplaces.co.uk) or Melissa Beadsworth(melissab@travelplaces.co.uk).