Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
Six years ago the idea was first proposed to develop the former Naval Air Station at Osprey Quay into a World Class Sailing Academy. In July 2003, after much hard work and planning, the National Lottery confirmed their support for the Academy by donating £3million, bringing the total funds for WPNSA to £7.85 million.
The South West Regional Development Agency were the other major contributor, donating £3.34 million, although many other generous contributions have been made including those from the Royal Yachting Association, Dorset County Council, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, West Dorset District Council, Charitable Trusts and individuals themselves.
The purpose built 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.
WPNSA will host the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Academy exists for 3 main reasons:
- To promote the sport of sailing at all levels of competence and ability, through courses, training and events to include all people, especially those with difficulties;
- to provide a facility for the community to use, for example, actively encouraging Dorset schools to bring sailing into their outdoor activities, and providing services such as the boat hoist and storage;
- to contribute to substantial economic regeneration.
Since we have been operating here, Dorset County Council studies indicate that we have created demand in service and marine industries worth in the region of £10m. The calculation is that when our new facilities are complete we will be adding something in the region of £6m each year to the local economy.
The activities of WPNSA are providing sustainable benefits in terms of the environment, the economy and the community generally.
Current Challenges and involvement with RLN – Dorset and Wiltshire Hub
We met with Rosie Julian, Events & Marketing Manager, first in January 2005, six months prior to their official opening and the announcement that the WPNSA would be hosting the Olympics in 2012. Since then we have maintained regular contact and were asked to assist with an audit of language needs.
We have divided the audit into short and medium term needs as the WPNSA is already hosting many foreign nationals and has had some difficulties in the past with sailing participants understanding important event sailing information.
This year sees the Volvo ISAF Youth World Championships at which 62 countries are expected to participate in July 2005. In addition every September (although October this year) until 2012, the WPNSA will be hosting an International Olympic and Paralympic Classes regatta ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The two official Olympic languages are French and English.
The Academy is following a Passport to Export course with UK T & I as part of its drive to become international. The Regional Language Network has identified Language Line as a suitable provider for events work and is able to source a French translator for web pages.
For the Volvo ISAF Youth World Championships event in July 2006, the RLN has organised awareness raising seminars on language and culture for members of staff and also for around 40 staff from the accommodation providers in Weymouth, Hollybush Hotels group.
Visit the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy website at www.wpnsa.org.uk
