It has taken a lot longer than they had hoped, but at last The Official Test Centre (OTC) are pleased to announce that their UK centre will officially be open for business on Saturday 31st July. World Champion RS:X sailor and Weymouth local Nick Dempsey will be on hand to cut the ribbon, and open the doors to the centre for the first time. There will be free windsurfing taster sessions (pre-booking essential – get in touch with OTC), discounted equipment rental for the day and a BBQ put on by The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

The OTC is based around the unique concept of stocking the latest boards and sails of all the major brands so that their clients can test and compare them for themselves. With all the feedback they have received to date from their first centre in Tenerife, they are confident that the system works and that it offers a vital extra resource in the windsurfing world. The aim of the UK centre is to go one step further by providing a full, progressive centre with access to windsurfing for all, from the complete beginner to the pro windsurfer. In essence the aim is to provide a social hub in the south, helping to showcase windsurfing … and what better venue to do this than at the 2012 Olympic sailing venue. The opening will be at 11.00am on the 31st July – come and get involved. For more information, log onto www.otc-windsurf.com, email OTC at [email protected] or phone them on +44 (0)121 288 9965.