Whilst the British wavesailors head to North Wales, the slalom competitors will be heading south to Weymouth for the next event on the BSA (British Slalom Association) tour. From what we’ve heard this could be one of the biggest slalom events of the year!
Rumour has it the likes of Bryony Shaw and Zara Davis will be entering and giving the top racing guys a run for their money… whether you’re a seasoned racer, or just fancy blasting on your freeride gear again your mates this is a great event to attend.
All the info on the event from the UKWA:
Sat 10th – Sun 11th May
GA Sails (formally Gaastra) and Tabou will be the headline sponsors of the first of three BSA events that we will host this year. The event is perfectly poised in the calendar to be warm and windy, and the forecast leading up to the event couldn’t be better!
The bar Spinnakers in the Academy will be open on Saturday evening to allow everyone to catch up and recount the events on the water earlier in the day! The OTC will also have Apres – the Hot Recovery Drink – available in the centre throughout the event.
Venue
Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy.
WPNSA, Osprey Quay, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1SA Tel 01305 866000
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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 www.wpnsa.org.uk
Directions
By car From Dorchester take A354 to Weymouth
From Poole and BournemouthTake A352, which then becomes A353 to Weymouth
From BridportTake B3157 to Weymouth
When you arrive at Weymouth take 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 Bus
Weymouth 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 inconvenience.
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, The Venue and Dream Cottages.
Portlandholidaylet.co.uk has a listing of B&Bs and other accomodation.