Photo © Alex Sedgwick |
Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy was formed in 1999 as a not for profit company, to take a lease on part of the Osprey Quay site and bid for funds, particurlarly from Sport England. After advertising the position, Sail Force Ltd (directors Phil and Sandra Gollop) were selected as operators for the site.
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. |
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| Funding |
in 1999 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 £7.3 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 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.
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. |
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