Crews to include Dorset and London young people

A large fleet of Sail Training vessels will race to Portland in the summer of 2012. On the second weekend in June, 300 young people from Dorset and London will gather in West India Docks to prepare for the London to Portland Small Ships Race. 25 vessels ranging from 100 year old pilot cutters to modern ocean racing yachts are due to take part in an offshore race from London to Portland, and each boat will be crewed by young people from 12 years upwards.

The charities running the vessels use Sail Training to provide life changing opportunities for young and disabled people from across the UK. Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is working together with the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) to organise this spectacular youth event.

The ships will depart London on 11^th June, 2012 and race to Weymouth and Portland, arriving on 15^th June, 2012.  On the 16^th June, HM The Queen’s representative in Dorset, the Lord Lieutenant, Val Pitt-Rivers will start another race within Weymouth Bay by firing a cannon from the Nothe Fort. The races will be followed with a prize-giving at the Academy in the evening of the 16th.

John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, commented, “This is a first class opportunity to link young people from Dorset with London in such a positive youth adventure.  The sailing will be just a small part of the overall experience; the young people involved will also gain valuable life-skills to benefit them for a long time afterwards.  It’s a very exciting project and one we’re very pleased to be on board with.

The event has been strongly supported not only by the Sailing Academy working closely with ASTO; we have also received enormous help from Portland Marina and Portland Harbour Authority.

The spectacle provided by these remarkable vessels will be a great opportunity for people in Weymouth and Portland to come and enjoy – and start to build excitement for the very special sailing events taking place a few weeks later.”

There are 60 places available for young people from Dorset to take part in this adventure. Schools are being contacted about this opportunity, but anyone interested in taking part should contact ASTO on 02392 503 222.  To find out more about Sail Training, take a look at www.uksailtraining.org.

Simmer Style Weymouth Speed Week takes place from 15 to 21 October 2011 at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. The official British Championships will ensure that all possible is done to allow Harbour records to be broken, by kitesurfers, windsurfers and sailors. The event is centred on an accurately measured 500 metre course located in Portland Harbour. This provides the challenge for the speed sailor to pit his wits against the elements.
The Simmer Style Weymouth Speed Week will mark the last event of the ISWC European Speed Windsurfing Tour which, has already taken in Belgium, Sweden and Germany, as well as hosting the British Kitesurfing Association National Championships and the Spartan UKWA Windsurfing Championship.
Competitors help develop the sport and grow it internationally, to push the limits of other national and world records, including the present 55.65 knot record set by kite surfer Rob Douglas in Namibia. Signed up to push those boundaries this year are current ISWC European Speed Windsurfing Tour leaders Thorsten Mallon (GER) and Zara Davis (GBR). The course at Weymouth is suited to all competitors from boats to the kiters, so if the wind blows, and they are due a good year, the harbour record set by Anders Bringdal in 2008 could fall.
Other competitors to look out for are Anders Bjorkqvist (SWE) and Daniel Borgelind (SWE) both of whom have a chance to upset the close battle for the top spot. Also hoping to join the excitement in Weymouth is 40 world titles holder and 2012 World Slalom Champion, Björn Dunkerberk.
The lack of rules provides the ideal opportunity for both experts and dreamers to build the type of boats which, but for Simmer Style Weymouth Speed Week, would never see the light of day. There are no restrictions as to who may enter and all types of craft are welcome.
John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, commented, ‘Simmer Style Weymouth Speed Week is a unique event. In recent years we have witnessed World Champions and Record holding professionals sailing on the same course as novices and juniors. With so many great competitors from all over the world we’re looking forward to, hopefully, a new harbour record being set.’

Below is a video of the International 14 Worlds 2011 Event:

Please click the link below to download the Autumn edition of the WPNSA Newsletter (PDF 700kb)

The last day of racing at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) provided a nail biting finish to the championships. David Campbell-James, the Principal Race Officer did a fantastic job to squeeze in Races 6 and 7 before the 1400 time limit, especially considering the fleet arrived out in Weymouth bay to be greeted by a fickle and shifting south-easterly breeze and a postponement.
The World title was still up for grabs with Roger Gilbert and Ben McCrane 2 points ahead of Archie Massey and Dan Wilsdon. Only two firsts would ensure victory for Archie and Dan. Roger and Ben required a 6th or better and to beat Archie and Dan in either race. Meanwhile the third place boat Katie Nurton and Nigel Ash could not be discounted being just 6 points off first.
Race 6 – The sixth race got underway on the second start under the black flag and in 8 knots of wind. Roger and Ben footed out right to cover Archie and Dan, who were trying to recover from a punchy start at the committee boat end. Roger rounded the first mark 6th and Archie 12th. Meanwhile Katie and Nigel had wiped out any deficit by leading the race early on. By the end of the race Glen Truswell and Chris Blackburn had pulled out a large lead to take first, followed by Katie/Nigel and Sam Pascoe and Alex Knight. Unfortunately Katie was called OCS. The title contenders continued their battle with Roger and Ben keeping a loose cover over Archie and Dan, and both finishing with their worst results of the regatta a 7th and a 10th.
Race 7 – The final race loomed with Archie and Dan requiring a win and Roger and Ben seventh or below – a tall order considering their consistent top three scores throughout the regatta. After one general recall, the black flag was pulled out and the warning signal sounded ten minutes before the last start cut off time. The wind had now built to 13 knots. The two contenders shot out the line, neck and neck, with Archie and Dan just squeezing out Roger and Ben on the port lay into the top mark. The positions remained the same, never more than ten yards apart for the 3 lap race. Roger and Ben took the lead on the final beat, when Archie and Dan undercooked the starboard layline. The Canadian pairing of Billy Gooderham and Ian Hogan in their Killing 3 were running a solid 3rd. The drama was not over as Roger and Ben crossed the finish line to no sound signal, they were unfortunately black-flagged at the start and in doing so lost the race, and handing the race win and World Championship title to Archie and Dan.
Overall – Archie and Dan were crowned World Champions for an unprecedented 3rd time, Roger and Ben finished second overall with Katie and Nigel third. British, Australian and German boats made up the remaining top ten positions. A full set of results and be found on the event website www.i14worlds.com
The two week championships concluded with an excellent prize giving dinner at the Weymouth Pavilion and evening entertainment was provided by the ‘Crews Union’, who flexed their muscle to punish many unsuspecting helms for various crimes committed throughout the year. Partying continued in Weymouth’s finest nightclub with attention turning to Canada and the 2013 Toronto hosted by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.
Follow all the action with race updates on the event website www.i14worlds.com as well as on Twitter @Artemis14worlds
The Artemis 2011 International 14 World Championships was kindly supported by Artemis, Oceanair and Magma.

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), has won an acclaimed Environmental Award from Britain’s best-selling yachting magazine. The Practical Boat Owner Green Awards announced the WPNSA as winner of the ‘Marine Service and Support’ award. The PBO Awards recognise marine businesses that have taken steps to reduce the environmental impact of leisure boating and make the industry more sustainable.
Described by Natural England as ‘an example of best practice’ the Sailing Academy takes sustainability issues seriously. The award winning building has the largest photovoltaic array for the generation of solar energy yet installed in South Dorset. Working with SSE Energy, the extended photovoltaic installation now generates 20% of the electricity requirement.
‘Power Perfector’ technology is fitted, reducing power consumption by a further 10%. The green Power Perfector technology was introduced to the UK market in 2001, the unit works by improving grid supplied power quality and adjusting voltage to optimum levels for equipment on site so it works more efficiently and wastes less energy.
There is also the recovery of ‘grey water’ from the roof which is used for boat washing in substitution for mains water and an active recycling programme in place recently extended to recycling old sails and batteries.
Already accredited under BS 8901 in September 2010 – the first sailing venue to achieve this standard – and awarded the Sport Industry Award Winner in 2008 for ‘Environmental Concern in Sport’, this new award highlights their continued and passionate drive to protect the environment and stimulate a greater understanding of protecting our seas and oceans.
Sarah Norbury, Editor of Practical Boat Owner, explains why the WPNSA is a deserving winner; “The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy demonstrates how a modern marine centre can be both successful and environmentally responsible. The concept, design, build and running of Britain’s Olympic sailing venue all keep green criteria to the fore. The Academy is a worthy winner of Practical Boat Owner’s 2011 Green Award.”
John Tweed, Chief Executive, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, has been invited to attend the official prize giving ceremony to be held at the Southampton Boat Show. “We are very honoured that the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has received such a prestigious environmental award recognised throughout the marine industry. Here at the Academy we strive towards environmental stewardship and some of the work we undertake can be an example of how modern technologies can be used to achieve a sustainable future.”

The i14 fleet found themselves in a situation today waiting for the AP to come down, this time however the cause was different – no wind! PRO David Campbell- James, monitored the situation in both Weymouth bay and Portland harbour. The fleet were finally sent out at about 14:00 and were greeted by 5-7 knots with perfect sunshine.

Race Four: Richard Mason and George Nurton sailing ‘The Hoff’ resplendent in their muscle bound fancy dress outfits, came fast out of the port end of the line never to be headed building a comfortable lead by the first mark. Tom Heywood and Ed Clay followed next, and then Kris Henderson and Joe Bersch in the new Beiker 6 showing great pace, Achie Massey and Dan Wilsden rounded in fourth with Katie Nurton and Nigel Ash in fifth, Event leaders Roger Gilbert and Ben McGrane rounding next. As the race progressed Archie and Dan moved forwards into second with Roger and Ben chasing hard. Richard and George took a convincing win, whereupon all eyes moved to the ongoing battle for the championships, the result of this heat was yet again decided on the final run when Roger and Ben found better pressure to take second from Archie and Dan.

Race Five: A prompt turn around was followed by the obligatory general recall. In a manner similar to race 4 it was the boats at the pin end of the line who benefited up the first beat with more pressure and a left hand shift. At the first mark Kevin Fisher and Richard Thibaud lead flying the French Flag, with Archie and Dan second, Katie and Nigel Third with Brother George and Richard right behind. At the end of the first lap Archie and Dan had taken the lead, however they were unable to match Katie and Nigel’s speed, by the second run they had gained the lead and continued to extend throughout the race. As the race progressed Roger and Ben continued to improve their position, pulling up to second, followed by Hoff suited lightweights Richard and George in third to give them the best scores for the day. Glen Truswell and Chris Blackburn came in fourth ahead of Archie and Dan, having uncharacteristically fallen back. Kevin and Richard finishing in sixth to give them their best result so far.

Follow all the action with race updates on the event website www.i14worlds.com as well as on Twitter @Artemis14worlds

The Artemis 2011 International 14 World Championships is kindly supported by Artemis, Oceanair and Magma.

Race 2 and 3 of the Artemis International 14 World Championships finally happened today in Portland Harbour. The fleet launched into a gusty 20 knot breeze, for two races – the first combined the Prince of Wales (PoW) Cup and Race 2 of the World Championship series.

Eagerness to get on the water at last meant the fleet were uncharacteristically early for the start and the warning signal was sounded promptly at 11:30. The fleet got away first time and by the windward mark Archie Massey and Dan Wilsdon led having worked the left hand side of the beat. They were followed by Georg Borkenstein & Big Eike, Roger Gilbert & Ben McGrane and then the chasing pack. Down the run a number of boats overstood, allowing Roger & Ben to close in on second and allowing Mark Kristic & Scott Cunningham to cement fourth followed by Tom Heywood & Ed Clay.

Up the second beat Roger & Ben pasted Georg and the Incredible Hulk to claim third and Tom & Ed squeezed up inside Mark & Scott to secure fourth. The second lap was a triangle and on the second reach Tom & Ed managed to hold the spinnaker longer and pass Georg and the giant.

From there Archie & Dan extended, chased hard by Roger & Ben. Tom & Ed got clear of the chasing pack which was lead by Mark & Scott, Georg & Eike and Lindsay Irwin & Andrew Perry. Over the next few laps the top three remained the same.

On the final lap, a triangle, Roger & Ben gained on the final beat by working the left and by the windward mark were right behind Archie & Dan. Ben & Roger delayed the hoist and managed to get onto Archie & Dan’s wind before hoisting. On the second reach Archie & Dan managed to hold the kite higher and were nearly laying the finish. Roger & Ben had to drop and two sail behind them, but in doing so took their wind, making them tea bag to windward. By the finish Roger & Ben were 80 yards clear, and claimed both the PoW Cup (UK National Champions) and the Race 2 win. Archie & Dan claimed second, followed by Tom & Ed, Lindsay & Andrew, Mark & Scott and a fast finishing Sam Pascoe & Alex Knight who grabbed sixth, and the last replica/crews union place on the final leg.

Race 2 started in 12 knots of breeze, and slowly dropped to 8 knots by the finish. The fleet got away clean all bar one enthusiastic German team. Early up the first beat the boats that had hit the left hand side of the course hard looked good, however the leaders at the first mark emerged from middle right, led by the Georg and the reigning fleet arm wrestling champion, big Eike. Georg and Eike led to the gybe, but by the leeward mark Roger and Ben had taken the lead. The most spectacular acrobatics prize of the day went to Tom and Ed on the first run, when they pitchpoled over a lobster pot. Archie came through to take second by the end of the third lap.

At the end of day 7 (2 days racing!) Roger and Ben have a slim lead of just one point over Archie and Dan, with Mark Krstic and Scott Cunningham (AUS) swapping places with Katie Nurton and Nigel Ash who drop to 4th.

Follow all the action with race updates on the event website www.i14worlds.com as well as on Twitter @Artemis14worlds

The Artemis 2011 International 14 World Championships is kindly supported by Artemis, Oceanair and Magma.

After several days of high winds in Weymouth the International 14 fleet managed to complete the first race of their Artemis World Championship in a light and variable south westerly breeze.

After one general recall the fleet got away with a clean start under the black flag. Archie Massey/Dan Wilsdon made the early move after getting a good start and picking up some breeze as they came out the start and headed left. At the first mark they led with Roger Gilbert/Ben Mcgrane following close behind. This pattern was then set for the rest of the race, with Gilbert/Mcgrane gaining downwind, but Massey/Wilsdon holding and pulling away upwind. These two boats pulled away from the fleet as the race progressed.

Katie Nurton and Nigel Ash sailed a good race and finished third. The chasing pack kept up the pressure, and there were numerous place changes as the breeze oscillated and finally faded on the last lap. Boats from four nations, UK, Australia, Germany and Canada filled the rest of the top ten, showing that the fleets from all around the world are on the pace for this championship.

The race team persevered and set up for a second race but with the breeze fading and fog descending the fleet was sent back to shore for free beer, a barbecue and a raft building contest.

The next Worlds race is scheduled for Sunday. The prestigious POW Cup race is scheduled for today, and this six lap marathon will decide the UK National Champion. With a strong breeze forecast another exciting days sailing looks very likely. Stay tuned……

A full set of results from Race 1 of the Worlds can be found at http://www.sailracer.us/eventsites/results_main.asp?id=1585&eventid=84779&stage=yes&templ=84779_full

Follow all the action with race updates on the event website www.i14worlds.com as well as on Twitter @Artemis14worlds

The Artemis 2011 International 14 World Championships is kindly supported by Artemis, Oceanair and Magma.

Action at the 2011 International 14 World Championships has so far been hampered by the aftermath of ‘Hurricane Irene’, the hurricane that recently hit the east coast of America. Irenes’ little sister arrived in spectacular style yesterday morning with gusts of up to 60kts being recorded at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA).

Unsailable conditions on both Monday and Tuesday unfortunately resulted in the World Team Racing Championships being cancelled. However, the break in the schedule has allowed many competitors to catch up with international friends and provided some extra time to undertake boat work, or in some cases time to completely re-build.

Undeterred by the weather the social programme has been in full swing. The infamous team racing dinner provided the entertainment last night as each team performed a team skits. Some of the highlights included the Canadian sausage dip, German trailer racing, Japanese jungle fire, British human boat building and human bungee.

Looking ahead the forecast looks challenging over the next few days, with a practice race scheduled for today and the Worlds series due to start tomorrow.

Follow all the action with race updates on the event website www.i14worlds.com as well as on Twitter @Artemis14worlds

The Artemis 2011 International 14 World Championships is kindly supported by Artemis, Oceanair and Magma.