The inaugural Sail Fest Weekend has begun at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA).
 
This bank holiday weekend, from today until Monday, the world-class sports venue is inviting members of the public to try a range of different sailing and watersport activities.
 
In the wake of the 2012 Olympic Games, the academy has had a busy year hosting many world and national sailing championships, along with welcoming a multitude of new sailors and locals to the venue.

Sail Fest will be part of the ongoing Olympic legacy initiative at the academy, along with its popular ‘Sail for a Fiver’ scheme, which enables young people to try sailing for just £5.
 
This weekend, families and individuals can take to the water of Portland Harbour for windsurfing and paddle sports, or stay onshore to try rock climbing and mountain biking – at discounted prices that range from £12 to £22 per session.

It’s a chance to sail on the waters where the likes of Sir Ben Ainslie, also Director at WPNSA picked up Olympic gold last summer.
 
Around 100 mixed dinghies will also be competing over the weekend for the WPNSA Handicap Regatta title in a series of six races over Saturday and Sunday; concluding with the Ray Marine Long Distance Pursuit Race on Bank Holiday Monday.

On Saturday evening
there will be a hog roast at the academy, with the new WPNSA chief
executive Peter Allam as guest speaker, sharing his personal memories
of the 2012 Games.

To sign up to taster courses visit
bit.ly/17L8FID

Pictures:Windsurfing with the OTC. Credit: Graham Manchester and a Pico lesson. Credit: LaserPerformance