The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy(WPNSA), the 2012 Olympic sailing venue, is to undergo a multi-million pound revamp. The academy, already rated as one of the best dinghy sailing facilities in Europe, is to be given a longer slipway, more race-boat parking and new lifting and mooring facilities.

Lord Coe, head of London’s Olympic committee, said that the work would create a ‘stunning amphitheatre’ for both teams and spectators in the Bay of Weymouth.

The venue will provide accommodation for competitors and host Olympic events. Planning applications are to be submitted by next spring, with test events penciled in for 2010.

WPNSA chairman Bill Ludlow said: ‘In addition to meeting the needs of the Games these works will help us in our work to enable more people to learn and participate in the sport. They will be a permanent legacy for young people, the region and the sport of sailing in the UK.’

photo: Richard Langdon/Skandia Team GBR