The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) welcomed children from the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) to enjoy front row action at the recent ISAF Sailing World Cup Weymouth and Portland.
Year 2 pupils from the West Base class on the Osprey Quay campus were allowed onto the main spectator stand to watch the international competition first hand with their teachers. The summer term excursion was not only fun but a real education for the Portland youngsters.
Melissa Heppel, teacher at IPACA, commented, “The children are still talking about their trip to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. They are all keen to become 49er sailors when they grow up as the dinghies are ‘cool’. My next job is to make sure they can all go sailing at the Academy. There is nothing like watching Olympic athletes in action to inspire younger generations.”
As well as the wonderful views out over Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay, the children were able to experience the thrill of such a high profile global event first hand. Many of the athletes onsite were Olympic standard gearing up for Rio 2016.
Peter Allam, Chief Executive, WPNSA, said, “The Academy continues to welcome local youngsters to experience the atmosphere of high profile international regattas with a hope to inspire their future sporting interests. It is our hope that the sporting venue will provide a fun introduction to this type of sporting event to as many young people as possible”.
