Inspirational: Sir Ben Ainslie inspiring the next generation at WPNSA © Geoff Moore
Youth and junior racing forms an important part of the events calendar at The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) and inspirational figures, such as one of the WPNSA’s directors, Sir Ben Ainslie are always a welcome sight.
2014 has seen the Academy host a wide variety of major events ranging from weekend Grand Prix to National and World Championships, featuring many of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Youth and Junior Classes. A combination of favourable weather and a world class sailing venue has led to some fantastic racing and great reviews from the sailors and their parents.
The International Optimist Class Association recently held the 2014 Volvo Gill British National and Open Championship at WPNSA. Mark Lyttle, the class chairman commented, “We had a great week; the weather was superb with nearly 500 sailors racing. Many of the youngsters who have been at the majority of these events before, said that this edition has been the best they have ever attended”.
Sir Ben Ainslie was on site to help inspire the racers. A former Optimist sailor himself, he signed autographs and answered sailors’ questions.
Currently the UK National Cadet Class Association (UKNCCA) is hosting the World Championship at WPNSA.
