Prince Charles meets Olympic sailors

Heir to the throne christens the new Morrison/Rhodes 49er

The Prince of Wales visited the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy (WPNSA) today, 26 June where he toured the Games venue for the sailing competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Hosted by Chairman of the WPNSA Edward Leask, Chief Executive John Tweed and Ben Ainslie who is a triple Gold medalist as well as a WPNSA Director, The Prince of Wales was able to view firsthand the world class sailing venue. This included international summer race event action with the first day of the Musto Skiff World Championships which has attracted over 100 competitors from across the globe.

The Prince also met members of the GB Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Team who will be competing on the waters of Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour during July and August in order to secure podium positions.

While on site The Prince of Wales was also briefed on the Academy’s long term goals which includes an active legacy programme, commitment to environmentally friendly practices and an emphasis on ensuring the venue caters for local, national and international sporting events. He was particularly interested in the Academy’s plans to attract major yachting events to the venue after 2012.

The Prince also met representatives from the Australian and Canadian Olympic Sailing teams.

Edward Leask Chairman of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, who toured the award winning sports facilities with The Prince of Wales commented: “We are honoured to have The Prince of Wales spend the morning at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy during such an incredibly busy summer of Jubilee celebrations; this provides fantastic encouragement for the GB Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Team."