British Sailing Team reveal plans for new Portland training base

It is hoped the new centre could open by summer 2025 to coincide with the RYA's 150th anniversary

Plans for a new state-of-the-art training base for the British Sailing Team have been revealed.

The national Olympic sailing team wants to build the centre on the site of Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) in Portland, Dorset.

The team said it would bring together sailors, coaches, and support staff in one location.

It will replace the team's leased units at Portland Marina, which has been its base for more than 10 years.

If it gets the go-ahead the new centre would be built in the grounds of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy

Mark Robinson, performance director for the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), said: "We now have an opportunity to create a legacy for the British Sailing Team as well as reaffirm the team's commitment to a home in Weymouth.

"This project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure that our Olympic gold medal aspirants are afforded the greatest possible chance of success and will set up our programme to do so for decades to come."

The sailing team said it was currently fundraising privately for the project with contributions from UK Sport and the RYA.

The British Sailing Team said its plans had been submitted to Dorset County Council.

If it gets the go-ahead, construction would start in spring 2024 with the centre opening in summer 2025 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the RYA.