The British Sailing Team has unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art training base at its home in Dorset.
The Team says it wants to build on Britain’s legacy as the top Olympic sailing nation.
The new Performance and Innovation Centre is set to bring together sailors, coaches, and support staff in one location designed to promote collaboration and innovation.
It will be built in the grounds of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) and will replace the Team’s current leased units at Portland Marina, which have been its base for more than a decade.
The project is currently fundraising and will be largely funded by private donations, with contributions from UK Sport and the RYA.
“For the British Sailing Team to continue its dominance in an increasingly challenging funding, competitive and regulatory environment it must double down on its strengths which are its intellectual capability and retained knowledge, depth of fleet and available sailing conditions in Weymouth and Portland,” said Mark Robinson, RYA performance director.
“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.”
And he said the new performance centre will help maintain Britain’s sailing legacy for future generations and will be used to help inspire and support the development of sailors in the British Youth Sailing pathway.
David Griffith, chair of directors at WPNSA, added: “Bringing the Performance and Innovation Centre onto our site will support our mission to inspire the next generation of sailors both recreational and competitive.
“Forging ever closer links with our RYA partners will drive operational and financial benefits for both organisations and secure the legacy promises made as a 2012 host venue.”
If planning approval is granted, building will start in spring 2024 with a view to the centre being opened in summer 2025, subject to sufficient funding being secured, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the RYA.
