Sailing academy now set in stone

From the Echo, first published Tuesday 21st Oct 2003.

A SHORE-SIDE dream for a handful of sailing enthusiasts has finally become reality in Portland.

The foundation stone for the new £7.85 million Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy was unveiled yesterday in front of dozens of VIPs from the world of sailing, sport and business.

The ceremony - representing the official launch of the 12-month redevelopment - marked the culmination of years of planning and behind the scenes work led by Bill Ludlow, the academy's chairman.

Together with fellow directors Frank Newton and Roger Willis - and managers Phil and Sandra Gollop - they turned their vision into a sound financial venture that attracted backing from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Sport England, local government and national development agencies. The project's major financial backers turned out in force and paid tribute to them and the development.

Geoffrey Wilkinson, chief executive of the South West Regional Development Agency, which contributed £4.3 million, said: "Today really is a great day for the sailing academy and the people of the area.

"The whole of the UK will now watch this development happen. "It is a great example of what can be achieved when people work together."

Patrick Carter, chairman of Sport England, was so impressed that he decided to spend £3 million of his £179m budget on the venture.

He said: "This is going to put Weymouth and Portland on the international map. It is going to be a world class facility. Our sailors are the best in the world and this will help train and sustain future talent."

Doug Hollings, mayor of Weymouth and Portland, also commended the academy, which has received £100,000 of council backing.

An emotional Phil Gollop said the unveiling, performed by world champion dinghy sailor Simon Hiscocks, was the culmination of 25 years of his life.

"When we started out, it soon became clear we couldn't do it alone - it was a major, major project," he said.

Bill Ludlow said: "Very many people and organisations have helped us. Early board meetings for example were held in the Hotel Rex at no charge.

"As well as helping our elite athletes, it will also be a facility for the community to use. We want Dorset schools to bring their outdoor activities here," he added.

Representatives from Lon-don's 2012 Olympic bid were present for preliminary surveys of the site. The team has said the academy would host the sailing event if the games come to London.

Michael Coltman, the bid team's technical manager - and formerly general manager of Go Airways - said: "This is going to be an amazing place."

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