the National Sailing Academy

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy sits on the eastern shore of the Isle of Portland in Dorset, overlooking the sheltered waters of Portland Harbour. Originally a Royal Navy site, it was redeveloped as a dedicated sailing centre and rose to international prominence as the host venue for the sailing events of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The harbour, protected by its massive Victorian breakwaters, is widely regarded as one of the finest natural sailing waters in northern Europe, offering reliable winds and consistent conditions. The Academy is a working performance and training centre used by the British Sailing Team, club sailors, schools and visitors learning to sail, windsurf, paddleboard or kayak. Pontoons, slipways and a large rigging area line the waterfront, and on most days the bay is dotted with dinghies and racing yachts.

Visitors can walk along the quayside, watch racing from the viewing terraces, and pause at the cafe with its panoramic outlook across the harbour towards Chesil Beach and the cliffs of Portland. The legacy 2012 Olympic Rings sculpture sits prominently on the site, a popular photo stop for anyone making the trip down from Weymouth seafront.