Spectate 

How can I watch the Olympic and Paralympic sailing? Your questions answered.

When and where are the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events?

Venue: Weymouth and Portland
Dates:  Paralympics 1 to 6 September 2012, Olympics 29 July to 11 August 2012

Where are the Paralympic sailing race courses?

The Paralympic sailing courses will all be in Portland Harbour.

Is there a ticketed area to spectate the Paralympic sailing event?

The Paralympic sailing is a non-ticketed event with no official spectating area but there are a few great vantage points around Portland harbour to watch from. Find out where to watch here.

Can I watch the Paralympic sailing events on TV?

Channel 4 will be covering the London 2012 Paralympics on mutliple TV and online channels .  Here is more information about watching the Paralympics.

Can I visit the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy during the Olympic sailing event?

The WPNSA will an 'accrediation only' area for athletes and officials during the Games period so unfortunately the public will not be able to access the area.

How do I get Weymouth during the Paralympics?

There are a number of travel options available if you are planning on visiting Weymouth and Portland during the Paralympics.

For information about travel and transport to and around Weymouth and Portland click here. 

Can I take my boat to Weymouth and Portland during the Olympics and Paralympics?

Yes you can! But all berths and anchorages in Weymouth & Portland for the period 16 July to 9 September 2012 must be pre-booked.  Please read more information about visitor berthing in Weymouth during the London 2012 sailing events. 

Can I just turn up and see if there is a space?

No. For security reasons all moorings in the area must be pre booked. Late notice berths are likely to become available due to cancellation, pre-booking will still be essential. To check on availability of berths, please call the information line 01305 838486.

While I am visiting, can I leave my berth each day to watch the racing and return to Weymouth Harbour in the evening?

Yes, but you must stay out of the field of play areas and you may be held up to allow the competitors to move to and from the races.

Can I access my mooring in Weymouth or Portland Harbour during racing?

Weymouth and Portland Harbour Authority have indicated that there will be a channel system set up in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour to allow craft to access their own mooring and the open sea. 

This channel system will allow 24 hour access during the period from the start of the Olympics to the closing of the Paralympics games.  The waters will be opened as soon as possible after each day of racing is over.

Will I be able to anchor off Weymouth in my RIB or boat and watch the sailing?

In general terms no. Only visitors with pre-booked berths/anchoring spots will be able to use the Harbour(s).  RIBs and boats coming to the venue from seaward will be turned away unless they have a pre-booked place.

If you do have the necessary permissions you’ll only get a view of the Weymouth Bay West or Portland Harbour courses. If you do not have a pre-booked anchoring spot you will have to keep moving and won’t be able to linger in the dark blue areas on the diagram of the Olympic race courses to watch the racing.

Can I sail freely in Portland Harbour when racing has finished for the day?

Yes. The field of play areas are open to navigation after completion of each day’s racing and will be closed again the following morning at 0800. Completion of races will be announced on VHF channel 12 and 74.

Can I take my boat to London for the 2012 Games?

For more information about travelling to London by water and booking a mooring during the Olympic and Paralympic Games please visit the The Port of London Authority's website.

Where are the Olympic race courses and will I be able to see much of the action from the shore?

There are five race course areas, three in Weymouth Bay and two in Portland Harbour.  See the diagram of  the Olympic sailing race courses.  The ticketed spectating area is on the headland (Nothe Gardens) by the Nothe race course. Races will be held on all the proposed courses but it is intended to hold the medal races on the Nothe course, which is the closest to the ticketed spaectating area.

Where is the ticketed spectating area for the Olympic Sailing event in Weymouth?

The Nothe Gardens in Weymouth has been been confirmed as the ticketed spectator area during the Olympic Sailing events.

If I don't have a ticket for the specator area can I still go to Weymouth & Portland to watch the sailing?

Yes you can! You can also watch the racing on a large screen at the Weymouth Beach 2012 Live Site and Beach Sports area on Weymouth Beach.  There will be a large screen showing the racing out on the water as well as the highlights from the other Olympic sports.

Can I watch the Olympic Sailing Regatta on TV?

Yes.  The BBC will be televising the Olympic sailing regatta on the BBC channels and the red button.  It will also be available on the internet.  As soon as the BBC schedule has been released we will make it available on the RYA website.