Book your place now for Passage to Portland... 

...and meet Team GB Olympic and Paralympic sailors ahead of the London 2012 Games

With less than two weeks to go until bookings are due to close for the RYA’s Sail for Gold ‘Passage to Portland’ celebratory weekend, there is still time for you to book your place for this once in a lifetime event.  

We are delighted to announce that as part of the weekend’s activities you will have the unique opportunity to meet not one, not two but a whole host of Skandia Team GBR sailors, including Team GB and ParalympicsGB sailors ahead of the London 2012 Games, at a special drinks reception at Portland Castle; giving you the perfect chance to have a chat with them before the Games.  

We are also able to confirm that inspirational  yachtswoman Dee Caffari MBE, the first woman in the world to sail non-stop around the world three times, will be joining us as host at the Portland Castle party and, Olympic Team Manager Stephen Park OBE will give guests a unique insight in to the Teams’ chances at the 2012 Olympics.  And furthermore, double Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ayton will be providing the commentary on board a spectator boat for the Skandia Sail for Gold regatta.  

So, if you’re looking to take part in something completely unique that promises to be fantastic fun and combines your passion for boating with the opportunity to get behind the scenes of the Olympic and Paralympic sailing regatta venue, ahead of the 2012 Games; or you’re looking for something completely different to do to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations and make the most of the extended weekend; then this is the perfect event for you.  

Taking place over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend (2-5 June) the RYA will be celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a whole host of ‘Passage to Portland’ activities and events. You’ll get an exclusive opportunity to tour the Olympic and Paralympic sailing venue ahead of the Games, take a behind-the-scenes look at the Skandia Sail for Gold regatta and hear all about the British Sailing Teams’ preparations for London 2012.    

With a reserved mooring waiting for you on arrival at Portland Marina, whether you sail or motor, all you have to do is enjoy a leisurely cruise to Portland to arrive on Saturday 2 June, and enjoy a weekend of celebrations centred around a British Street Party theme party at Portland Castle on Sunday 3 June.  

“We have so much going on over the weekend for our visitors”, explained Sail for Gold co-ordinator, Celia Edgington.  

“Alongside the amazing opportunity to meet so many inspirational sailors, we have a whole host of activities taking place including; tours of the Olympic and Paralympic sailing venue, BBQ, drinks receptions, the option to go dinghy sailing or windsurfing, and the chance to win a ride on the Boat Project.  There is also time to view the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant on TV, to watch the Skandia Sail for Gold regatta racing from our dedicated spectator boat, hog roast, the local sights and of course the Passage to Portland party at Portland Castle, the list really does go on and on.”  

With some 100 people already signed up places are filling fast, so if you don’t want to miss-out book now.  

To find out more visit: www.rya.org.uk/programmes/sailforgold/participate/Pages/PassagetoPortland.aspx, email p2p@rya.org.uk or call 023 8060 4233.  

Bookings close on 30 April.