Try sailing for free in Weymouth 

Try a range of free Paralympic sports at the sports arena

From 1-7 September local people and visitors to Weymouth and Portland will be able to try a range of free Paralympic sports at the sports arena at the Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach. The RYA will be running sailing taster sessions from now until Wednesday, for people of all ages and abilities with expert instructors and a variety of boats to try.

“If you are disabled and would like to get out on the water to try sailing please do come down to the beach and sign up” said Debbie Blachford, Manager of RYA Sailability.

“The sessions are free and we have a range of boats available including a Challenger. There is also the opportunity to have a look at a 2.4 mR Paralympic class boat. A team of Sailability volunteers on will be on hand to tell you what to do next if you want to go again” she concludes.

Coaching manager Clive Nelson from Active Dorset said: ‘Building on the success of the Sports Arena during the Olympics we’re moving along to the Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach. Supported by Sport England, we will be offering seated volleyball, wheelchair basketball, canoeing, sailing and sea kayaking. We’ll also have boccia, which is a tough test of nerve, tactics and skill and is similar to boules or petanque.

‘The arena will give everyone a special and free chance to experience sports they wouldn’t normally see or be able to try. It’ll be great fun for all the family and a way to really share in the Paralympics atmosphere.’

Whilst in Weymouth, there are also some great vantage points around Portland harbour to watch the Paralympic sailing from. Find out where to watch here.

More information on the sports area