Please use our frequently asked questions database to find answers to your queries. If you still cannot find the answer you are looking for please either contact us using the form provided else telephone our Customer Contact Centre on (01305) 838000.
Q: I AM BASED LOCALLY AND WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, SKILLS OR PRODUCTS TO THOSE ORGANISING THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND PARALYMPIC GAMES SAILING AND WINDSURFING EVENTS. HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES?
A: Operations will be coordinated centrally by LOCOG. Click below to sign up for the London 2012 business e-alert and stay informed of the latest developments.
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Q: WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WORK TAKING PLACE TO SECURE AN ECONOMIC LEGACY FROM THE GAMES FOR THE WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND, DORSET AND WIDER SOUTH WEST AREAS?
A: This work is being undertaken by the Borough Council in partnership with the South West Regional Development Agency, the Dorset Strategic Partnership, and the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Economic Partnership.
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Q: HOW ARE MEDALS WON?
A: In Olympic Sailing, competitors use strength and skill to guide their craft around a course with the aim of crossing the finish line first. Competitors score points for their position in every race with the winner getting 1 point, 2nd getting 2 and so on. The winner is the individual or crew with the fewest points.
For more information about how the British Olympic sailing team is preparing for Beijing see http://www.skandiateamgbr.com
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Q: WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF SAILING AS AN OLYMPIC SPORT?
A: Sailing has been an Olympic sport since the Paris games in 1900. The sport was left out of the St Louis 1904 Games due to logistical problems but returned in 1908 and has been part of the Games ever since. Sailing has been part of the Paralympic Games since Sydney in 2000. In Athens in 2004 Great Britain was the most successful nation in sailing, winning 5 medals including 2 golds!
Q: I WOULD LIKE TO WORK AS A VOLUNTEER IN WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND DURING THE TIME OF THE GAMES, HOW DO I REGISTER MY INTEREST?
A: LOCOG will launch a volunteer recruitment drive in 2010.
In the meantime you could become a Team Dorset Volunteer and gain valuable qualifications and experience in time for the start of the official 2012 Games volunteer recruitment.
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Q: WHAT ARE THE EXACT DATES OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND PARALYMPIC GAMES?
A: Olympic Games: 27 July - 12 August 2012, Paralympic Games: 29 August - 9 September 2012
Q: WHY WAS WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND SELECTED?
A: Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour are credited by the Royal Yachting Association as the best sailing waters in Northern Europe - there is little tidal flow in this area so therefore no heavy currents to contend with. There are world class facilities to match at Weymouth and; Portland National Sailing Academy.
Q: HOW MANY COUNTRIES WILL BE TAKING PART?
A: Teams from 61 nations are expected to take part in races over 15 days. There will be roughly 400 sailors competing for 54 medals.
Q: WHY HAS WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND SIGNED A TOURISM FRIENDSHIP AGREEMENT WITH QINGDAO, CHINA?
A: On 11 April 2006 a Tourism Friendship and Co-operations Concordat was signed by former Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Les Ames and Mr Wang Jiangong, Director General of the Qingdao Tourism Administration.
As Qingdao is hosting the sailing events for the 2008 Olympics and Weymouth and Portland is hosting the sailing events in 2012, the agreement is a way to enhance mutual understanding and friendship and to promote common prosperity in the tourism industry between the two areas.
Q: WHAT SAILING EVENTS ARE PLANNED IN WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND IN THE RUN UP TO 2012?
A: In 2010 a test regatta, with twice the amount of competitors as for the Olympics, will take place in the borough and in 2011 there will be an exact dress rehearsal of the sailing competitions.
National and international sailing events and training sessions take place at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy throughout the year, their events listing can be downloaded, please follow the link below.
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Q: HOW WILL WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND ACCOMMODATE THE INFLUX OF VISITORS?
A: The very same question was asked as Weymouth planned to coordinate the Cutty Sark Tall Ships event in 1994. Local people will remember that organisers worked closely with the emergency services and transport operators to provide an effective park and ride scheme. An even more comprehensive transport strategy is already being worked up for the sailing and windsurfing events of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Q: WILL THE WEYMOUTH RELIEF ROAD BE COMPLETED BEFORE 2012?
A: The Government has made funding the project a priority. Subject to planning permission, officers at Dorset County Council aim to start construction late next year, with completion in 2011.
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Q: MY BUSINESS OPERATES IN THE WATERS OF PORTLAND HARBOUR AND WEYMOUTH BAY; WHAT RESTRICTIONS WILL BE PUT IN PLACE DURING THE OLYMPIC SAILING EVENTS?
A: It is likely that certain considerations, for example the issue of security, will result in some form of restricted movement in and around Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour. Decisions relating to any form of restriction will be made by the official Olympic bodies in due course. A subcommittee dealing solely with waterborne traffic management has been established and will consult with the various users of these waters when further details are known.
As with any high profile international sailing event, whilst racing, or preparation for racing is taking place, there will be exclusion zones around the race courses.
Q: WHERE WILL COMPETITORS BE ACCOMMODATED?
A: It has been proposed that a cruise liner will be berthed at Portland Port to accommodate competitors.
Q: WHERE WILL THE RACING TAKE PLACE?
A: It is proposed that one course will take place in Portland Harbour, with three in Weymouth Bay. Events will focus around Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
Q: HOW DO I GET TO WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND?
A: The area has excellent transport links including direct train routes from London Waterloo (journey time 2hours, 45mins).
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Q: WHERE WILL I BE ABLE TO VIEW THE SAILING FROM?
A: Spectators will be able to choose from excellent viewing points ranging from stone piers to coastal paths to pretty coves and beaches, all dotted along this stunning stretch of the World Heritage Coastline.
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Q: WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO SAIL WHEN THE GAMES ARE TAKING PLACE?
A: Yes of course, we expect a huge amount of yachting visitors by boat as usual. Non-competitors will be permitted to sail but there will be certain restrictions to ensure the racing takes place undisturbed.
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