The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy hosts book signing with Ben Ainslie CBE

Ben Ainslie and Rachel Sadler with Nikki Billington and her son getting her book signed by Ben. Image copyright Dorset Media.

by Carolyn Lashmar

On Saturday, 12th December, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) hosted a book signing with Ben Ainslie, CBE. Ben is a Director of the Academy and triple Gold Medallist. Ben also presented the talented local South West windsurfer, Izzy Hamilton (17) with the ‘RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year’ award. Izzy recently won Gold at the RS:X Youth Worlds in Turkey.

The book signing was extremely well attended by the local community who were keen to meet Britain’s Greatest Olympic Sailor and purchase a copy of his recently published autobiography ‘Close to the Wind’.


Izzy Hamilton receiving her award from Ben Ainslie. Image copyright Dorset Media.

Ben Ainslie, CBE, was born on February 5, 1977 in Macclesfield. The son of Roderick Ainslie, who captained the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973, he started sailing in Cornwall at age eight and first competed at the age of 10.

What started as a hobby quickly turned into a way of life, and by the age of sixteen he was already Laser Radial World Champion. Ben has gone on to win three Olympic golds and one silver. In addition to this, Ben is heavily involved in the America’s Cup as skipper for TEAMORIGIN.

Ben was appointed to WPNSA’s Board of Directors in 2008 where he now plays a vital part in building a legacy for Weymouth and Portland and its residents.

Ben Ainslie CBE, Director of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, ‘The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is a world-class venue for both training and hosting events. With numerous international regattas, attracting some of the best sailors in the sport, it is a fantastic venue. WPNSA has access to some of the best waters on the planet, not only does it cater for elite sailors but it also has an active sustainable legacy programme that will help inspire young people to take up water sports in the lead up to London 2012 and beyond. It is an honour to be a Director of this outstanding facility and it was great to welcome so many local residents here this evening’.

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy