Town to cash in on Games sailing coup

1:00pm Wednesday 12th March 2008

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CHRISTCHURCH is getting set to reap the benefits of the four-year run up to the 2012 London Olympics.

With Weymouth the focus for the Olympic sailing events, training camps on the South Coast will be at a premium.

Following a bid initiated by the Wessex Region of the Federation of Small Businesses in January 2006 and headed by Nicolas Roach of Christchurch Hotels, Highcliffe Sailing Club at Christchurch is to be included in the London Olympics 20-12 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.

And that means the whole town can benefit from the bonanza, said FSB regional organiser and Christchurch councillor Colin Jamieson. "Once the Beijing Olympics is over the focus will be here on the South Coast," he said.

There will be training camps set up and sailing competitions in Weymouth and Christchurch bays as the contenders hone their skills to earn their places in national teams.

"If people choose to come here they will be using our water, they will be staying in our accommodation and eating in our restaurants."

And the benefits will carry on coming long after the Olympics, with return visits from people who enjo-yed their stay prior to 2012, he said.

There are things that must be done before there is an influx of sailing talent and management teams - including a slipway from Gundimore Promenade to the beach to allow access to the open sea at all times.

As Mr Jamieson points out: "When there is a low tide you can't go out through The Run. And we have to demonstrate we have the medical facilities: chiropractors and dentists and things like that in place."

"We are now working with Christchurch Borough Council and the other partners to ensure the infrastructure is put into place in Christchurch.

"This success will hopefully bring opportunities for local businesses in the run up to and during the 2012 Olympics and also provide a legacy for the future. It is exciting, because there were hundreds of bids."

Council chief executive Michael Turvey said: "This is an exciting opportunity which could have great potential for tourism and jobs in the borough and surrounding area."