London 2012 Olympics coming to Weymouth

Massive 8 Medals in Miami for Great Britain Sailors Jan 2012

2012-01-29T17:52:00.000Z

The British Team had a brilliant return for all their hard work in Miami in the World Cup Regatta, following on from winning the most medals at the World Championships they won 3 Golds 4 Silvers and 1 Bronze.

Gold

Lucy & Kate Macgregor and Annie Lush in the Women's Match Racing

Paul Goodison Laser

Nick Dempsey RS:X

Silver

Alexandra Rickman & Nikki Birrell Skud

John Robertson Hannah Stodel & Steve Thomas Sonar

Elliot Carney RS:X

Hannah Mills & Saskia Clark 470W

Bronze

Sophie Weguelin & Sophie Ainsworth 470W

Many Congratulations to them and all the other competitors as we had others in 4th and 5th place who will be knocking on the door for sure at the Olympics, . It goes without saying we are going to win medals in the summer but nothing can be taken for granted not all the top sailors were at this event, but as they say you got to be in it to win it, and the results are there to see the British team are on form and its going to be a fabulous competition in August in Weymouth, that you can be 100% sure of.

Huge Disappointment as Weymouth announce Player Leaving

2012-01-28T09:25:00.001Z

It has now been confirmed what has been rumoured most of the week that Weymouth's star midfielder and great goalscorer Sam Malsom has gone to Dorchester. The other name that has been involved in the rumour is Stephen Reed who has also had an excellent few weeks is being reported as "hoping to hold on to him" More bad news of course is that it could be the last game for Bryon Napper as his loan period finishes after today's game. While I think everyone wants to see Sam move on and do well in his career, a move to local rivals Dorchester is the one place that will leave the fans very disappointed indeed. I don't mean to sound critical of the Magpies good luck to them, but overall I can see a backlash from our fans, as George scores another own goal.

Lift Off for Weymouth Carnival as Olympic No Fly Zone is dropped

2012-01-27T12:25:00.002Z

Congratulations to Weymouth Carnival as it has been announced that the No Fly Zone that was in place after the Olympics, and which threated to stop the Weymouth Air Show element of Carnival day has now been lifted. This is fantastic news for the Carnival Committee. The Air Show which includes the Red Arrows is without any doubt a major attraction and it would have been a shame for them to have not been here, this year in particular.

Miami World Regatta Nick Dempsey Fights Back

2012-01-27T00:13:00.003Z

The World Sailing Regatta is taking place in Miami right now and it includes most of our Olympic Sailing Squad along with our Paralympic Sailors as well. I mention Nick Dempsey in the header because he did have such a tough time in the Worlds in Perth so today's result of a double 1st place is brilliant for him and will help restore his confidence ahead of Weymouth. It may not be a full world class field however this is a very important event for Nick and he has had a great day. Elliot Carney the new RSX star however is pushing him all the way as he is 2nd overall so it's a 1st and 2nd for TeamGB.

In other events Paul Goodison is only one point off the lead in the Laser and Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark are right up there in the 470w and also in 2nd place. The Match Race girls are fighting as usual and having some good results among some not so good but are still in the competition. In the Laser Radial Charlotte Dobson is 5th and Alison Young is 7th. A disappointing result so far however for Patience and Bithell they are 14th in the 470, while Ben Saxton and Richard Mason are 8th in the same event.

In the Paralympic events Rickman and Birrell had a 2nd and 3rd place to end up in the lead overall. In the Sonar John Robertson Hannah Stodel and Steve Thomas had a good day and are 2nd overall. In the single event the 2.3mR Megan Pascoe is in 4th and Helena Lucas is 11th and I think that Olympic place has still to be decided.

More to follow in a couple of days time, but one thing is for sure, if anyone say's any medal is a "gimmie" or more or less guaranteed at this year's Olympics in Weymouth.........they are either joking, or completely mad!

Accommodation Required for Weymouth Olympic Ambassadors

2012-01-26T13:36:00.002Z

I have had an enquiry for accommodation during the Olympics from a person who has been recruited as a Weymouth Olympic Ambassador. This is because rightly or wrongly it is FACT that the Weymouth Olympic Ambassadors have to find their own accommodation, at their own expense. I don't really want to get into the argument about if this is right or wrong because quite clearly a case can be made for both sides. But, I do feel that those that have volunteered deserve a bit of help. if they can find cheap or even free accommodation from anyone here in the town that would be fantastic. So what I am appealing for are two things, 1) Is there anyone else in this same situation? if there were a few others then perhaps renting together would be an option, or 2) Is there anyone here in Weymouth that might be able to help with a room during the games. Thanks

Contact can be below on the comments or email me photosonmytravels@yahoo.co.uk

50th Weymouth Hockey Festival Easter 6th - 9th April 2012

2012-01-25T10:43:00.000Z

The traditional Weymouth Hockey Festival is due to take place on the usual Easter weekend at Redlands.
This fantastic event is reaching a massive milestone this year as it is the 50th Year, hard to believe. Many Congratulation to Weymouth Hockey Club the festival has been a credit to the town and brings in more and more teams each year and you will always see them out and about in the evenings over Easter. They have a website where you can find out lots more about the weekend which is not that far away really, and its
on Weymouth Hockey Club Website

BBC South Today Report Poor Bookings for Olympic Weymouth B&B's

2012-01-24T01:28:00.006Z

In a report tonight on BBC South Today it really confirmed what all the local Bed and Breakfast and small Hotels have been saying for quite some time now. Bookings are Down! Now they have known this for a while because it is their regulars that have been coming to Weymouth year in year out that have decided because of the Olympics to give this year a miss. Simon Williams head of the Weymouth & Portland 2012 Operations Group however said on TV that some hotels were doing well out of the Olympics. Well yes of course he is right the large hotels that were involved in the Sail for Gold and more importantly the Olympic Test Event in 2011 are of course full, it obviously helps if the transport is outside waiting to take the competitors to the sailing venue Mr Williams. So I don't think he was not replying in the spirit of the question, it is the smaller hotels and guest houses that are not taking in bookings that they would normally expect.

Now lets take a breath here, because what you might expect is on an Olympic event as massive as this, is that the rooms would all be taken up months ago, and the hotels and guest houses would all be rammed full NOW. But they are not, and for Mr Williams to come out and say that the guest houses should promote their business towards to the 2 or 3 day Olympic visitors is quite honestly outrageous.

Weymouth has taken one hell of a hit, the road works have been terrible and they have not improved the town a lot, by that I mean in many places things are worse. I am 100% certain bookings were down last year because of the roadworks but hoteliers plugged on because they expected a good return this year. But it has not happened. The local council, and the Olympic Committee have just looked in my opinion and hoped the problem would go away, or at least improve, but it hasn't. I am afraid to say this is a real downer on the Olympics Coming to Weymouth, I am sure it will be fine come July next year and the Hotels and Bed and Breakfast's might well be just about full, BUT the powers that be have very little to hold their heads up high for, because Weymouth hotel wise is not going to come out of this smelling of roses by any means. It is all about getting 4,600 people up onto the Nothe and I am afraid to say, that is not fair on the rest of the town.

Yes I will be cheering Team GB on, and I am sure many others in Weymouth will be as well. Everyone that comes to the town will get a good welcome. BUT there will be a whole load of people be saying thank god that is over. I only hope some of the smaller places are still in business come 2013. We will see how the Nothe goes, that will be interesting. And for the record I hope and pray it goes well.

Rumours Still Strong that George Rolls is going to Kettering Town

2012-01-24T00:59:00.000Z

Well you look all around the Non League Forums and all you see are rumours that Mr Rolls the husband
of our Chair Lady Amanda Rolls is going to get involved in Kettering Town . I don't really know for sure one way or the other, but the rumours just keep on coming. It's Weymouth FC you know.

New Look Could be Next to Cull High Street Shops

2012-01-23T12:53:00.002Z

The list of Major High Street Retailers with stores closing around the country and leaving deserted town centres grow larger by the day. New Look have today announced that are looking at closing up to 100 shops that they feel are in places where the catchment area overlaps. Clearly another blow to the high streets which are looking decidedly empty Weymouth no exception. New Look of course was started in Weymouth and still has part of its headquarters here. They plan to perhaps cull when the leases of the shops run out over the next 3 years, a clever move as they can attempt to negotiate better rates, or if that fails they close. A good idea because the towns are obviously not attracting as many customers, so why should they pay as much.

Nothe Fort Open for Free to Olympic Sailing Ticket Holders

2012-01-19T10:21:00.001Z

The Nothe Fort which will be closed to the general public during the Olympics will actually be open to all Sailing Olympic Tickets Holders. This is a major bonus to them as it is a delightful fort and very interesting to look around. It will however require volunteers to cope with the extra demand to see inside the fort and therefore the organisers are holding a presentation TONIGHT at 7.30pm and tomorrow at 2.30pm and I suspect would be very glad to see anyone who is interested. Of course if you do volunteer you will be right in the hub of all the activity during the games. They are looking for a massive 150 so please if you are interested get in touch.

Olympic Games Transport Briefing Weymouth 19th Jan 2012

2012-01-16T16:56:00.001Z

There will be an Olympic Games Transport Briefing in the Ocean Room this Thursday 19th Jan 2012
between 6 and 8pm. This will cover the closure of roads during the games. I have covered this before and it is no surprise to read that the Esplanade and King Street will be closed to traffic between 10am and 10pm every day.

Sunny Sunny Weymouth! Its Official 1890 Hours in 2011

2012-01-16T16:39:00.001Z

Yes Weymouth in 2011 was indeed the 3rd Sunniest place in the UK for this Summer. Lots of people say Sunny Weymouth well it is now official folks. As a matter of interest Eastbourne and Jersey had more than Weymouth's 1890 hours of Sunshine.....Jersey! That's not very fair. Anyway a good advertising fact to use on any campaign to promote the town for sure Picture taken from Nothe Steps in August 2011

Medal Day at the IFDS Championships in Florida USA

2012-01-15T17:56:00.003Z

Well after a really close week in all 3 competitions TeamGB had a certain medal in the Skud a probable Medal in the Sonar and a outside chance of a medal in the 2.4mR So all things considered that's not such a bad way to go into the final day.

In the 2.4mR Helena Robertson had really done well to put herself back into a outside chance of a medal as only a couple of days ago she was back in 9th place. However with a good set of results she was just outside the top 3. Indeed she carried that good form into the final race and was a brilliant 2nd but that was still not quite enough for a medal. She can be proud of herself however and this experience will stand her well for the future. A really really good effort.

In the Sonar John Hannah & Steve had been achieving solid results but no wins unfortunately and what it meant was they were in 2nd place going into the final day. They needed one more solid result and the Silver was safe, but it was not to be I am afraid to say, they had a 10th place and that was just not good enough and they dropped into the Bronze position. This is always a difficult situation because it is a brilliant achievement to get any medal at a World Championships, but sometimes in these situations you can feel disappointed. This is a tough sport and just one bad race can really knock your chances, these things happen and they will learn from this week that's for sure. So Congratulations to Team Sonar they will be fighting for sure in Weymouth for another medal, and I am sure they won't be far away. Congrats to the Norwegian team who took the Gold.

In the Skud the 3 times World Champions were in pole position going into the medal race they needed a 5th place to win Gold. So a nice position to be in, but sometimes having the cushion can make it confusing as to how you should attack the final race. Do you defend or go for the win? So having such experienced sailors in these situations is crucial and Alex & Niki are quite simply the best in the World at their event, and they came 4th in the final race. The Team from USA did put some pressure on as they got the win they needed. However of course all was fine and they are now 4 times World Champions! Many Many Congratulations

All the teams have done well and they can be proud of their achievements and we look forward to seeing them in Weymouth for the Parlympics later in 2012

Day 4 IFDS Championships 13th Jan 2012

2012-01-13T22:42:00.000Z

I suppose you could say it's another case of 2 out 3 doing well, so hard to say a good day, but really for Helena Lucas in the 2.4mR a 2nd and a 1st was really nearly perfect. A really great effort from her to get right back in contention, it might be that she does end up 4th or 5th but even so having dropped almost out of it, to come back like this has been really gutsy.

In the Skud Team BR had another good day, winning the 7th race improved their overall score, I expect they aren't so happy about the 4th place but really they have now opened up a nice little gap at the top and deep down I would think they must be happy with the situation.

In the Sonar things didn't go quite to plan according to the score board they only had the one race and that was an 8th place so that being their lowest score so far it will be the one to be discarded, so probably a very frustrating day for them as they dropped to 2nd place. But still nothing in it and all to fight for tomorrow for sure.

So again we see ups and downs just the same as in Perth with one team doing well one day and things can change so quickly the next and it just shows that you can never take anything for granted the Norwegian team in the Skud back to back 1st's overnight and they take the lead, credit for that, and a brilliant fight back from Helena just really goes to show, never give up in this sport.

Well done everyone again, its the final races before the Sunday medals races tomorrow, good luck to the Brits!!

Chemical Tanker Global Star Held up in Weymouth Bay

2012-01-13T00:24:00.001Z

This could be a significant story or it could be a load of rubbish that is being sensationalised but the facts are that a Tanker, The Global Star (Pictured) tried to refuel at Portland and were unable to pay! So of course they were refused fuel and are now stuck in the Bay. Because of the threat that they could be in difficulties and washed ashore, there is a team that are monitoring the situation The good news I suppose is that the ship was/is on its way to India to be disposed of, so it should be empty. (At a guess) Hopefully the cash flow problem will be sorted out pretty soon and it can get on it's way.

IFDS Championships Day 3 12th Jan 2012

2012-01-13T00:03:00.002Z

A good day overall on the water in Florida USA. Of course you can't win them all but in the context of the overall positions yesterday and the position today then it is pretty clear that the day was a successful one.

In the 2.4mR Helena after a brilliant 2nd place late on Day 2, unfortunately started Day 3 with a 13th place which is her result that will be discarded as it stands, she then rallied to a good 4th place in Race 7 and she is in 7th place overall. The results are still very close and there is still a good chance she can improve on 7th, but as I said on Twitter this is fantastic experience and she is doing really well.

In the Skud TeamBR Birrell and Rickman had a brilliant day with a 1st 3rd 3rd meaning that their worse score so far is 3rd! Overall they are now in 1st Place ahead of the Americans, but it is still very tight at the top and nothing can be taken for granted, and of course it won't be that we can be assured.

In the Sonar another very good day indeed, with a 2nd 5th and 2nd meaning they are in 1st place overnight as well, so a set of results that they needed to achieve, was acheived. They have been the most consistent team and in this sport, more than most, that is what matters. It has been seen time and time again in Weymouth and in Perth that a bad day or two and the whole position can change quite quickly. Staying consistent is the key and the Sonar Team have done that. Easy to say I know but it's true.

Of course there is still plenty of sailing to go, with Racing on Friday and Saturday and the Medal Race on Sunday but game on as they say, TeamGB doing well and placed nicely.

IFDS Championships in Florida Day 2

2012-01-12T08:45:00.000Z

After a slow start because of lack of wind in Day 1 there was plenty of action on Day 2. Here is a brief summary of the three classes and the results so far.

Helena Lucas representing TeamGB in the 2.4mR Class did actually manage to get some racing in on Day 1 and so the results so far in her five races are 3rd 8th 9th 11th and 2nd The 2nd place at the end of yesterday made a big difference and has launched her back into contention in 4th place overall and its very close indeed.

In Skud event Its Niki Birrell & Alex Rickman they had a right ding dong battle with the American boat and the Brits had a 2nd 1st and 2nd and the Americans just took the overall lead with a 1st 2nd 1st So it's going to be a tight battle obviously.

In the Sonar representing Great Britain is John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Steve Thomas they had a long wait to get racing and they have had a steady start with a 6th 2nd and a 4th which means they are 4th overall, but I have to say it is VERY close indeed for the top 4 places and the next round of sailing is going to be crucial.

Good Luck to the whole team sailing today, the results start to come in from about 5.00pm there was a bit of confusion on the results website yesterday evening as it was showing some races being scratched out and it looked like they were not going to be raced, but it is all clear again now, and it looks as though all races will be going ahead as planned.

America's Cup Ben Ainslie LIVE Press Conference 10 Jan 2012

2012-01-10T09:12:00.001Z

Weymouth aim for £4.71 entrance fee per match in ambitious new plan

2012-01-09T23:32:00.002Z

In a very ambitious and bold plan Weymouth FC have come up with a very good idea. Sell Season Tickets at really low prices, but try to ensure enough are sold to make it a viable plan, this scheme is banking on 1000 Season Tickets being sold at this really low price. Of course on the major plus side is that you have 1000 fans cheering the team on week in week out, that's only going to be a good thing. I think it is a brilliant idea, I am not sure enough will buy into it, maybe 600 will......but that's not knocking the idea, give it a go, lets see what happens. That does actually mean that if you go to every home game the cost would be JUST £4.71 per match. It also looks like the idea is to really kick this off NEXT season, so it would be a very enticing price for sure. Even if you only plan to go to HALF of the games it would be worth buying, so ROLL up ROLL up get your tickets ere. Seriously........ this is a good idea.

Bob Lucas Stadium to be used for Olympics

2012-01-09T22:08:00.000Z

Weymouth FC have announced that they will not have pre season home games as the Stadium will be used to help with the Olympic games but obviously the club will benefit from revenue. This will also encroach on the first two weeks of the season, so I suspect we will play the first 3 games away from home, as there is usually a mid week game straight after the 1st Saturday. It is also pretty clear that the town is going to have a pretty extra ordinary amount of traffic which would cause problems, so all in all I think this is a great idea.

Weymouth FC Let the good times Roll !!

2012-01-09T21:04:00.003Z

In an amazing meeting at the Bob Lucas Stadium this evening Weymouth FC have announced in a dramatic statement that Weymouth will go full time. It will amaze most Terras fans as we were under the impression times were tough. But Mr Rolls went on to add that it was his opinion that this move would actually not cost that much, well the problem is as the ambitions go up, so does the wage bill that is fact. My first thoughts were well I suppose we should be aiming for the promotion this season, but that was counter acted by the news that once we are safe the money may be held back until next season. Again that actually makes good sense. Full time will begin next Season as well.

In other news at tonight's meeting it was also confirmed that George Rolls will go back as Chairman after the complete charade we have had over the past few months, this really had to happen, the situation was untenable, I really don't know how the club got away with it.

Also it was announced that the loans from George Rolls are going to be written off, now this is another significant move and obviously very important to the club, the total comes to about £75,000 so it is a lot of money.

The last big announcement I am not going to speculate on at all, but the land deal of Malcolm Curtis was mentioned. It has always been of my opinion that it should be contested, it looks as though it's going to be. Now that is also very significant indeed, as getting back the land would make this a completely different ball game. It would appear we have a lawyer who is going to take the case on a no win no fee basis.

I have to say that this may be foolish, but it is bold, will it win over the fans? Not so sure, they have seen it all before unfortunately. If we can win a few games and the good times ROLL in then I don't suppose those that don't worry about the off field stuff will worry that much. I think as long as it's not a spend spend spend campaign then it's worth a try, and nothing has indicated that it is, again to his credit he has held back on the spending quite well.

He is spinning the dice and it is our football club that is being tossed into the air again. For me, I think the Roller Coaster is just about to set off on its very last journey.................enjoy!

Oh Arh It's the Weymouth Pirate Festival 2nd - 5th June 2012

2012-01-08T20:55:00.000Z

The first week in June just could not get any busier, added to the already crowded calendar is now the Weymouth Pirate Festival which may include 4 tall ships which would be nice to see. This first week now also includes The Wessex Folk Festival, Quayside Music Festival, Skandia Sail for Gold, Lots of activities up at Nothe Fort, and the Queens Diamond Jubilee!! I don't know about the Olympics folks but this week is going to be PACKED! Do we need a Pirate Festival on top of everything else this particular weekend? The idea is to hold most of the action in Hope Square that area certainly does need a boost I agree with that. Shame it was closed and is now sitting empty! But I am still not convinced this is the right weekend for this. However all said and done the proceeds of this are going to the Weymouth Lifeboat RNLI so that has to be a good cause. Its going to be a cracking week, book your holidays now.

Olympic Match Race Girls Are In Town as Tower building begins!

2012-01-04T17:19:00.001Z

The Three Olympic hopefuls that will represent Great Britain in the Match Racing Kate & Lucy Macgregor and Annie Lush were in Weymouth this morning on a blustery day to be hoisted up in the air to get an idea as to what kind of view you might expect from the 53 Metre Observation Tower that is being built. The work has been going on for a few weeks now and there is a massive hole where the round tower will actually go.

IFDS World Championships Charlotte Harbour Florida 7th - 15th Jan 2012

2012-01-03T19:18:00.000Z

The British Paralympic Team fly out from UK's cold and windy weather today to warmer sunnier weather in Miami for the IFDS World Championships which are really important this year because of course it is Olympic Year. The last World Championships took place here in Weymouth back in July 2011 which came on the back of the Skandia Sail for Gold.

Just to try and explain the Paralympic Sailing in a little more detail there are 3 events, which are basically a single sailor event, a double and a trio.

One-person keelboat – 2.4mR The 2.4 Metre, which originated in Stockholm in 1983, is an ideal craft for disabled sailors. In the 2.4mR, the helmsperson sits down into the boat facing forward with all the trim controls within arms’ reach. Because the crew weight is always close to its centre of gravity, the 2.4mR is insensitive to differences in the size of the helmsperson. Instead, 2.4mR racing focuses on sophisticated sail trim, tactics and strategy.

Two-person keelboat – SKUD 18 The SKUD 18 made its Paralympic debut at the 2008 Games in Beijing. Sailed by two crew with at least female on board, the SKUD 18 was designed with the Olympic 49er skiff in mind and is the only one of the three Paralympic boats to be raced with three sails (main, jib and spinnaker). Both sailors are seated on centreline for Paralympic events, but the boat can be sailed with or without either of the seats and configured to suit different sailors’ needs.

Three-person keelboat – Sonar The Sonar has been sailed in the Paralympics since sailing was first included as a Paralympic sport in 2000. In Paralympic competition, the Sonar is sailed by three people, using just two sails (main and jib) but it is also raced worldwide by able-bodied crew, usually of four people with the addition of a spinnaker sail. Instead, when running downwind a pole is used to hold the jib out to windward for maximum exposed sail area. The Sonar is well suited for disabled sailing because of its large cockpit making adaptations easy.

The British Team for the IFDS Championships is

GB100 Helena Lucas 2.4mR

GB45 Alexandra Rickman & Niki Birrell Skud 18

GB831 John Robertson Steve Thomas & Hannah Stodel Sonar

I know this is MASSIVE year for our team and so I am sure they would love to get into a winning start with medal's in Florida, I will keep you all up to date with what is happening. Good Luck to them all.

Weymouth Olympic Training Week 3rd to 6th Jan 2012

2012-01-03T18:47:00.002Z

I suppose having a training week in January has it's risks, the weather could of course be ok, but likely it's going to be pretty cold. But I suspect there is a lot of dry land preparation that can be done, because I don't think there would have been much sailing today! But I think the moral is that Sailing Training and competition takes place all year round and the day's that they have down here in Weymouth are crucial.