So, we are told that the Skandia Sail for Gold event is a dress rehearsal for the Olympics.

Well, if that is the case then I dare anyone looking out across the bay from any angle to tell me who (or even which country) is leading in any particular race.

On my way home from work yesterday I saw a fantastic spectacle in our bay.

Myriads of tiny white patches far into the distance, there appeared to be at least four different events going on, which we all know is going to be the case next year.

I know that there will be the paid seats for those watching the races that are due to end in Newtons Cove, and I suspect that this will be quite interesting, especially when any local sailor will tell you that the closer you get to the shore the less the wind gets (from the prevailing direction of south west).

I am glad that I haven’t purchased any tickets as these could be potentially a big waste of money. Sailing events are notoriously poor when it comes to keeping to a timetable.

There are long delays while the wind settles down to a consistent direction, with races being postponed completely until another time or even day.

Is there a money back offer if there is no racing in a particular session?

Now there is a proposal to build a tower. As an attraction I think it’s a good idea – but why, oh why must everything be attributed to the Olympics?

A 10-minute ride up a tower will not give anyone the tiniest opportunity to view a race, especially as it rotates.

I think the whole town has been sold the modern day equivalent of the Emperor’s clothes.

Five years ago I wrote to this paper highlighting the fact that sailing is not a spectator sport – my views have not changed.

To make matters worse we have had a traffic system foisted upon us that any resident road user of Weymouth will tell you will not work. Pinch points have been introduced where none existed previously – for what purpose?

Traffic is forced to take longer journeys because a left turn here or a right turn there is no longer permissable.

How many people reading this paper know that right turns out from Jubilee Park will no longer be possible? All traffic has to go left then do some sort of U-turn in the middle of the lights at the bottom of King Street, in the same way that traffic coming down Boot Hill wanting to turn into Chickerell road has to double back on itself to go back up the hill.

I have seen large lorries attempting this manoeuvre and it’s jolly good entertainment.

I am not anti-sailing – I am a member of a local club and race frequently during the summer months.

I just believe that we have all been misled as to the extent of the spectacle that people can expect to see.

Personally I shall be glued to the TV and PC for an accurate depiction of happenings on the water.

Geoff Webber, Ringstead Crescent, Weymouth