PRIME Minister David Cameron heard about Portland 's 'fantastic' Olympic Sailing venue facilities today (TUES AUG 7) as he took to the water to watch the windsurfing stars in action.
Mr Cameron arrived at Portland Marina just after midday and met with Britain's quadruple Olympic gold and silver medallist Ben Ainslie , who has now claimed the title of most successful sailing Olympian of all time.
Sherborne's double Olympic medallist Star keelboat sailor Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, British Sailing Team leader Stephen Park and Royal Yachting Association performance director John Derbyshire also accompanied the Prime Minister through the marina..
All but Mr Park joined Mr Cameron on a 52ft Beneteau Swift Trawler, one of the 23 motor yachts supplied by Beneteau to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG).
Portland's Laser Radial sailor Ali Young, who completed her Olympic debut on Monday, finishing fifth overall in her dinghy class and her Weymouth-based coach Hugh Styles, were also among the party on board, ready to watch the RS:X races from the Nothe course.
British Sailing Team leader Mr Park, who is known as Sparky, said the Prime Minister seemed 'very bright'.
He said: “As is often the case, the same with Princess Anne, he was very well informed, he knew the format of the races and the scores.
“He had an understanding of what was going on.
“He seemed relaxed, he was chatting about his own sailing experience on Enterprise two-handed dinghies.”
Sparky added: “Obviously he's rooting for Team GB.
“He was interested in how the visiting teams were feeling and whether they'd felt they'd had a nice time and if the facilities have been adequate for them.
“The response from myself, Ben and Andrew was the feedback from all our competitors is they think everything has been run well and the facilities have been fantastic.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel