FANS descended on Weymouth beach to watch Nick Dempsey win a silver medal yesterday.

Spectators also applauded as Bryony Shaw finished the women’s race without a medal, and refused to be discouraged as the rain started, using Union flags to shelter under.

Friends Katherine Whalley and Janet Silver travelled from Brockenhurst to watch the competitions on the beach screens.

Katherine said: “We are in an incredible position on the league table at the minute, so we wanted to come down and experience it here in Weymouth.”

And Janet added: “It’s nice that everyone clapped and cheered when all the competitors finished, no matter what their nationality.”

Lee Stevens, from Christchurch, and daughter Mathi, eight, had a special reason for coming down to support Bryony.

Lee said: “We met her four years ago at Windfest in Poole and we’ve supported her ever since. It was a bit gut-wrenching, because we wanted her to do well today, but there has been a brilliant atmosphere here.”

Mathi added: “She was really friendly and I think she did well in the race.”

Kate Taylor Beale, from Chichester, came to watch the events on Weymouth beach in memory of her grandfather, Martin Beale, who competed in the 1948 Olympic Sailing events.

She said: “It’s been great down here on the beach, with lots of friendly banter between the different countries.

“We’ve all been cheering each other on.”

Spectators flock to stone pier

SCORES of spectators flocked to Weymouth pier to watch windsurfer Nick Dempsey claim silver.

As thousands piled into the Nothe Fort ticketed site, day-visitors, residents and holidaymakers lined the Stone Pier to watch the Olympic Sailing events unfold for free.

Charlie and Jenny Bishop, of Worcestershire, enjoyed the ‘excellent’ view of the windsurfing.

Mr Bishop, 67, said: “I can’t believe the view from the pier, it is excellent.

“The atmosphere in the town is electric and we are really happy we got to see some of the Olympic events taking place.”

Kate Stevens, 39, of Nottingham, said: “Me and my family are here on holiday. It’s great to be in Weymouth.

“It is lovely to be able to walk down to the pier and watch some of the events for free, we are really pleased Nick Dempsey got his silver medal.”