MORE than 400 pupils launched on to the 2012 Olympic waters to learn to sail for just £5.

Youngsters from 11 schools across Dorset experienced mixed weather conditions as they took part in the latest Sail for a Fiver scheme.

The weeklong event was funded by The Chesil Trust charity and run by SailLaser instructors at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Budding sailors who showed the most potential and enthusiasm were awarded Dorset Echo trophies.

Winners also scooped scholarships for sailing qualifications, which are heavily subsidised by SailLaser and the Chesil Trust.

A total of 30 children will now go on to complete a two-day RYA Stage 1 course for £15 instead of £155 while 20 youngsters achieved the top award of a scholarship for four-day RYA Stage 1 and 2 courses for £30 instead of £315.

Emma Dawson, chief instructor for SailLaser, said: “This year the weather went from one extreme to another.

“It was basically a nice day then a nasty day but everyone got on the water and went sailing.

“Tuesday and Thursday were really lovely and sunny.

“All the winners showed a true determination and enjoyment of the sport, even though the weather wasn’t perfect.”

She added: “Their courses will start on the weekend of May 30-31.

“We depend on the Chesil Trust funding, we couldn’t fund it all. As long as the trust funding keeps coming, we’ll keep going.

“We’d like to carry on to the Olympics and beyond.”

The next Sail for a Fiver session will be on June 11 with pupils from Buckland Newton Primary School and Wyvern School, Weymouth.

This coincides with a visit from the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to the academy.

It will be followed by a weeklong event from June 15-19, which is almost fully booked and required an additional day on June 22.

Find out more by calling SailLaser on 0845 337 3214.