Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and partners are making a splash at the London International Boat Show, and have been honoured with a Royal visit from HRH Princess Anne.

The Princess climbed aboard to find out how developments are progressing towards the Borough’s hosting of the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and congratulated staff on their efforts to promote the area.

A team from the Council’s Economy department is currently at the Show to promote the Borough as a Destination for Marine Excellence’ and ‘The Place to Work, Live, Learn & Visit’. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make our mark on the boating community and provide businesses and individuals with a progress update of our progress as an Olympic location.

Partners Lloyds TSB and the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy have also been hosting events from the stand in order to showcase the area to the city’s business community.

The Boat Show attracts over 122,000 visitors, including high-profile and international businesses and leading figures in the sailing community. This makes it an excellent opportunity to highlight the Borough’s thriving marine industry and beautiful Jurassic coastline, to attract further investment to the area.

The Weymouth & Portland stand is number F39 at the show.

Cllr Mike Goodman, Brief Holder for Economic Development, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that the team have had the pleasure of a Royal visit - this really highlights how prestigious the area’s reputation is becoming as a result of hosting the Sailing events for the Olympics.

“I would like to thank the Council’s team and partners Dean and Reddyhoff, Lloyds TSB, The Venue, Portland, Dorset County Council, Portland Port Limited, and Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy for their efforts to promote the area”.