Olympic sailing events to have ‘big screen spectator area’

The 2012 Games is taking “Olympic sailing to a new phase” by having a ticketed spectator area at the Weymouth site for the first time at any Olympics, 2012 deputy chairman Sir Keith Mills has said.

The plans include making the Nothe – an old fort at a high point of land at Weymouth and Portland where the 2012 sailing events are being staged – a ticketed area.

Commentary and interviews could be provided by experts including double Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson, he predicted.

Sir Keith said: “We are going to use a ticketed spectator area of big screens and commentary so spectators can watch the racing.

“It is the first time in an Olympic Games – it has never been done before.

“Will it be successful? We think so.

“We think there are thousands of sailing fans who will not be able to go out to the water and get close to the sailing and the inspiration of the athletes.

“We think this is really taking Olympic sailing to a new phase.”

Talks are ongoing with local officials and organisers to try to formalise the plans.

Provided there was a fair race course and good wind conditions, three-time Olympic sailing champion Ben Ainslie said: “I think it is good to have a place as a focal point where spectators can watch the racing and really get into the racing.”

The sailing competition was Britain’s second most successful sport in Beijing, winning four gold medals.

Tickets for the spectator area will cost £20 to £35 for the preliminaries, and £55 for the finals at Weymouth and Portland.

People could still watch for free from positions along the coastline.