Skandia Regatta used as test-bed

This week, as more than a thousand of the world’s leading sailors compete in the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta at Weymouth and Portland, a major security exercise is being conducted ahead of next year’s Olympic sailing events.

This regatta provides the ideal opportunity for the security exercise, with even larger numbers of competitors taking part than in next year’s Olympic events.

Local emergency services are joined by the Royal Navy’s HMS Bulwark, acting as control platform, with other smaller vessels, helicopters, divers and the Royal Marines also involved in the security test.

A Dorset Police spokesman said they were: ‘Committed to a safe,
secure and resilient Games,’ and ensuring ‘they remain a fantastic
celebration of sport, upholding the Olympic spirit.’

Free tickets are still available for Saturday’s final ‘spectator’ day of the regatta – register online www.skandiasailforgoldregatta.co.uk

Story: BBC

Photo: Skandia