Former Olympic sailor, Edward Leask was announced as the new Chairman of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy – the Olympic venue for 2012. He will be joined by Jeremy Pope OBE as Vice Chairman.

Edward Leask was announced as Chairman yesterday (24 November) following a lifetime’s involvement with the marine sporting world – representing GBR on the water and launching yachting into the sports marketing industry.

Both Edward and Jeremy have been involved with development of the Academy since its inception during 2000 through to present day as the official 2012 sailing event venue. Edward Leask, Chairman of WPNSA, commented: “I am very proud to take the helm of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy as Chairman following on from the inspirational Bill Ludlow. I am looking forward with Jeremy Pope to continuing Bill’s commitment to a sustainable legacy programme through which everyone has the opportunity to try water sports.”

“This is an exciting time for British yachting following the medal success in Qingdao and I feel the new facilities at the Academy will help future GBR podium finishes in 2012 and beyond. We have a strong team at WPNSA including new Directors – sailing legend Ben Ainslie, Rod Carr OBE and John Derbyshire.”