This year sees Weymouth Speed Week move to its new venue – the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy – the purpose built facility that will host the 2012 Olympic sailing event.

With the renewed interest in Speed Sailing and the help of Windsurf and Kitesurf magazines there is a record number of competitors for next week’s event including the newly launched Catri 24, Kahuna 1, M4, Demeter, SeaCart 30 and SGI. They will be challenging the Weymouth-based Sail Rocket and other Speed Week regulars.

Even before Weymouth Speed Week officially starts World Champion Windsurfer Bjorn Dunkerbeck and UK Speed Champion Dave White will be running a Master Class on Friday 7 October at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy at 1200.

This year not only sees a record number of competitors but also a record number of prizes. The traditional Amateur Yacht Research Society engraved tankards will be awarded each day to the fastest boat, windsurfer and kitesurfer. In addition there are fantastic opportunities to win prizes from Club Vass, Sportif, Starboard, Neil Pryde, 604 Distribution (F2, North Fanatic, Arrows & Mistral), Fiberspar, Kangaroo Poo, Naish and others. There will be a new trophy from Thommen T1 and a youth Prize donated by Tushingham.