CORNWALL IN THE DOLDRUMS
It is a source of bitterness for me that the proposals to redevelop the Watersports Centre into a sailing academy some 8/9 years ago failed to get off the ground. Many would say get over it – it is history move on but in writing about sailing on a weekly basis I am continually struck by that lost opportunity.
I was with the RYA at their office in the Hamble last week and in discussing the build up to Weymouth in 2012 there are several major sailing events in the pipeline and all involve using the facilities of the RYA Sailing Academies built around 2000.
Falmouth was the only one of 7 such academies not built and I believe it is a tragedy of almost epic proportions that local politics prevented the Watersports Centre becoming a major UK regatta venue.
The International Laser Association the ruling body of the Laser Class based in Falmouth has brought the 2010 Laser World Championships to the UK for the first time in since 1988.
In 1988 the Standard Rig event was based in Falmouth and attracted 88 entries come 2010 numbers for the Standard Rig fleet will probably be around 150 plus and for the Radial Rig around 250. Add on the 4.7 Rig and in all probability some 500 Laser sailors plus families, friends and coaches will be visiting the UK.
It will be too big an event to stage in one location and so has been split in two with the Largs and the Hayling Isle sailing academies hosting the various fleets. You cannot blame the ILA for ignoring Falmouth as quiet simply the facilities ashore are not up to hosting such major events.
Falmouth is however the 3rd largest natural harbour in the world and is such an asset it is almost criminal that the RDA and Government Agencies do not focus more resources on utilizing its potential.
I happily concede that the Funchal 500 surprised and exceeded my expectations this year but only serves to underline the opportunities we continue to miss out on for the lack of shore side facilities.
The continuing development of the University of Cornwall is a golden opportunity to incorporate a waterside students union facility to include a water sports academy encompassing sports such as diving, water skiing, jet skis, canoeing and of course sailing.
Add into the mix some adjoining student accommodation and you have a ready-made event centre for use throughout the summer during the University vacation. It is of course not that simple but it really should be as the logic is overwhelming that we would all benefit from such a development.
This summer has in hindsight been a disaster for our tourism industry and a steady flow of sailing events would attract eager competitors whatever the weather.
It is remarkable that through the efforts of our local sailing clubs such as Restronguet, Mounts Bay and the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club we continue to attract quality sailing events every year.
Booked for 2009 at the moment are the International 14 Nationals at Restronguet, the SB3 and Dragon Nationals at the RCYC with Mounts Bay and Looe yet to confirm their championship events.
The demand is there as the sailing waters off our coast are stunning thanks in part the efforts of South West Water and the lack of commercial shipping. In short a perfect play ground in which to host major sailing events.
The creation of the single unitary authority offers another opportunity for the new Council to either create a new post of Maritime Promotions Officer to promote maritime events across the County or persuade the Tourist Board to allocate a member of staff to adopt a similar role.
I firmly believe it is purely a question of vision and it should not be left just to the enthusiasm of one or two volunteer sailing secretaries at our sailing clubs.
Given the current financial situation our local economy is likely to suffer along with the rest of the country and our sailing waters are a neglected asset that could help lift the County out of recession.
This is a subject very dear to my heart and I will continue to push for change in Cornwall as I watch developments at Weymouth and the other sailing academies.
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