The Olympic and Paralympic Sailing events in 2012 will be hosted at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, which offers world-class facilities and some of the best small-boat sailing conditions in the world.

The Sports Competition Manager for Sailing was also appointed today by the London 2012 Organising Committee; Rob Andrews will be responsible for all the planning, organisation and management of the Sailing events at the Games.

The existing venue is being enhanced with a new permanent 250m slipway, new lifting and mooring facilities.

Construction plans have been developed in close consultation with Natural England to avoid disrupting the local environment and wildlife. The start of construction could have started earlier but was deliberately held back to avoid disrupting birds that nest during the winter around the local coastline.

Work is due to be completed by the end of 2008, meaning Weymouth and Portland is on track to be the first venue ready for the 2012 Games.

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins and LOCOG Chief Executive of LOCOG Paul Deighton today visited the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy to mark the occasion.

David Higgins said: ‘The start of construction on the first venue for 2012 is an important step forwards and it is significant we have hit this major milestone in Weymouth and Portland, showing the London 2012 Games will spread sporting and economic benefits spread around the UK.’

Paul Deighton added: ‘The enhancements will provide new opportunities and facilities to enable people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities to experience the thrill of sailing. This will leave a legacy of elite and recreational sailing for future generations.’

Read the full media release about the start of construction

Read the full media release about the appointment