The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy and Icom Radio Communications

The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), located on the picturesque Isle of Portland in Dorset is a world-class sailing venue with a rich history and a vital role in both local, national and international sailing. The academy's legacy is deeply intertwined with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games where it served as the official venue for the sailing events. Today it stands as a testament to the power of sport and community, attracting competitors and visitors from around the globe.

A key factor in the academy's ability to host major events and maintain a safe environment is its robust radio communication system. According to Sally Reynoldson, the Senior Operations and Sailing Manager, radio comms are "extremely important" for every aspect of their operations from shore-to-shore communications to coordinating with boats on the water. The WPNSA has a longstanding relationship with Icom UK choosing its range of equipment because of its quality, reliability and ease of use.

The Radio Infrastructure
The Academy's communication network is built around a combination of Icom VHF and UHF radios as fixed and handheld units. The central control point (race control), known as "the bridge," is equipped with six Icom IC-F5022M Marine VHF base stations. These base stations are essential for managing multiple race courses simultaneously. As Sally Reynoldson explains, "We've got repeaters on the harbour wall to enable us to communicate and receive when we're racing out in the Weymouth Bay." The academy holds a licence from Ofcom for four channels allowing them to dedicate specific channels for safety, race management and other operational needs.

Shore-to-shore communications are handled using Icom IC-F29DR3 licence-free UHF radios. These are used by various teams, including the beach, tally and office staff to coordinate activities on land. A good example is the start of a race day where "bridge will communicate by UHF to the tally team and say, 'I'm about to open tallies. Are you ready?' and they'll confirm yes."

On the water, the Academy's safety and support boats are equipped with various Icom fixed VHF/DSC radios and AIS transponders. In addition to the Icom IC-M73EURO VHF handhelds are used throughout the Academy. These radios are crucial for monitoring race progress and responding to any safety incidents.

A recent and significant addition to the Academy's fleet is an Icom IC-M510EVO fixed radio and an HM-195GB Commandmic for their main committee boat, ‘Gyrinus’. This vessel holds a special place in the Academy's history having been purchased by LOCOG for the London 2012 Olympics before being acquired by the WPNSA. The IC-M510EVO is installed in the main cabin providing communication capabilities for the boat's driver.

The Commandmic is a particularly valuable feature. It is located on the top deck where the race officer is, allowing them to control the radio functions remotely. Sally Reynoldson points out, this is crucial for the race officer or timekeeper "communicating the time" or for changing the channel "if we need to change it because there's interference or any other reason." This setup allows for seamless communication between the driver and the race management team on the top deck.

The WPNSA's choice to use Icom radios is based on a long-standing relationship and the brand's reputation for reliability. Sally Reynoldson highlights the excellent support Icom UK provides, noting that if an issue arises, "it is very rapidly assessed and things turned around very quickly."

Importance to the Community and British Sailing
The WPNSA is a not-for-profit organisation and is a cornerstone of the local community. It was developed with funding from various sources including the Southwest Regional Development Agency, UK Sport and the Royal Yachting Association, on a site formerly occupied by the Royal Navy. The Academy acts as a major economic driver for the area bringing in thousands of visitors each year who require accommodation, food and transport.

It is the official training base for the British Sailing Team and the British Sailing Squad who are preparing for future Olympic Games. The Academy hosts 20 to 30 events each year ranging from small national events to major international championships.

The legacy of the Olympics is also visible in local initiatives like the Chesil Trust which offers sailing for just £5 to local Year 6 children introducing them to the sport and its benefits. The Academy also works with on-site partners such as the Andrew Simpson Centre and the OTC (Official Test Centre) who run community programmes, school groups and activities for underprivileged children through council-funded schemes.

In summary, the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy is a vital hub for sailing and its successful operation is heavily dependent on a reliable and effective communication system. The partnership with Icom UK ensures that the Academy can continue to deliver world-class events and support the development of sailing at all levels.

For more details about Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) please visit their website, https://www.wpnsa.org.uk/.

Alternatively you can phone them on +44 (0) 1305 866000 or email: reception@wpnsa.org.uk.

12/11/2025