By Gary Anderson

June 27 - The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy was the first of the London 2012 Olympic venues to be completedThe chairman of Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, (WPNSA) Edward Leask is stepping down from his role at the London 2012 sailing venue, it has been announced.


Appointed to the role in 2007, Leask oversaw the successful hosting of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events at the Dorset club, and is leaving to concentrate on his business interests with CSM Sport and Entertainment, which is chaired by British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman, Sebastian Coe.

CSM Sport and Entertainment is the sports and entertainment division of London-based communications and sports marketing group Chime Communications plc.

"I have been involved with the academy ever since its inception in 2000," said Leask, a member of the British sailing squads at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

"Not only do we now have a fully functional Olympic standard water sports centre which has proven itself across windsurfing, dinghy sailing, yacht racing, match racing and triathlon events but also across specialised Paralympic regattas and special needs water sports activities."

Edward Leask right is stepping down as chairman of WPSNAEdward Leask (right) is stepping down as chairman of the WPSNA after six years to concentrate on his role with CSM Sport and Entertainment, chaired by Sebastian Coe (left)

Leask, 66, is a chartered accountant by profession and has spent most of his career in the sports industry.

In 1970, Leask and partner John Truett, won silver at the 1970 World Sailing Championships in the Flying Dutchman class, finishing behind compatriots Rodney Pattison and Ian MacDonald-Smith, in Adelaide.

The WPSNA was the first of the London 2012 venues to be completed when additional reclamation of the harbour, new slipways, construction of a breakwater and pontoons were finished in 2008.

"The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is now the venue of choice for training, ranking, national to European and worlds events as well as being a wonderful open door facility for local people to come and enjoy both as a spectator and a participant," said Leask.

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