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How the speed course works

World Speed Records

The event is centred on an accurately measured 500 metre course located in Portland Harbour. This provides the challenge for the speed sailor to pit his wits against the elements and endeavour to raise the World speed record upwards from the current absolute speed of 46.52 knots set by Yellow Pages Endeavour in October 1993.

In the 1970's and 1980's Weymouth Speed Week attracted many thousands of pounds of sponsorship money and competitors attended by invitation.

During the 1990's Weymouth Speed Week has been run entirely by the voluntary efforts of a few individuals with the co-operation of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the support of the Weymouth Sailing Centre. The Amateur Yacht Research Society has assisted by donating prizes each year and together with a number of other individuals has made financial contributions. In addition individuals have made their sailing boats available for use as 'course boats' during the week. The efforts of all these organisations and individuals has made Weymouth Speed Week the enjoyable and exciting event that it is today.

The lack of rules provide the ideal proving ground for both experts and dreamers to build the type of boats, which, but for Weymouth Speed Week would never see the light of day. There are NO restrictions as to who may enter and all types of sailing craft are welcome. Weymouth Speed Week is a unique event.

In recent years we have been able to run one of two courses when the weather conditions were suitable. One being very close to the beach in shallow water, this being ideally suited to the boards and planing hull designs. The other course is between boats in the harbour in deeper water.

Portland harbour is bounded on its south western side (the direction from which the prevailing wind blows) by Chesil Bank. Chesil Bank is a huge natural breakwater that stops the waves but not the wind. Thus within Portland Harbour ideal speed sailing conditions of smooth strong winds and flat water occur.

Spectators are always welcome, the Weymouth Sailing Centre is open to all during Speed Week.