Largs and Millport News | Opinion | Largs sports chief's Olympics vision

Saturday, 5th July, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 30th April, 2008 12:00

Largs sports chief's Olympics vision

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I have read with interest the correspondence regarding the Pencil Bay Development. I have been a resident in Largs for over 25 years and have endeavoured on a personal and professional level to develop sporting opportunities and facilities for all in the town.

May I take this opportunity to take your readers to 2010 and beyond?

It is July 2010. Largs and Weymouth on the south coast of England, are hosting a World Sailing event. One of the biggest events outside the Olympics for sailing. Thirty nations are in Largs. A local Largs youth sailor, who has been a member of the Scottish Sailing Squad for four years is representing Great Britain.

All the accommodation in Largs and the surrounding area has been booked, not only for the three weeks of the event but also the last two weeks of June. Teams are flying into Glasgow and Prestwick and renting self catering cottages, houses and staying in boarding houses and hotels. The VIPs and officials are staying at Inverclyde and Cumbrae sports centres, and also in the local hotels. The teams from the southern hemisphere have been in Largs now for two weeks prior to the event, enjoying the hospitality and excellent sailing waters off Largs. Some of these world class sailors have visited the local schools to talk about the Olympics.

Flags are flying in the sunny weather and the town is looking forward to the opening parade along the promenade to the Vikingar. Many national agencies have come together to sponsor this event which is seen as Pre Olympic training in UK waters.

Establishments and businesses in Largs, especially the Sailing Club and Inverclyde have taken on extra employees to cater for this world event. Over 200 volunteers are in Largs to assist with the world class racing and ensure that the visitors enjoy their visit to Largs. The local community has been engaged, through the Largs Initiative, North Ayrshire Council and Education Authority, and community groups such as OIR.

This event held at Largs, July, 2010 goes extremely well and is a great success. The competitors and officials are impressed with the world class facilities, a Scottish warm welcome and all the help from the people of Largs.

Due to this success countries are now enquiring about training possibilities for 2011 and 2012 prior to the Olympics. Need a venue to practise for London 2012, then the place to sail is Largs.

There are UK events in 2009, on a similar scale. Not only is there an economic benefit to the town, but a legacy of facilities for all water users, development of town facilities and businesses, local employment, opportunities for people to participate in sport, and generally ‘raising the game’ for Largs as a tourist destination and a quality town to live and enjoy.

All of this will not happen if the launching facilities are not improved to a world class standard.

The Scottish Sailing Institute intends to develop the south corner of the Pencil Bay by the existing marina wall. This area is rubbish and rat infested area – would you let your children swim there? The proposal improves the environment at this location.

Perhaps the ‘Save the Pencil’ organisers should talk with the SSI to arrive at a mutually satisfactory conclusion rather than corresponding through the press.

I would point out that if these developments do not take place, then events from 2009 onwards, will go elsewhere and Largs will suffer for the economic loss for many years to come. I would encourage your readers to visit the SSI, which is based at Largs Sailing Club to discuss the proposals and see what is actually proposed and how individuals, groups and organisations can benefit from this development.

John Kent

Principal, Inverclyde and Cumbrae, Chair of Scottish Sailing Institute, Board Member of Royal Yachting Association Scotland.

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