Sports and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson was in Weymouth and Portland today to watch Ben Ainslie sail into the history books.

Hugh Robertson joined thousands of spectators on the Nothe to watch Ainslie win his fourth Olympic gold medal and make sailing history.

Hugh Robertson said:

“This is an incredible achievement for Ben Ainslie who has proved himself as one of the greatest sailors and Olympians of all time. His gold built on the earlier silver medal success of Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson. The atmosphere on the Nothe was tremendous and has proved that sailing makes an excellent spectator sport.”

Hugh Robertson also went to the Weymouth and Portland Live Site which was at full capacity today as families turned up in their thousands to watch the sailing, tennis and athletics on the beach’s big screens.

The Minister then visited the seaside Sports Arena where National Governing Bodies are providing taster sessions and information about a wide range of sports from beach volleyball to rugby, sailing and windsurfing. The Arena has been hugely popular welcoming thousands of visitors every day.

Hugh Robertson added:

“The Sports Arena is legacy in action with thousands of young people trying new sports and receiving information about how they can take it further. It really is inspiring our next generation of Olympians.

“We have all seen the images of sunny Weymouth and Portland looking fantastic on the TV. It was good to come here today to experience the festival atmosphere – it is a tremendous place for all the family. The Borough has gone the extra-mile to bring a real sense of celebration and occasion to the town.”