YORK sailors Phil Nelson and Peter Craggs were celebrating the London 2012 success today knowing they have already had a taste of one of the Olympic facilities.

The York Railway Institute Sailing Club pair competed at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy - the official sailing venue for the 2012 Games - at the culmination of a three-month series.

Craggs and Nelson had been vying for a top-three spot in the bronze fleet in their RS200 dinghy but just missed out on their target over the two days, finishing fourth.

The purpose-built £7.85 million academy was designed to launch boats in any tide, and includes a crane and parking for up to 300 dinghies at a time, as well as first class on-shore facilities such as a sailing-orientated gym and extensive changing and showering rooms.

Sailing has become a hot bed of medal action for Great Britain at recent Olympiads with five golds, three silvers and two bronze medals snared on the water in 2004 and 2000.

And, while Craggs and Nelson are unlikely to be in the frame for selection come 2012, it is hoped their experience at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy may help future medallists from York.

There are currently four junior members at the RI club, but secretary Hugh Brazier said they are hoping to up that number considerably, especially with the added incentive of appearing in an Olympic Games in their own country.

He said: "That's very much an area we want to encourage more and part of the open day on Saturday is to try to get people to have a go."

Anyone wishing to have a go at the challenging and competitive sport has a chance on Saturday at the club's Acaster Lane base in Bishopthorpe.

An open day will be running from 1pm to 4pm and all will be made welcome.

Log on to www.yrisc.org to find out more.

Updated: 11:00 Thursday, July 07, 2005