The Royal Yachting Association has announced that it is to build a multi-purpose sailing facility in Portland Harbour, Dorset, that will be a hub for the sport in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games and beyond.

The £4 million RYA Portland House project, located at the Castle Court development in Portland, will provide accommodation and conference facilities for the RYA, and, it is hoped, a competitive advantage for the British sailors in the lead up to and during the 2012 Games.

John Derbyshire, RYA’s performance director, said: ‘Previous Games successes have shown that having a bespoke base has been a significant factor in team morale and performance.’

RYA personal members, members of affiliated clubs, class associations, berth holder associations and the disabilities organisation Sailability will all have access to the facility, the RYA said.

Rod Carr, the RYA chief executive, said: ‘We see this venture as a great opportunity for the RYA to be instrumental in providing a performance advantage for our potential Olympic sailors on home ground in 2012, and to provide excellent facilities that will offer a lasting legacy for sailing in the UK.’

It is hoped that the facility will be completed by September next year.