A STATE-OF-THE-art technology department at the UK Sailing Academy in Cowes costing £150,000 has been opened by the Princess Royal.

The new facilities were unveiled by the princess during her visit to the Island when she helped launch Wight Spirit - Britain's challenger in the forthcoming America's Cup.

Work is also proceeding on the £1m accommodation block at the academy where the princess unveiled a symbolic foundation stone.

Academy director David Green said: "Both these developments are necessary to meet the significant year-on-year growth in demand we have been experiencing for our extensive range of sail training and marine-related courses."