Privilege

I had the privilege today of visiting the Land Rover BAR base in old Portsmouth, the operational headquarters for Sir Ben Ainslie’s challenge for one of  the supreme yachting trophies, the America’s Cup.
Much of what happens inside is a closely guarded secret and in the sailing world, rivals would love to know the technology and the technique the Land Rover BAR team utilise.
For that reason, although I had the privilege of being shown round the facility cameras and any photography inside the base were strictly forbidden.
I was there as a member of the Yachting Journalists’ Association who were fortunate enough to have been able to arrange for their AGM to be held on the base flight deck, an impressive open plan presentation space occupying the entire top floor of the base, providing magnificent views across Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, the celebrated Gunwharf Quay waterfront shopping and leisure centre and Portsmouth city itself and the Southsea seafront.
It is situated on the Camber Dock, Portsmouth’s oldest commercial dock which dates back at least to 1180, when it was developed for trade with Normandy.
 

Short of visiting the nearby Spinnaker Tower in Gunwharf Quay this flight deck as it’s known commands the most spectacular view over land and sea. And the most stunning of all — from the gents’ loo looking out to sea!