470 contender

Nigel Cherrie talks to Graham Vials - recently second at the 470 Spring Cup on the Cote d'Azur

Graham Vials
Not since the halcyon days of Merricks and Walker has a Britain been so competitive in the men's double-handed class.

"It's a good thing to have two top British boats as we haven't had that in a long time. It's a good thing for Britain and our medal prospects. We just have to make sure it's us [that goes to Athens] but that's what we are here for".

If next season does become Olympic selection year and the Royal Yachting Association go for a more subjective selection process - such as the best international crew gets the nod - then over the next eight months they clearly have to stamp their authority over the rest of the world.

They are currently 16th in the ISAF world standings. For the record, Rogers and Glanfield are second but in fairness do have an extra three years of sailing together to their credit.

Vials and Newman joined forces at the beginning of 2001 but have not wasted anytime getting up to speed and from here on in everything counts. A day wasted is an opportunity lost in the Olympic cycle.

"We're aiming to get into the top three at the world championship this year so we can get A level [Lottery] funding which could help with our selection in 2003. The way the [Olympic selection] process is likely to work we have to get better a little earlier but that is probably not a bad thing.

"We're fortunate enough to have two world championships this year which doubles our chances".

The two he is referring to are the ISAF World Sailing Games in France this July and September's official 470 world championship in Sardinia, Italy.

Like a majority of the Olympic classes, the 470 requires fine tuning to bring out its best but they have that aspect of the campaign firmly underway and under control, but under wraps. "We have some secret plans for kit we are testing out. We'll keep assessing until we find something we are really happy with.

"Last year we stuck to completely standard kit which gave us a good understanding of what we had but we felt there were a couple of aspects that we could improve. We are going to need top quality stuff to get the results we need so we'll be trying out other equipment again in Hyeres.

"After that we are going to shift our focus and concentrate towards the ISAF World Sailing Games which are going to be sailed in supplied boats". The hull, sails, spars and foils will all be provided by the event organisers.

"We are going to get into the psyche of racing like 'this is what we've got, this is what we have to use so this is what we'll do'. It's more a case of looking at the rig and trying to understand what it is trying to tell you rather than what the numbers are saying".

But actions, or rather results, speak louder than words. "We've just got to get on and do it", concludes Vials.

But will it just be a two horse race? Ian Walker, who won the first of his two Olympic Silver medals in the 470, believes there is little to split between them but at the same time both crews should keep an eye over their shoulder.

"They both have very strong qualities and it would be great if they can get to one and two in the world. Nick and Joe know they can get there while Graham and Dan are just a little but further down the learning curve but clearly have the potential", says Ian.

"At the same time, it's a long way to go [to Athens]. Who is to say another youngster may not come in and steal the show?"

Only time will tell.

Vials and Newman at speed