Brit skiff sailors rearing to go

With the 49er World Championships kicking off tomorrow in the Bahamas

British sailing’s top 49er crews will look to continue their impressive World Championship record when racing at the Seiko 49er World Championship gets underway in the Bahamas on Monday.

With a British team on the podium at the every 49er Worlds since 2002, and with a strong seven boat Skandia Team GBR squad at the Caribbean venue for the 2010 edition, hopes will be high for some silverware to start the new year with.

The battle to emerge Britain’s best will be almost as tough as the world title hunt itself – John Pink and Rick Peacock will be looking to follow up their 2009 Worlds silver with another podium spot, while Athens bronze medallist Chris Draper and Peter Greenhalgh, who came out on top at the pre-Worlds training regatta last month, will be looking to cement partnership with a top three finish in the Bahamas.

The 2007 World Champions Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes finished just outside of the medals in fourth at the 2009 Worlds, so will be looking for a return visit to the podium, while Paul Brotherton and Mark Asquith, competing in just their third event back since reforming their partnership will hope to add to the silver they won at the European Championships in September.

Elsewhere, Skandia Team GBR’s development squad teams will be looking to make their mark amongst the top names in the fleet. Dylan Fletcher and Alain Sign found conditions to their liking at the pre-Worlds event where they finished fifth, Richard Mason and Tom Peel will be hoping to improve on their impressive 21st place at the 2009 Worlds, while Dave Evans will be competing at his first event since teaming up with new crew Ed Powys.

Racing at the Seiko 49er World Championship gets underway on Monday 4 January, with the medal race scheduled for Saturday 9 January.

Skandia Team GBR line-up:
Stevie Morrison-Ben Rhodes
John Pink-Rick Peacock
Chris Draper-Peter Greenhalgh
Paul Brotherton-Mark Asquith
Dave Evans-Ed Powys
Dylan Fletcher-Alain Sign
Richard Mason-Tom Peel