Rogers and Green throw in the towel

Skandia Team GBR 470 duo move on to pastures new

Sailing's double Olympic silver medallist Nick Rogers has decided to let go of his quest for Olympic gold at London 2012 following a frustrating regatta season.

Rogers teamed up with his current crew and best friend Pom Green in the 470 class after the Beijing Games, where he earned his second silver medal.

Rogers and Green, who won the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships together in 1995, have called time on their 2012 qualifying campaign and will not join their Skandia Team GBR teammates at the 470 World Championships, starting in The Hague (NED) on Monday (12 July).

Nick Rogers commented on their decision: "We've both worked incredibly hard this year, but juggling responsibilities that we didn't have in our 20s has made it harder to dedicate the time required. Our goal was gold but it's just too much of a tall order in the time we have.

Green adds: "It's been a great experience: a pleasure to sail with Nick and to work with the Skandia Team GBR staff whose expertise and commitment is a huge reason why the team is so successful. It's the end of an era for Nick and disappointing for me too but we both feel that to be successful in other areas of our lives something had to give."

Rogers is now looking forward to using his talent and experience to help other gifted dinghy sailors and to work on other competitive sailing projects, while Green will return to his yacht construction business.

"We're best friends and it's been fantastic sailing with Pom again," Rogers added.  "He's brought a lot of experience and insight to the campaign."

RYA Olympic Manager Stephen Park said:  "It's disappointing to be losing Nick and Pom from the programme - especially as Nick's experience and lively personality have been a big part of Skandia Team GBR for such a long time now. But Olympic classes sailing is a punishing game, and I understand and respect the decision that they have come to after what's been a frustrating season for them.

"Although we'd much rather have Nick involved in the squad, there is some pleasure in having someone who's grown and developed through the RYA's talent pathway - from junior level right through to the Olympic podium - now looking to make his way in the professional world of big boat sailing."