Starting today, the Sail for Gold Regatta, the third leg of the EUROSAF Sailing World Cup, will see the world's top sailors compete in eight Olympic and two Paralympic events throughout the week, with competition set to conclude on Friday (June 6).

Britain's Dylan Fletcher and Alain Sign will have their sights set on a second successive World Cup gold after sailing to victory in Medemblik, Netherlands, two weeks ago.

Things will not be easy the for duo, however, with a 15-strong field, including compatriots John Pink and Stuart Bithell who finished runners-up in the Netherlands, likely to push them right to the line in this highly competitive 49er event.

In the 49erFX event, last year's champions will be aiming for similar success, however this time around with different sailing partners.

Charlotte Dobson and Nicola Groves sailed to glory at the same venue 12 months ago, but will come back this year with, now permanent partners, Sophie Angus and Frances Peters.

Nacra 17 sailors Ben Saxton and Hannah Diamond are another British duo hoping to defend their Sailing for Gold title as they look to get back to winning ways after a fourth place finish in the Netherlands.

"We are really happy to be back in Weymouth to go racing at Sail for Gold this year," said Diamond.

"Even though it's not a massive fleet this year, it is always important to sail as well as we can and get a good result on the board.

"Having won the regatta last year it would be amazing to defend our title and claim the top step on the podium for a second consecutive year.

"We are still building up towards the summer events, especially the Santander Worlds in September, so part of the emphasis is on training but while we are racing we have always got one eye on winning as many races as we can."

Ben Saxton and Hannah Diamond are one of many British duos hoping to defend their Sail for Gold titles this week ©Getty Images



As well as a cohort of seven-strong British sailors, the Nacra 17 fleet will also see boats from overseas, as competitors from Japan, the United States and Norway take to waters.

"I know they are quite new to the boat but you can always learn from everyone in the fleet, no matter how much racing they have done in the Nacra they all bring different skills from other classes, so it will be good to line up against them on the start line come Monday," added Diamond.

The overseas boats consist of Hiroki Goto and Wakako Tabata from Japan, America's Stephanie Hudson and Ian Andrews and Norway's Nicholas Fadler Martinsen and Martine Steller Mortensen.

Luke Patience and Elliot Willis will look to continue a strong EUROSAF Series performance where they claimed their first podium finish in the Netherlands since they joined forces in the 470 men's event in late February, while Hyères World Cup silver medallists Sophie Weguelin and Eilidh McIntyre will be vying for honours in the women's 470 event.

World champion Nick Dempsey will be firm favourite in the RS:X Windsurfing with world number two Bryony Shaw hoping for victory in the women's equivalent.

Giles Scott will look to maintain his unbeaten run since returning full time to the Olympic Finn class in September, while John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Stephen Thomas will be hoping for their fourth straight Sail for Gold title in the Sonar class.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
April 2014: New Zealand top medal table as ISAF Sailing World Cup concludes
April 2014: Myszka and Postma take gold while Aussies and Kiwis set for final day battle at Sailing World Cup
April 2014: Dutchman Postma recovers from disastrous start to maintain lead at ISAF World Cup
April 2014: Australia emerge as leading nation as Sailing World Cup hots up
April 2014: World number ones Saxton and Diamond dominate to top standings at Sailing World Cup in Hyères