The "Good Luck USA send-off" was presented by parenting lifestyle brand Maclaren, with US Sailing's Olympic Sailing Committee and Junior Sailing Association hosting the event with the Larchmont Yacht Club in Larchmont.

Morean th 1,000 sailors, fans, friends and family were present to wish the team (pictured top) well before they headed for Weymouth and Portland for the Olympics.

"Sending off the team with one final celebration on American soil has become a treasured moment for the Olympic sailing team," said Dean Brenner, the chairman of the US Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Programme and team leader.

Guests had the opportunity to meet the 16-strong sailing team, and were treated to signed cards featuring each athlete as well as one-on-one time to have signatures and photos.

Zach Railey be hoping to upset home favourite Ben Ainslie at the Olympics

The team took to the stage to answer questions from Brenner during the event.

Fans are being encouraged to show their support by sending notes of support directly to the team or individuals by e-mailing [email protected], or to tweet or Facebook the team online.

The team are expected to provide tough competition for the hosts Britain at the sailing this summer.

Among the 16-strong selection is Anna Tunnicliffe, who won the laser radial class in Beijing four years ago, as well as Zach Railey, who is competing in the finn and came second to Britain's triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie in 2008.

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