In-form Scott aiming for world title repeat

Finn class contender Giles Scott © Richard Langdon / British Sailing Team

Giles Scott is expecting a 'tough-fought week' in his quest for a second World Championship title in the Finn class, with racing due to get underway for the coveted Finn Gold Cup on Monday (15 September).

The 27-year-old is unbeaten in the men's heavyweight dinghy class since his return to Olympic campaigning last October.

But although Scott admits his run of regatta-winning form is 'fuel for a bit of confidence' heading into the major event of the year, he's aware that he'll face strong competition throughout the week from the 79 other boats set to race in Santander.

"You do get the sense around the boat park that this is what everyone in Olympic sailing has been aiming towards in 2014 and there's certainly a lot riding on it. I think that's the same for every nation out there," the Portland-based sailor explained.

"The fleet's pretty strong at the moment and there are a lot of good guys out there. I'd say that there are at least ten guys who are capable of winning the regatta. The French are always strong, the Slovenian guy, the Dutch, the Kiwis.

"We've got an incredibly strong British team as well. It'll be a tough-fought week and hopefully it will go well."

Scott is shrugging off suggestions that he's the favourite for the World Championship title – which he also won at the last multi-class ISAF Sailing World Championships held in Perth in 2011.

"That was nice and it's something that I would like to repeat," said the reigning European Champion of his previous Worlds victory. "But before that there's an awful lot of hard work and a lot of races to go, so I'll just take it one step at a time I think."

"There's been a little bit of chat about [my form]. I'm trying not to focus on it too much obviously, but I suppose it's fuel for a bit of confidence. But ultimately nothing really changes – this is another regatta and it's going to be a tall order to go out there and get a really good result in it.

"I'm looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into the racing."

"My goals don't change – I'm after regatta wins and that's certainly the same for here, so that's what I'm chasing. Hopefully I'll come away happy, but time will tell!"

Ed Wright, the 2010 World Champion and silver medallist at last year's Worlds, and fellow British Sailing Team talent Mark Andrews are likely to be among those vying for the medal spots, while fellow British Podium Potential squad sailors Ben Cornish, Peter McCoy and James Hadden will be hoping to make their mark in this major senior competition.

Finn class contender Ed Wright - photo © Richard Langdon/British Sailing Team

British Finn entries:

Giles Scott
Edward Wright
Mark Andrews
Ben Cornish
Peter McCoy
James Hadden

Racing in Santander sees a staggered schedule across the ten classes:

• 12-18 September: Laser and Laser Radial
• 13-19 September: RS:X Men and RS:X Women
• 14-20 September: 470 Men and 470 Women
• 15-21 September: 49er, 49erFX, Finn and Nacra 17