ISAF Worlds

I don't dispute that the tables would be turned in many other classes of boat.

However, with regards the Finn squad. I think you need to race against these guys to fully realise just how fast the top squaddies are. Particularly off the wind and not just in free pumping conditions. Also the point of funded squads is to try and create racing thoroughbreds for a particular class of boat which the RYA with the help of Skandia are achieving with notable success.

As regards Nick Craig, he's now moving on to B14's. I for one will be sad to see him leave the Finn class but I won't miss the sight of his boats transom disappearing every race.

I agree the key events to win last year were the Worlds and the Pre-Olympics which Chris and Simon won.

In the last Olympic cycle they felt they peaked to early (1st Worlds the year before, 2nd Worlds the Olympic year then 3rd at the Olympics). They do not want to make that mistake again!

Perhaps I shouldn't say it but it seems like a very "British" attitude says what happened after a relatively poor start to the series! Just look at Ben's first day at the last games...

Looking at the Lasers (and Radials) they will be in big wind and huge waves today on course 5. Expect another couple of wins for Tom Slingsby in the standard and our own Lizzie Vickers could do very well in the Radial. Although there is no doubt in my mind after watching the racing yesterday which Charlotte is sailing the best out of all the girls.

Don't know why everyone is so hung up on Draper and Hiscocks? Yes they have performed in the past and have an enviable record.

But.. Stevie and Ben have been quietly going about their buisness since the Europeans last year have consistently beaten Chris and Simon. Lets not forget that at the last Worlds Stevie and Ben were third.

Seems to me these guys have had little credit in the press or elsewhere for what I consider to be our best chance of a medal in the 49er class!