ENGLAND, Italy and France will all have their sights set on the top prize when the FIPS-M World Boat Championships reach a climax in Weymouth on Thursday.

The host nation lead the Italians on count-back in the senior team event after today's second day of competition, with the French just behind in third.

It is almost a mirror image of the situation in 2005 - the last time Weymouth hosted the championships - when the same three countries were tied on points going into the final day.

“Our destiny is in our own hands and we have an opportunity which we have to grasp,” said England team manager Neil Bryant.

England's Under-21 team remain second in their championship but they will have to go some way to catching Italy if they want the gold medal.

Home favourite Aaron Comben impressed for the English today as the hosts held their own against some stiff competition.