Sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing blogs by Olympic 2012 hopefuls in Weymouth in Dorset

Two-time World Champion Chris Draper is campaigning for Olympic selection in the 49er Skiff boat class with his sailing partner Peter Greenhalgh. Draper, 33, of Corfe Mullen, Dorset, came third at the Athen’s Olympics with his former sailing partner Simon Hiscocks of Portland, but they narrowly missed out on British selection for last summer’s Beijing Games. Now Draper has ‘regained his mojo for the sport' to launch a fresh campaign with Greenhalgh, 33, one of the British pioneers in the 49er when it was first introduced as an Olympic class. The 49er is one of the most exhilarating of all of the Olympic Classes, providing exciting racing over short courses. With a huge sail area - consisting of mainsail, jib and asymmetric spinnaker, twin trapezes and an ultra light hull it can reach up to 30 knots in speed. The boat requires the crew to have a high level of agility and athleticism as they must make rapid, and often acrobatic, movements The duo aim to combine their expertise and experience ahead of the home Games. Follow their progress here.

Less than 500 days to go

Yesterday marked 500 days to go until the start of the London 2012 Olympics. I spent the day in Weymouth at the Olympic sailing venue with a group of budding youngsters, some of them excellent youth sailors already and some aspiring Olympians from the local Portland primary school.

Gearing up for Sail for Gold

Since enjoying a successful World championship in July Peter and I have taken a well-deserved break from the 49er class.