Strong British challenge at 49er Worlds

BRITISH sailors will be looking to continue their impressive recent medal record when the Seiko 49er World Championships gets under way in the Bahamas later today.

AIMING HIGH: Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes are looking for their second 49er world title in the Bahamas this week (onEdition)

Former world champions Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes, who scooped the title in 2007, are expected to lead the medal challenge but their closest rivals could be British team-mates.

John Pink and Rick Peacock will be looking to upgrade the silver they won 12 months ago while former Olympic bronze medallist Chris Draper and new partner Peter Greenhalgh came out on top at the recent pre-Worlds training regatta.

Paul Brotherton and Mark Asquith, who won silver at the European Championship last year, will be looking to impress in only their third event since reforming their partnership.

Three development squad teams will also be looking to add experience to their resume.

Dylan Fletcher and Alain Sign finished fifth in the pre-Worlds event while Richard Mason and Tom Peel, 21st last year, compete in their second World Championship.

Dave Evans makes his debut alongside new crew Ed Powys.