Hosts backed to rule Olympic waves

Britain, who topped the sailing medal table four years ago, will be in contention for a podium place in all 10 categories at London 2012, according to the man charged with ensuring the home nation rule their own waves.

"This is arguably our strongest Olympic sailing team and we would expect to have realistic medal opportunities in nine or 10 of the events," said Stephen Parks, Team GB's sailing manager.

Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell were yesterday named in the 470 team for the Olympic regatta, which will be staged off Portland in Dorset. A silver in the world championships last month clinched their place. They join the likes of gold medal favourites Ben Ainslie, going for a fourth Olympic title, Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson, who had already been selected.