It follows a deal concluded by the Royal Yatching Association in January which saw the team branded as Skandia Team GBR. Britain is the world's top Olympic sailing nation, having topped the medal table at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. Sailing is recognised today as one of the UK’s most successful sports in terms of medal results and receives significant support from UK Sport through lottery funding.

"We are very excited that Panasonic UK have agreed to join the team and we look forward to working closely with them in the build-up to Beijing 2008, and to make use of some truly innovative and stylish products that not only deliver the performance that the sailors require, but also help to improve team communications during our training and racing programmes," said Rod Carr, the chief executive of the RYA.

Panasonic UK is a leading supplier and distributor of consumer electronics and has been working with the team to identify the products out of their range that can help to enhance performance.

"In a highly competitive environment our products can make a real contribution to the team's success," said Cyril Wood, managing director of Panasonic UK.

"Our products provide an excellent way for sports people to monitor and improve performance, and we are delighted to help Skandia Team GBR train for the Beijing Olympic Games 2008."

The products will be used by both the sailors, of which there are over 90 in the squad, for improved analysis and learning, including video and camera footage, playbacks, capturing performance data, but also by the extensive support staff of 30 people that work side by side with the sailors to constantly monitor and improve performance - all ensuring that sailing continues to be one of the highest medal winning Olympic sports for Great Britain.