With a British team on the podium at the every 49er Worlds since 2002, and with a strong seven boat squad at the Caribbean venue for the 2010 edition, hopes will be high for some silverware to start the New Year with when the medal race is held on Saturday.

The battle to emerge Britain’s best will be almost as tough as the world title hunt itself - John Pink and Rick Peacock (pictured) will be looking to follow up their 2009 World Championships silver medal with another podium spot, while Athens bronze medallist Chris Draper and Peter Greenhalgh, who came out on top at the pre-World Championships training regatta last month, will be looking to cement partnership with a top three finish in the Bahamas.

The 2007 world champions Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes finished just outside of the medals in fourth at the 2009 World Championships, so will be looking for a return visit to the podium, while Paul Brotherton and Mark Asquith, competing in just their third event back since reforming their partnership will hope to add to the silver they won at the European Championships in September.

Elsewhere, Britain's development squad teams will be looking to make their mark amongst the top names in the fleet. 

Dylan Fletcher and Alain Sign found conditions to their liking at the pre-World Championships event where they finished fifth, Richard Mason and Tom Peel will be hoping to improve on their impressive 21st place at the 2009 edition, while Dave Evans will be competing at his first event since teaming up with new crew Ed Powys.