Details of the two competitions are yet to be confirmed due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, but the RYA has already begun its search so teams can plan for the season ahead. 

Selection will be based on an extended version of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Channel Race, scheduled to start from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on July 24. 

The selection panel will comprise RYA director of racing Ian Walker, World Sailing Council member Stacey Clark, a representative of the RYA’s Olympic steering group and a RORC representative.

Crews are able to an express an interest in competing for Britain at the Offshore Mixed Doubles European and World Championships until June 30. 

The RYA claim there has been increased interest in mixed doublehand offshore racing since the discipline was put forward for inclusion at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

A decision on whether a mixed offshore event will replace the men's Finn at Paris 2024 has been postponed by the International Olympic Committee, allowing time for an assessment of the key considerations around the cost, safety and security of the athletes.

"This is a great opportunity for any mixed crews to come forward and show us they have what it takes to represent Britain," said Walker.

"While we still don’t know where, when or even if these Championships will go ahead and if offshore mixed doubles will be in the Olympics for Paris 2024, we know that a lot of teams are setting their sights on these events, so it is important that they know now how we will select teams when the events are hopefully announced.

"Last year was a difficult season for most sailors but we actually saw a growth in double handed offshore racing as it is, by its very nature, more socially distanced. 

"Many new partnerships have been formed and we hope to see more new pairs coming together in 2021, especially with the largest ever entry of boats in the Rolex Fastnet Race on the horizon."