Reigning Olympic champions, silver medallists and new pairings headline the 2009 team.

Beijing champion Malcolm Page begins his third Olympic campaign with a new skipper, as Mathew Belcher joins him in the 470 class.

 

The new pairing has already enjoyed success with Page and Belcher winning the recent Australian 470 National Championship.

Page said: “The time Mat and I have spent together so far has been phenomenal and the level we’re at has exceeded our plans.

“Mat and I are focused on this year’s World Championships and we’re after a medal.

 

"We’re not too concerned about the colour but gold always looks good.

 

"We’re both looking forward to going up against the best 470 crews in the world."

Darren Bundock, who claimed a silver medal in Beijing, has put the demise of the Tornado class behind him, seeking a new challenge in a 49er with Ben Austin.

He said: “After three Olympic campaigns in a Tornado, the change to a 49er for London 2012 is a refreshing and exciting change.

 

"The 49er is just like sailing a Tornado on ice.

 

"I’m fortunate enough to be sailing with the current 49er World Champion crew to make me look good.”

“Our new campaign is just like Dancing with the Stars, I’m now the clumsy new comer with two left feet and Ben is the star teaching me all the steps."

Australia’s other gold medal pairing of Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson begin their 2012 470 campaign refreshed and ready to hit the waters of Europe in a few months time.

Australian head coach Victor Kovalenko claimed he saw a lot of potential in the team.

He said: “This is a transition year for us but we still have a number of goals to achieve.

 

“Goal number one is to gain experience and goal number two is to be a leading squad in our sport at the various World Championships.”

 

Australia were ranked second at the 2008 Olympics, which were held in Qingdao, winning two gold and a silver, behind Britain, who won six medals, four gold, a silver and a bronze.

 

The team will do some of their preparations at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), including being supported through the coaching, training and competition programme as well as individualised sport science and medicine support.

In the coming months team members will begin heading to Europe to contest a number of major international championships in their classes, including competing on the Olympic course at Weymouth in the Sail for Gold Regatta in September.