London 2012: Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell picked in 470 class for Team GB

Team GB Olympic sailing manager Stephen Park said: “Luke and Stuart have come a long way since they started sailing together back in 2009, and are a classic example of how getting the right complement of skillsets for helm and crew in the boat can really launch sailors’ careers.

“Campaigning to represent Team GB at the Games in this class is probably the hardest challenge – it’s been a tough battle to gain the British selection spot.

“A number of podium positions throughout 2011, including silver at both the European and World Championships, show that Luke and Stuart are on track for the podium in 2012 and I’m confident they’ll be promising sailors in the programme for years to come.”

Eleven sailors in seven of the 10 Olympic classes were named in September – the first confirmed competitors in Team GB’s 550-strong squad for the Games – but contenders in the final two classes could have to wait until May.

Ben Ainslie, external is on course to challenge for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal, while Iain Percy will go for his third Olympic gold alongside Andrew Simpson in the Star and Paul Goodison will defend his Olympic Laser title.

Windsurfers Nick Dempsey, the 2004 Olympic bronze medallist, and Bryony Shaw, who was third in 2008, have also been picked for 2012.

Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark were selected in the women’s 470 and Lucy Macgregor, sister Kate Macgregor and Annie Lush have been chosen in the Elliott 6m match-racing event.

Britain won six medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing – four golds, a silver and a bronze – and Team GB sailing manager Stephen Park has set a goal of four medals from 2012, to include at least one gold.