CHRISTCHURCH windsurfers Emma and Daniel Wilson will be going for gold in the RS:X class at the upcoming Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Youth National Championships.

The siblings are hot favourites for the respective titles following an impressive run of form in 2014 after finishing second in last year's event with an eye on top spot when the Olympic waters of Weymouth and Portland play host with the 2015 championships taking place from April 4-10.

More than 350 young sailors from across the UK are set to converge on the National Sailing Academy for one of the premier competitions in the youth sailing calendar which may yet provide the springboard for a future Olympic campaign.

Emma, 15, claimed the Youth World Championships title in October, adding to the Youth European Championship title she won earlier in 2014 and competed at the ISAF World Cup Series regatta in Miami, finishing 17th.

"The Miami World Cup was an amazing experience and hopefully I can put some of the things I learned there into this event," said Emma.

Older brother Daniel has also been demonstrating his prominence in the RS:X windsurfing scene, with a win at the RYA Spring Series competition.

"It is the biggest event on the national calendar therefore whoever wins it gets bragging rights," he said.

The Youth Nationals is regarded as one of the premier competitions in the youth sailing calendar with Britain's brightest young sailing talents vying for medals and, alongside the accolade of being crowned champion, they will also be battling for selection to compete for Great Britain on the international stage.

The event plays an important role in the selection process for the 2015 EUROSAF Youth European Championships and the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships, taking place in France and Malaysia in July and December respectively.

Previous winners of the competition include multiple Olympic gold medallists Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy and Sarah Ayton.

RYA Youth Racing Manager Mark Nicholls said: "We're looking forward to what I'm sure will be another great RYA Youth Nationals in inspiring surroundings at Weymouth and Portland.

"It's also a great platform for young talents making their first steps into the youth boats to see what the competition is all about."

Event registration and equipment inspection opens on Saturday, April 4 and racing starts for all classes on Monday, April 6 through to Friday 10 April.