SWANAGE sailor Sam Whaley forms part of a British Sailing Team assault on Germany’s Kieler Woche competition.

Kiel Week runs from tomorrow to Sunday, June 30, with live bands, DJs and exhibitions framing a historic and popular Olympic sailing regatta, while a 20-strong group of British Sailing Team athletes will be going for glory on the water.

Racing begins at Kieler Woche on Wednesday, June 26. culminating in a medal-race finale on June 30.

Whaley, who will race in the laser class, said: “Kiel Week is one of the biggest sailing events in the world and always delivers a stellar competition with some really good racing. This year there is a slightly reduced laser fleet due to a clash with the worlds but there still will be tough competition, particularly from my fellow team-mates Jack Cookson, Dan Whiteley and Joe Mullan.”

The 22-year-old is aiming to improve on his 19th-placed finish in last year’s event in northern Germany as his pursuit of the single spot in Great Britain’s squad for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo continues.

Whaley last year claimed the RS Aero World Championship title after retaining his RS Aero 7s crown at the UK National Championship.