Grainger assured of British Sailing potential after visit to RYA base in Weymouth

Weymouth and Portland was hosting a podium squad camp this week, so Grainger took the opportunity to visit the home of the Royal Yachting Association and see what her organisation's funding is being spent on.

Team GB's sailors have not been out of the top three in the Olympic medal table since the 1996 summer Games in Atlanta.

Last year they retook their place atop the medal table having finished third overall at London 2012, but while their golden tally improved in Rio, their total medal count dropped from five to three.

The RYA's Olympic manager Stephen Park has since departed to become the performance director at British Cycling, with Mark Robinson replacing him and Ian Walker becoming the RYA's director of racing.

"I very much enjoyed my visit to the British Sailing Team and it was fantastic to speak with the athletes and support staff in Weymouth," said Grainger.

"There is an impressive new leadership team now in place with Ian Walker and Mark Robinson who I am sure will build on the great work that took place during the Rio Cycle.

"I wish them the best of luck on their journey to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and it will be exciting to follow them over the coming years."

Grainger was shown Dylan Fletcher and Stuart Bithell's new skiff, Naomi, with the pair having won the 49er World Championships earlier this year.

She also took to the water to see Fletcher and Bithell in action, before trying her hand alongside Charlotte Dobson in the 49er FX.

"It's an honour to have Dame Katherine here," said director of racing Walker.

"It's been a great opportunity to demonstrate all of our facilities here. We've had a full tour and she's also been able to talk to the athletes and coaches and get direct feedback because UK Sport fund most of the activity within our World Class programme.

"The support of UK Sport and the National Lottery is absolutely integral. You just have to look at the improvement in the Olympics over the last five cycles.

"We couldn't do two thirds of what we do without that support and it has put Britain at the top of the rostrum."

Sportsbeat 2017