As part of a co-ordinated plan between the RYA and the BBC in the build up to the next Olympics, BBC TWO’s Sunday Grandstand is to feature a 30 minute programme, highlighting the performance of the Chernikeeff British Team in this year’s Champagne Mumm Admirals Cup on Sunday, August 8.

The British team has a realistic chance of winning the event and each of the three boats in the British team features top Olympic athletes. In particular, the programme will include the close boat-to-boat action from the tight inshore races and the physical battle of the longer offshore races, highlighting the special Olympic talents on board the boats.

John Derbyshire, the RYA’s Olympic manager commented: “Sailing will undoubtedly be a high profile event in the next Olympics, as it will be sailed inside the spectacular Sydney Harbour. It is great to see the UK’s leading sports broadcaster following the endeavours of Team GBR in what is one of the country’s most successful Olympic sports.”

Dave Gordon, Executive Editor, Grandstand said: “The BBC’s commitment to Olympic sailing dates back to 1960 when BBC SPORT’s coverage of the Olympic Games began, and the inclusion of the Admirals Cup is a new chapter in that history. Sport on television is about more than just covering the action, it is about telling the whole story and that is BBC SPORT’s aim in the build up to Sydney 2000.”

Live, comprehensive coverage of next year’s Olympic Games will be featured on BBC Television and BBC Radio 5 Live. The BBC’s commitment to the Olympic Games continues well into the 21st Century with coverage of each Games, both Summer and Winter until 2008.