Although Iain had been competing in the Star class since 2001, the pair tried and tested three boats in the build up to Beijing. Just two weeks before the Olympic regatta, they selected one that was fast enough to compete. The Star is a 6.9 metre two-man keelboat and the oldest of the Olympic classes. It is a highly technical boat that requires a real partnership from its helm and crew.

Widely regarded as one of the toughest classes to win at any level of competition, the pair's determination to succeed, devotion at every level and continuous training has paid off with their gold in Beijing.