Edge of the seat action

Ian Barker and Simon Hiscocks on their way to silver

BBC Sport's sailing commentator Richard Simmonds reports on a British sailing success in the 49er class.

The Finns made sure of gold in the 49er Class with a race to spare - but Ian Barker and Simon Hiscocks have won silver for Great Britain.

All they had to do in Monday's final race was make sure that the McKee brothers did not finish six places ahead of them.

All they had to do! In a race that had British and American supporters on the edge of their seats and the BBC broadcasting live, America recovered from a mediocre start to take the lead as they rounded the third of five marks. Great Britain were sliding down the fleet.

Lying in sixth, they still had their names on the silver medal - but only just. Had they slipped one more place, the USA would take second.

Pressure

It could not have been closer.There have been many occasions on Sydney Harbour when Barker and Hiscocks have proved that they do not crack when the pressure is on, and this was another.

As the USA crossed the line first they spun their 49er into the wind and watched. The finishing order of the pack behind them would determine which medal would go to the US. Barker and Hiscocks crossed in fourth - silver to Great Britain.

It was a great face-off in the last race between Great Britain and the USA. Both teams have trained together in the build up to the Games with the British racing in the USA for some of their pre-Olympic regattas.

Prior to the Games, the British team had felt faster when they raced against the McKee brothers and, as Barker explained that was a psychological help on Monday.

Many are surprised that the British have won the 49er silver. Barker and Hiscocks came into the Games with a top ten position looking likely.

  Richard Simmonds

"We did feel very confident today and really believed that we were starting with the advantage. We are not surprised that the McKee's have had an excellent regatta. "

Many are surprised that the British have won the 49er silver. Barker and Hiscocks came into the Games with a mere top ten position looking likely.

Bullish

Royal Yachting Association coach 'Sparky' Parks told me; "They will finish inside the top five so have a three fifths chance of a medal" - and a week ago that seemed bullish.

Australia were the gold medal favourites, but Chris Nicholson and Daniel Philips never got into their stride. Barker felt that they let the pressure get to them.

"The Australians made some strange calls out on the Harbour and were not the threat that I expected them to be."

British success in the 49er owes much to the other top teams who battled with Barker and Hiscocks for a place at the Games.

Paul Brotherton and Mo Grey so nearly beat Barker and Hiscocks at the selection trials and five other top teams deserve a celebration now. Without the depth of home grown talent it's unlikely that the silver medal would have been won.

But it has. And tonight the biggest celebrations will be outside the Opera House where the medal ceremony will take place.