WEYMOUTH'S new Hobie 16 catamaran rivals were all smiles this weekend - before taking to the water.

World champion brothers Richard and Andrew Glover and runner-up Hannah Rowles posed for a picture before resuming their battle for world multihull domination.

Together with Hannah's partner Stephanie Wall, the pairs are ranked number one and two in the world respectively in their smaller Hobie Dragoon catamarans.

They are hoping to repeat their world-beating feats in the bigger and more established Hobie 16, one of the most competitive classes in the world.

The high-flying duos have spent half-term trying out their new boats in Portland Harbour,

All Saints' pupil Richard, 15, who with his brother is a member of the RYA's Youth Development Squad, said: "The boats are much bigger than the Dragoon and there is a lot more to learn in respect of rig tension and boat handling.

"We are planning to train together - but I don't think our first race will be until April next year."

The quartet enjoyed some expert coaching during the RYA's Olympic development week held at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. They will build up for the world championships in South Africa to be held in the autumn next year.

Hannah, 15, who lives in Belle Vue Road and is also at All Saints', is now Sailing in a secondhand Hobie 16.

She said: "It's going to be a challenge sailing the bigger boat, but it will help training together.

"Stephanie and I are looking forward to getting back the world title!"