The British adore their seafaring heroes. And their telescopes will be swivelled in the direction of champion Ben Ainslie as he hunts down more national glory in Qingdao.
Ainslie, Britain's most successful Olympic sailor, is chasing his third successive gold and fourth medal of any metal on the waters off the Shandong coast.
Like many, Ainslie has lamented the conditions in the sailing regatta city, most notably the lack of wind.
'Nature will have more of a role to play because it's quite unpredictable weather, with generally quite light winds, a lot of current and a lot of tide,' Ainslie said. 'However, we always knew it was going to be a difficult venue, and I'm comfortable with the difficulties. I'm keen to get on with it.'
The 31-year-old is the strong favourite to retain the Finn title he won in Athens, having taken his first gold in Sydney in the Laser class in 2000.
Team GB also are tipped for a podium place in the 49er class dinghies with Stevie Morrison and Ben Rhodes. And Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson - dubbed 'the three nautical blondes' by the British media - will be seeking to defend the gold in the Yngling class.