Dan Teubert and Dafydd Smith will aim for the Olympics after becoming national champions.

The youngsters lifted the British Hobie 16 title at Felixstowe.

Teubert, 18, and Smith, 19, now intend to plot a path to the 2008 Games by switching to the Hobie Tiger class.

Teubert, a pupil at Seaford Head, said: "Our title win has given us encouragement to go for the Olympics. Sailing a Hobie Tiger would be a sensible step for us, because they are similar to Tornados which are raced in the Olympics.

"We will sell the Hobie 16s we each have to raise funds for the bigger boat. When we have enough time, money and experience, we can switch to a Tornado."

The Newhaven and Seaford Club pair are delighted their rookie partnership was able to claim a national crown.

Teubert said: "It was only the second time we'd competed in a Hobie 16 as a team.

"We were both helmsman in our previous crews and got together when our respective crews didn't want to carry on.

"I would have crewed but Dafydd said I'd be better at helm so that's how we have raced. Our first race together was an event our club organised. Now we've made it two out of two by winning the national title. Not a bad start."

Conditions at Felixstowe were difficult.

Teubert said: "The winds were light with occasional storms. But the tide was so strong. We were trying to sail against it in light conditions. It was such hard work, but thankfully we came through.

"It feels damned good to be described as a national champion.

"Now I hope we can keep progressing and try and make the Olympic dream come true."

Smith added: "We would both love to get there."