Mark Campbell-James is on course to become one of the youngest captains to ever compete in the America's Cup.

The 21-year-old, from Sidlesham, is wanted by multi-millionaire Peter de Savary to skipper a boat for the British challenge in four years time.

Campbell-James said: "To compete in the America's Cup was my No.1 target, even before the Olympics. I'm flattered Peter has picked me. It would be a dream come true."

The Sussex sailor has targetted the America's Cup for the last two years after his national success in match racing and is itching to take part in the 151-year-old event.

He said: "It is the oldest trophy in sport and it is an exciting prospect."

Campbell-James, who recently married Georgina, de Savary's goddaughter, doesn't think his age will be a problem.

"I would be one of the youngest ever to compete. A lot of sailors who race in the America's Cup are old school. But there are a few up and coming sailors like me.

"I've been recommended to de Savary as one of the bright stars of the future and by the time 2006 comes around I'll be 26 with that much more experience.

"Peter did the America's Cup himself in 1983 and has shown his interest in me as skipper through Kit Hobday, the owner of my current boat Bear of Britain. He is also going to be involved in the 2006 challenge .

"When the news leaked out it caused a stir in the sailing world.

"A British boat (GBR Challenge) is preparing to take on cup holders New Zealand later this year. They aren't too pleased that our news has come out because they feel it undermines them a little.

"It wasn't supposed to come out but did through a gossip column and spread like wild fire. The official announcement was forced upon the people behind the campaign.

"It's ironic Britain has two possible challenges coming up because we have not had one since 1987 because of the costs (campaign expenses are estimated at £50m).

Campbell-James came across GBR Challenge at Cowes last week when his Bear Of Britain took on Shernikeef, a boat owned by Peter Harrison, who is running the GBR Challenge.

Campbell-James said: "A lot was made of the America's Cup link and we managed to beat them. In fact, we just missed out on winning the whole competition."

Campbell-James says he was also approached by the GBR Challenge. "Yes they wanted me to sail with them but it was the wrong time. I'd just got married."

A prerequisite for de Savary is that the 2006 challenge takes place in the northern hemisphere.

Campbell-James said: "The next one is being held from October to February for the right to take on New Zealand.

"But Peter believes a challenge would be easier to promote in the northern hemisphere, so I hope the winner comes from there."

Campbell-James believes the de Savary challenge has given itself enough time to prepare.

He said: "The GBR Challenge hasn't hasn't that much time, while four years gives us plenty. There is so much to get sorted out. There are sponsors to find, design costs to be met and wages to pay. It's an expensive business."

Campbell-James did consider following father David by competing at the Olympics.

He said: "I thought about it but I just drifted into match racing in the bigger boats which I enjoy more than the dinghy type you see at the Olympics. I'm more geared to America's Cup than the Games now."

But he is not getting too carried away.

"The challenge might not happen. It'll be great if it does but if it doesn't I'll just have to go out and get a proper job to support Georgina!"