ANDREW Simpson is hoping to go from zero to hero as he embarks on his Olympic debut in the Star class today.

The Sherborne sailor takes to the Qingdao waters with team-mate Iain Percy, a gold medallist in the Finn class in Sydney 2000.

Simpson, however, has endured a frustrating time over the past eight years, having missed out on a place in the Finn class for Sydney and Athens 2004.

The 31-year-old instead ended up as a training partner to both Percy and Ben Ainslie in Sydney and Athens and is now hoping to add some metal of his own to Team GB's predicted medal haul.

"When you're young and sailing Optimists, you never really think you're going to qualify for the Olympics - you just do it because you love to go sailing. It's a strange feeling," said Simpson.

"I've been tune-up partner twice, which is very frustrating, but both the guys have gone on to win so hopefully we can do the same together now."

Southampton-born Percy added: "Success or failure in the Olympics is something that's very, very important to all the top sailors.

"It's something that stays with you for the rest of your life. When you do well it's something that can never be taken away.

"You can be a world champion for a year but there's something about Olympic medals - they stay with you for life regardless of what happens. It's something you'll be very proud of when you're in your 90s!"

Meanwhile, Finn class leader Ben Ainslie and Yngling stars Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson were due out for an extended programme of three races this morning after yesterday's sailing was abandoned due to poor weather.

Lymington pair Ainslie and Wilson will both be looking to consolidate their positions at the top of the Qingdao standings ahead of tomorrow's medal races.

Lymington's Nick Rogers and team-mate Joe Glanfield will be looking to build upon their third place in the 470 men's event, which also continues this morning.