Plans for a British campaign in the 2003 America's Cup will be unveiled in London later this month and details leaked ahead of the announcement have Hamble yachtsman Ian Walker as the man charged with putting together a hot shot British crew.

Invitations were sent out this week for a press conference on January 31st at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), at which the campaign's coordinating bodies, including the Royal Yachting Association and sponsors, are expected to name Walker head of sailing and give details of boat designers/builders/backers.

Already the name of Peter Harrison, who is one of the biggest sponsors in sailing after he sold his Chernikeeff networks company last year, has been put forward as the key figure behind the funding, despite denials issued last autumn.

Walker, who has won silver medals at the last two Olympic Games, is seen as a good choice. A brilliant tactician and ruthless competitor, he will head up one of Britain's Admiral's Cup boats this summer to help select the best match-racers.