Sutton Coldfield sailor Dan Venables insists a fresh start will stand him in the best possible stead ahead of an intense winter of training.

The 17-year-old student recently separated from crewman Patrick Keech, with the pair both interested in taking a new direction after becoming Youth National Champions in the 29er class and coming seventh at the Europeans this season.

Venables has one year remaining at Bishop Vesey Grammar School, where he combines studying for his A levels with his training at Rutland Sailing Club.

And after coming home fifth alongside Nathanial Gordon at the Poole GP last month, the starlet is convinced he is on the right track.

“The summer season finished a few weeks ago, so I’ve only got a few competitions left at national level ahead of a hard winter’s training,” he said.

“Hopefully I can use everything I’ve been learning about training well and my nutrition, and have an even better season next year – which will start in May or June after my exams."

“I’ve already got a new partner sorted, so hopefully we can get plenty of time in training together and get our communication where it needs to be before next year."

“I want to win the nationals again like I did this year, and then hopefully to be in the top five at the Europeans and top ten at the worlds is a good target I think."

“I have one more year left of youth sailing, and it’s really important to make the most of that as it gives you some momentum and when I head to University I’ll have something positive to look back on."

“Hopefully then after I finish my degree I can go full-time sailing and see where it takes me.”

Venables was speaking at Land Rover BAR headquarters in Portsmouth, where Sir Ben Ainslie and his all-British team are bidding to bring the America’s Cup back to our waters for the first time since 1851.

As part of the Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport programme, some of Britain’s most promising sailors were invited down to enjoy a tour of the impressive new facility, and take on some top tips from the BAR team and fitness experts.

And Venables admits the opportunity to meet Ainslie and learn from the best in the business, opened his eyes to the hard work required to cut the mustard at the elite level.

He added: “It’s been a great experience at the Land Rover BAR centre in Portsmouth, and we’ve learned a lot about what these athletes are put through on a daily basis."

“It’s very inspirational for someone like me and shows what I can aim for in the future, and it’s great to get recognition for what I am doing and get invited down."

“We’ve also learned about how to build up our general fitness with the experts here, about how to rest properly and for how long, and to see the fitness testing they are doing here is a great opportunity to get ahead. Hopefully I can come back one day and join them."

“The Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport is great way too to meet lots of other athletes, and talk to them about overcoming all the difficulties that are associated with become a professional sportsman.”

Dan Venables, Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport athlete, visited the home of Land Rover BAR in Portsmouth for a behind the scenes tour and unique experience with the team to bring the Cup home, led by Ben Ainslie, and ambassador Sarah Ayton. For more information, please visit sportsaid.org.uk