Two of the UK’s top sailors have joined forces with the RNLI to promote the work of lifeboat crew members during this year’s Cowes Week.

Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson, 41, and transatlantic sailor Hannah White, 27, (pictured) will represent the charity during the regatta, which runs from July 31 – August 7.

White, who was fourth overall in the 2009 OSTAR and won her class, is offering three people and their friends the chance to spend a day racing with her on a Beneteau 40.7 and learn more about the RNLI.

She said: ‘I’ve seen first hand what the sea can be like in bad weather and I have enormous respect for the men and women of the RNLI who volunteer to risk their lives to save others at sea.

‘It’s great to get involved with the charity at Cowes Week and spread the word among the sailing world about the good work they do.’

Robertson won gold medals at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and the Athens Olympics in 2004 and has recently been skippering Team iShares in the Extreme 40 sailing series.

She said: ‘As someone who has sailed since a young age, I’ve always supported the RNLI and it’s great to be able to represent the charity at Cowes Week.

‘I’m looking forward to getting involved in RNLI activities throughout the week and would encourage anyone coming along to the regatta, either as a spectator or competitor, to come and support the RNLI too.’

To win a place on White’s boat, visit www.rnli.org.uk/win or call 0845 121499.