HAMPSHIRE'S match racing double world champ Ian Williams is on the brink of launching his bid for a record third title.

The 32-year-old, who sensationally quit his job as a City lawyer in 2005 to become a professional sailor, rewrote history when in 2007 he became the first Brit ever to win the coveted World Match Racing Tour.

He further cemented his place in the history books when he was again victorious a year later, only one of five sailors ever to win more than one title.

Williams is now planning an assault on a third world championship win at the Match Race Germany at Lake Constance.

Williams, from Shirley, Southampton, said: “I am really looking forward to being back on the ISAF Match Racing World Tour for 2010.

“I feel ready and confident to get started on my 2010 tour campaign this month.”

Match racing is where two teams race each other in small yachts for a place in the next round of the competition.

Racing starts on Wednesday (May19).