British Olympic sailors hoping for a clean sweep of medals at London 2012

The star sailor, who won with his good friend Iain Percy in Beijing, admitted that conditions would play a huge part in achieving the ambition but the aim was to be in with a chance with every boat.

Although the team, which won medals in six of the 11 classes in China, might have to make do without their Yngling class winners Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson as their event is not likely to be included in the London Games.

Simpson and Percy celebrate gold on the waters of Qingdao.

Speaking at a champagne reception to welcome the sailors home, Simpson said: 'The aim for 2012 is to be in a position to win a medal in every class. You can't say we will win one in every class because there are so many variables in the sport that we do.

'But in all the classes in China we had sailors in the medal race, so it shows what we can do. It was a huge achievement and we will be looking to build on it.'

Simpson and Percy were joined by fellow gold medallists Ben Ainslie (Finn), Ayton,  Webb and Wilson (Yngling) and Paul Goodison (Laser), as well as silver medallists Nick Rogers and Joe Glanfield (470) and bronze medal winning windsurfer Bryony Shaw.

They were presented with special models of the boats they competed in as it was announced that team sponsor Skandia will continue to support the sailors through to 2012.

There were mixed feelings of elation and relief among the medallists that years of hard work had paid off and that they were finally home after a gruelling schedule at the Olympic sailing venue in Qingdao.

'It was great,' said Simpson. 'When we finished the race we were so relieved. We thought we would get a medal but never knew we were going to win.

'Our event was towards the end of the fortnight and to see all the other sailors doing so well added to the pressure. But when Ben (Ainslie) picked up his gold medal - he's a really good friend - it inspired us to want to win gold too.'

Goodison said: "I'm tired and drained both mentally and physically. I'm really looking forward to heading home and spending some time with my family. But it feels great to have a medal round my neck.'

The Laser sailor is looking forward to competing in 2012, but only after he is given a special presentation on the pitch of his beloved Sheffield United at the weekend.