He was at Surrey Sports Park, the club’s training base, to join in with the club’s fitness sessions and check out the sevens squad who are preparing for the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series 2011 which kicks off on Friday July 15 at The Recreation Ground in Bath.

And having completed an intensive day with the Quins squad, Ainslie was eager to use what he had learned to help him as he tries to equal Dane Paul Elvstrom as the most successful sailing Olympian ever.

“The session in the gym was very interesting to see how the guys are training and talk to a few of the guys about the nutrition and that side of it,” said Ainslie.

“There are always things you can pick up from other sports like this.

“To see a different setup and some different training techniques and methods is always great and I’ve learnt plenty.

“The issue I have with the boat that I sail is my target bodyweight is 95kg which is about 10kg heavier than my natural bodyweight so I do a lot of weight training and I’m constantly trying to keep my muscle mass up.

“It was physically very challenging but hugely enjoyable. Since Team Origin closed down in November last year I’ve been working every day for the last seven months to get my fitness levels as high as possible.

“Fitness is becoming more and more of a deciding factor.

“I’m pretty happy with where I am but there’s always room for improvement so being with the Quins sevens squad today and seeing how they train during pre-season has been an invaluable experience.

“I’ve definitely learnt a few new things which I’m going to include in my current fitness regime going forward.

“It was really interesting to do the hand-eye co-ordination testing and I’m sure in almost any sport it’s something that can work out and help you. But it’s not something I’ve really come across much before.”

Tickets for every round of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series are available through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2492