The crew won Great Britain's first gold at the 2004 Olympics

The 24-year-old will join Sarah Ayton and Sarah Webb in the Yngling class boat following Robertson's decision to take a year's break from the sport.

"I'm really excited about the prospects of our new team," said Lush.

"Hopefully I'll be able to bring fresh blood and another perspective which will help us to achieve our goals."

Lush, a former Cambridge rowing blue, will join the crew in the middle of the boat, with Webb switching to the bow role and Ayton moving to the helm.

Annie has many skills and qualities that she can bring to the table Sarah Webb

"I just missed out on selection to the Athens Games and for me that has made me even hungrier to achieve my goal of winning Olympic gold," added Lush.

"Their achievement in Athens was inspiring and I think it will really encourage me in our campaign."

The new-look crew will race at several regattas before competing at the Yngling World Championships in July.

"For us Annie was the obvious choice, she was one of our rivals in the run up to the Olympic Games and it will be great to now have her as part of the team," said Webb.

We're committed to each other for the long term Sarah Ayton

"We feel she has many skills and qualities that she can bring to the table."

Ayton, 24, insisted there had been no falling out with Robertson but stressed that they were keen to push on in their sailing careers.

"We're committed to each other for the long term and to be successful at the Games you have to be a team for a long time," she said.

"We've got the talent, we just need time to get on with it."

But she denied that the trio would face a difficult decision when Robertson begins looking for a new Yngling crew after taking 2005 off.

Robertson eyes Beijing challenge

"It's a really positive thing," said Ayton.

"An example is the 49er class. There were five teams and anyone of them could have gone to the Games and won a medal.

"The more competition there is, the stronger you are."