Rickham and Birrell out to defend world title in Medemblik

PARALYMPIC hopefuls Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell believe they are set to defend their title at this week's IFDS World Sailing Championships in Medemblik.

CONFIDENT: Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell are looking defend their SKUD world title in Holland (Richard Langdon/Skandia Team GBR)

Rickham and Birrell, who compete in the SKUD class, are among the seven-strong British squad set to compete across three Paralympic fleets over six days of competition in Holland.

"We've had some good practice sessions out here and we've been pleased with our speed in our new boat, so we're hopeful of doing well this week," said Rickham.

"Niki and I have been working with a new coach, Ian Clingan, who's been a positive addition to our campaign. 

"It's going really well - he's happy to get his hands dirty, is a good organiser and has a wealth of knowledge of both keelboats and dinghy sailing which is really useful.

"It's the biggest fleet we've had to race against since the Paralympic Games with new some faces as well. 

"Our main rivals are here, including two of the medal-winning crews from Beijing and there's already been some jousting between us during the practice sessions."

Helena Lucas, bronze medallist at last year's edition of the event, and 2009 World Cup series winner Megan Pascoe will battle it out for the podium spots in the 2.4mR one-person event.

And two-time World champions John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Steve Thomas will be Skandia Team GBR's sole entrants in the three-person Sonar class.