By Nick Butler

Megan Pascoe will be looking to continue her strong recent form in the 2.4m class ©Getty ImagesBritish Paralympic sailors will be looking to continue their strong form on home waters today as the Sail for Gold Regatta 2014 begins at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. 


After missing out on the London 2012 Paralympics due to injury, Megan Pascoe will be particularly keen to perform well in the 2.4mR event, and continue the form which has already seen much success in 2014.

With a win on the Miami leg of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Cup in January, the 27-year-old came second in Palma de Majorca and third in Hyeres. 

In a 12-strong fleet, her main opposition is likely to come from British rival Helena Lucas, the London 2012 Paralympic champion, along with Matt Bugg of Australia. 

"I am definitely looking forward to the Sail for Gold Regatta this year, it is one of my favourite competitions," said Pascoe.

"We have world class waters here in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour and it's always nice to compete on home waters and at a home regatta.

"I think it's going to be a tough week of racing."

London 2012 Paralympic champion Helena Lucas will also feature in a strong British line-up ©Getty ImagesLondon 2012 Paralympic champion Helena Lucas will also feature in a strong British line-up ©Getty Images


Pascoe added that the 16-race format, which marks a change from the 10-race structure used at London 2012, will offer extra excitement.

"It is a completely new format they are using which is something that us 2.4mR sailors aren't used to," she admitted.

"So it could be quite entertaining with 16 very short races, theatre style racing in a way which we don't do much of.

"We don't do any medal racing in our class so we're not used to this format, but I'm sure it will be a good experience for us all."

Meanwhile, the British sonar team of John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Stephen Thomas, will be seeking a fourth consecutive Sail for Gold victory. 

The trio, who finished only fifth at London 2012, will face an all British line-up of five boats, with the sternest test likely to come from Andy Cassell, Tom Abrey and Chris Ogden.