THREE-TIME Paralympian John Robertson will be in the unusual position of flying solo when he competes at the International 2.4 metre Open World Championships.

The Portland-based helm is more commonly found at the back of the three-person Sonar keelboat with crew-mates, Hannah Stodel and Steve Thomas. But he said the opportunity to race on borough waters at the single-handed 2.4mR World Championships this September was too good an opportunity to turn down.

The 41-year-old, who was paralysed from the chest down as a result of a motorbike accident in 1994, said: “With this event being just down the road from Weymouth it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get some more quality racing time under my belt this year.

“I’ve done a little bit of 2.4mR sailing before. With their type of disabilities it’s maybe a bit easier for Hannah and Steve to sail and race any type of boat really, but for me it is not so easy.

“The 2.4mR is a boat I can sail and that you are guaranteed to get some good racing in. It will feel a bit strange sailing on my own I’m sure but I’m looking forward to the event.”

The big event will be hosted at Poole Yacht Club, from September 6 to 14.

As well as training in the 2.4mR with his Skandia Team GBR team-mate Megan Pascoe, Robertson and his Sonar crew are planning to compete at as many of the five new EUROSAF Champions Sailing Cup events as possible, plus the 2013 IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships in Ireland in August.

Portland’s Helena Lucas and Pascoe are also on the 2.4mR Worlds entry list. The International 2.4mR World Championships are one of the most unique sailing events on the international racing calendar, with Paralympic and both able-bodied and disabled world medallists, male and female, competing in the same boats on a level playing field. Visit 24mworlds2013.co.uk