JOHN ROBERTSON insists he’s right in contention after consolidating his fleet position at the Paralympic sailing regatta in Weymouth.

Robertson and his Sonar crew of Hannah Stodel and Stephen Thomas recorded two fifth positions to sit fifth overall.

Australia’s Colin Harrison extended his advantage but Robertson is just a few points off the medal places with seven races still to come.

“It seemed better than yesterday, which was quite a scrappy start to the regatta. I got the vibes eventually and I’m feeling much more positive now,” said Robertson, who is from Sunderland.

“Fifth is okay and we’re in contention but we can do a lot better and there are plenty of races to come. We know what we have to do and we’ve faith in each that we can do it.

“The forecast is for lighter winds in the next few days and that’s no bad thing. Light air is fantastic for us.”

The Sonar has been in the Paralympics since the first sailing demonstration event took place at Atlanta 1996, when the British crew of Andy Cassell, Kevin Curtis, Tony Downs and Ian Harrison won gold.

But a Paralympic medal has eluded Britain since sailing joined the full Paralympic programme four years later in Sydney.

“The disappointment of Beijing was pretty massive and it took us a while to get over that,” said Robertson, whose crew were sixth four years ago, the same position they achieved in Athens.

“But that gives you a bit more drive in a positive way to see if we can prove ourselves this time, which we didn’t do in Beijing.”

  • Lloyds TSB, proud supporter of ParalympicsGB and proud partner of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012