The competition, which is due to start at Laishley Park Marina tomorrow and run until January 15, will be the biggest major competition in the sport ahead of London 2012 and Rickham said she and Birrell will be looking to defend their world title in Florida in order to send a warning to their rivals ahead of the Paralympics.

"[Our preparation] starts with these 2012 World Championships in Florida but continues right through to the Paralympic Games," said the 30-year-old Rickman, who suffered a severe diving accident in 1995 that left her with a major spinal cord injury.

"The key for Niki and I is really to make sure that we get a medal at the Paralympics this time around.

"The win at the World Championships last year at Weymouth and Portland has definitely given us confidence for next year, not only for ourselves, but it was also important for the other teams to see we could lay it down at our home venue after a string of silvers at the Sail for Gold Regatta.

"We're desperate to bring home a medal for the team and the best way to make that happen is to continue to do well in all the big races heading into London 2012.

"That starts in Florida and a victory at these World Championships would really put down a big marker to our rivals and show that we really mean business this year."

Rickham and Birrell will be joined by four other British athletes at the 2012 World Championships.

Helena Lucas will compete individually in the 2.4mR class while John Robertson, Hannah Stodel, Stephen Thomas will compete together in the Sonar three-person keelboat event in Florida.

Robertson, Stodel and Thomas have also already qualified for London 2012 three-person keelboat event after being named as part of the ParalympicsGB team at the same time as Rickham and Birrell.

To read the full interview with Rickham and Birrell click here. 

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