Helena Lucas will be among those chasing gold in Beijing

Six disabled sailors have been named as part of the Paralympics GB team for the 2008 games in Beijing.

The six are Alexandra Rickham (Epsom, Surrey) and Niki Birrell (Knutsford, Cheshire) in the SKUD-18 class - an inaugural competition.

John Robertson (Sunderland), Hannah Stodel (West Mersea, Essex) and Stephen Thomas (Bridgend, South Wales) make up the British Sonar crew.

While Helena Lucas (Southampton) will be in 2.4m R one-person keelboat.

Paralympics GB chief executive Phil Lane, said: "It is fantastic to be able to name the British sailing squad for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

"To be selected for a Paralympic Games is the pinnacle of an athlete's career and an achievement that these athletes should be proud of.

They represent Great Britain's strongest chance of success in Qingdao in 2008 Stephen Park

"We wish them the best of luck over the next few months as they put in their final preparations for the Games."

Sailing team manager Stephen Park added: "We're pleased that the RYA's nominated sailors have been accepted as part of ParalympicsGB for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

"These six sailors, although a mix of youth and experience when it comes to the Paralympic Games itself, are all proven performers at elite disabled sailing events on the world stage.

"They represent Great Britain's strongest chance of success in Qingdao in 2008 while at the same time building towards a successful home Games at Weymouth and Portland in 2012."