West Mersea sailor Hannah Stodel was determined to take the positives despite missing out on a medal at the IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships in Canada.

Stodel finished fourth as part of the three-person Sonar fleet with John Robertson and Steve Thomas, in Halifax.

The trio were denied the opportunity to improve upon their fourth place when a lack of wind made racing impossible on their course on the final day.

But despite missing out on a podium place, Stodel insisted that they feel they are nevertheless on the right track for Rio 2016.

Stodel said: “When we look back, it’s frustrating now because it’s not a medal and we wanted to come away with a medal from here. “But actually when we look at it, we sailed incredibly well as a team and there are a lot of positives to be had from it, although maybe not right at this minute!

“We know we’re quick, especially in the light winds which could bode well for Rio, the boat is going well and we’re working incredibly well as a team.”

The Sonar fleet were one of three British classes to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell claimed silver, in the two-person SKUD class.

And Helena Lucas finished a point behind winner Heiko Kroeger of Germany, in the 2.4mR class.

That helped Great Britain earn qualification across the three Paralympic classes for Rio, at the first time of asking.

“We are good enough to win gold medals – that’s the bottom line,” added Stodel, who celebrates her 29th birthday tomorrow.

“Now there’s a definite fire to prove that we are at the top of the fleet and we are the best.”

Stodel and the Sonar fleet will now turn their attentions to their first Paralympics Test event, which takes place in Rio next month.