A MUDEFORD man who lost his leg several years ago is preparing to smash a world record with Team Britannia.

Experienced powerboat racer John Sandford-Hart - who holds seven world records - will step aboard an 80ft powerboat in October in a bid to cut seven days off the current round-the-world record.

It is held by New Zealander Pete Bethune who completed the mammoth journey in 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes.

Led by British ocean racer Alan Priddy, Team Britannia will use revolutionary technology involving wave-slicing, rather than surfing, based on the fast displacement hull design. It is hoped fuel consumption will be slashed by up to 30 per cent and make the 24,000 mile trip smoother and faster.

The boat will be manned by a team of 12 including up to five wounded or injured veterans supported by the Armes Forces charity Blesma.

Mr Priddy said: “It is great to have a fellow powerboat racer on board our record attempt – in what must be one of the world’s ultimate powerboats. John has multiple records to his name, and I hope Team Britannia’s will add to his illustrious collection.”

Mr Sandford-Hart added: “I cannot wait to get my hands on Team Britannia’s powerboat and get stuck in to breaking this world record. This has to be my toughest challenge yet, and it is great that I will be surrounded by ex-military crew members who are refusing to be defined by disability. I have always been clear that this attempt is a team effort and no individual is bigger than that. I started my love affair with boats when I was just 14, and the opportunity to be part of Team Britannia was just too exciting to refuse.”

Mr Sandford-Hart - the coordinator of the veterans programme - lost one of his legs in a powerboat racing accident in 2002.

Despite his injury he has seven world records to his name – not all powerboat related. In 2011, he set the world record for the fastest completion of the London Marathon on crutches. He is also a ski instructor and has said the first thing he will look for upon crossing the finishing line is a smile on the face of his fellow wounded and injured ex-military crewmates.