The weather window that looked like offering Kingfisher a 50 percent chance of leaving Lorient in Brittany early in the week looks to have opened a bit wider as the maxi catamaran was due to leave the dockside at 1500 GMT today, Monday. The plan is to sail towards he Ushant/Lizard starting line and if conditions stay favourable start the record attempt at first light on Tuesday.

We'll bring you more news as soon as it is available.