Ellen MacArthur's solo transatlantic record attempt is looking good despite rudder damage shortly after the start yesterday

Ellen MacArthur’s solo transatlantic record attempt is looking good despite rudder damage shortly after the start yesterday. The 75ft trimaran B&Q has maintained good speeds throughout the night and in her first 24 hours MacArthur has traced a route very similar to previous record holder Laurent Bourgnon.

With yesterday’s rudder damage now resolved MacArthur is back up to full speed on this her first attempt at the west-east transatlantic record. Winds remain from the south-west with speeds this morning at 0600 of 21 knots.

To break Laurent Bourgnon’s record of 7d 2h 34m 42s aboard the 60ft trimaran Primagaz, MacArthur will have to cross the Lizard Point finish line by 00:34:42 GMT on Tuesday 29 June 2004.

B&Q’s position 0600GMT today – 40’95.60N, 061’45.48W