TEENAGER Mike Perham said his dream had come true as he became the youngest person to sail solo around the world with assistance.

Ellen MacArthur tonight became the fastest person to single-handedly sail around the world non-stop.

ELLEN MacArthur set a new record as she crossed the equator for the last time on her solo round-the-world trip. She reached the equator at 2217 GMT, Thursday after 60 days, 13 hours and 35 minutes at sea.

British sailor Ellen MacArthur had edged back to one day seven hours ahead of Francis Joyon's round-the-world record pace yesterday but was facing a threatening passage through the Doldrums from today.

Yachtswomen Ellen MacArthur and her crew were tonight heading for the start line of their round the world non stop speed record bid.