MacArthur bid on course

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.

MacArthur's advantage is largely down to the Frenchman having a terrible couple of days at this stage when he set the record in 2004 but she may see her lead disappear in the next few days.

She will need a strong finish as the Frenchman averaged more than 400 miles a day on the last four days of his voyage.