Ellen MacArthur is taking the first step towards her new challenge on board the 75foot trimaran B&Q, taking on the Asian Record Circuit 2006, incorporating the Tour of China.

It is hoped a series of 12 new crewed record times will be made between the key ports of Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.

Today, CMA-CGM, the official shipping partner for the Asia Tour, will load the B&Q onboard the container carrier the Bizet bound for Hong Kong.