Ellen MacArthur on her trimaran B&Q has failed to break the solo transatlantic west-east record by 75 minutes after battling across the North Atlantic for the past week. The outright record of Laurent Bourgnon, has stood for 10 years, and remains at 7 days, 2 hours, 34 minutes, 42 seconds.

The deadline to beat the record expired at 00:44:42 GMT today (29.6.04) and B&Q crossed the finish line at 01:59:57 GMT after crossing the start line off Ambrose Light, New York on Monday 21 June at 2210 GMT, completing the 2925 mile course in 7 days, 3 hours, 49 minutes, 57 seconds.

“It’s sad. I’ve put so much in to this record attempt. I’ve given it everything I’ve got. If I think of all the times I could have gained a few minutes, of times I’ve made small errors, it’s very frustrating. But I’ve learnt huge amounts about myself and the boat. I never imagined being able to push her so hard. And I also haven’t pushed myself that hard before, maybe not even in the Vendée Globe. I don’t think I’ve slept for more than 12 hours in total since New York…”

Click here to visit Ellen’s website