Ellen MacArthur has set a new solo time to the Equator of 8 days, 18 hours, 20 minutes aboard her 75ft trimaran B&Q.

MacArthur crossed the Equator into the southern hemisphere at 0230 GMT this morning (7.12.04) and subsequently took 14 hours and 3 minutes off the previous fastest solo time of 9 days, 8 hours, 23 minutes set by French sailor, Francis Joyon, during his successful solo around the world record attempt.

Joyon crossed the Equator on day 9 of his round the world tour on 1 December 2003, he then went on to set a new solo round the world record time of 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes and 22 seconds – that is the record Ellen MacArthur is now trying to beat.

Ellen MacArthur started her solo attempt on 28.11.04 at 08:10:44 GMT and since crossing the start line has battled 40 knots of wind in a low pressure system off the Spanish/Portuguese coast and in the last 48 hours has crossed the volatile region known as the Doldrums.

Now she faces the next massive weather obstacle – the St Helena High – that can stretch thousands of miles across the South Atlantic blocking the way through to the Southern Ocean.