Ellen MacArthur is currently out boat testing with the 75ft trimaran B&Q in Lorient, France, in preparation for their crewed attempt on the 284 mile Record SNSM (St Nazaire to St Malo).

“The present forecast indicates a Monday afternoon (2.5.05) departure from Lorient, crossing the line at St Nazaire when the south-westerly breeze fills in overnight on Monday,” said Ellen. But, of course, as with all great weather predictions this could change and the crew have a standby period from the 1-10 May to try and attempt this short record.

The Record SNSM is a 284 miles passage, passing the coasts of Loire Atlantique in Pays de Loire then the coasts of Brittany. This course highlights the 56 SNSM stations between Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Malo.

Ellen and her crew of Loik Gallon, Charles Darbyshire and Jean René Keruzoré (cameraman) will be looking to establish a new Maxi class record and will be a good ‘work-up’ of the 75ft trimaran following her refit over the last seven weeks.