Francis Joyon sailing Idec, the 90ft trimaran, is still in line for breaking the world singlehanded speed record. The Frenchman who set off 69 days ago on 22 November is aiming to beat Michel Desjoyeaux’s 93-day current record set during the 2000-01 Vendee Globe race.

Now after 70 days at sea Joyon is heading north up the Atlantic towards Brittany and is currently just off the Azores. Speaking from the boat this morning in a fresh westerly breeze, Joyon commented: “At 18kts, the boat is going well under mainsail and small storm gennaker – the conditions are good. I’m hoping to cross the finish line on Tuesday morning.”

However, Joyon is aware he still has a long way to go with more bad weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning, adding: “I’m looking forward to arriving safely. It’s starting to get colder now and soon I’ll have to start layering up. Fatigue is also starting to affect me so I’m looking forward to arriving in two day’s time so I can have a good rest.”

Current position at 1000 on 1 February 2004

Long : 19 51.00 W

Lat : 41 18.00 N